This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. It’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply indulging yourself. The combination of warm spices and creamy frosting creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love. This cake stands out with its moist texture and rich taste, making it the only pumpkin cake recipe you’ll ever need!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: This cake stays moist thanks to the combination of dairy-free milk and pumpkin puree.
- Deliciously Spiced: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives this cake a warm and inviting flavor.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made without any animal products, it’s perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip this cake up in no time.
- Versatile Occasion: Ideal for Thanksgiving, birthdays, or just a cozy afternoon snack.

Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure perfect results every time.
- Whisk: Helps to blend ingredients smoothly, especially when mixing dry and wet components.
Ingredients
This is truly the BEST EVER Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe. It’s moist, perfectly spiced, full of silky caramel and smothered in creamy cream cheese frosting. It’s the ONLY pumpkin cake recipe you will ever need!
For the Cake
- 480ml of dairy-free milk
- 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
- 420g of self raising flour
- 350g of caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
- 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 120ml of sunflower oil
- 100g of pumpkin puree
For the Frosting
- 400g of dairy-free block butter
- 80g of dairy-free cream cheese
- 360g of icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Orange food gel
- Cocoa powder
Optional Topping
- Vegan caramel sauce
How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to create a buttermilk effect.
- In another bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger until well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while stirring with a whisk until combined.
- Fold in the sunflower oil and pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan (9×13 inch).
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the dairy-free butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add in icing sugar and cinnamon; continue mixing until fluffy.
- Add orange food gel to achieve your desired color.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cake
Once cooled completely:
1. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top using a spatula.
2. If desired, drizzle with vegan caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Enjoy your delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake!
How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Serving Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful experience that enhances its rich flavors. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your dessert presentation.
With a Scoop of Dairy-Free Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon dairy-free ice cream complements the cake’s spices and adds a creamy texture.
Drizzled with Vegan Caramel Sauce
- For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle vegan caramel sauce over each slice for a sweet, gooey finish.
Accompanied by Fresh Whipped Coconut Cream
- Light and fluffy coconut cream provides a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with the cake’s warm spices.
Garnished with Toasted Nuts
- Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that balances the sweetness.
Served with Spiced Tea or Coffee
- Enjoying a slice with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee enhances the cozy autumn vibes of this cake.
On a Festive Cake Stand
- Presenting Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake on a decorative cake stand makes it the centerpiece of any gathering, perfect for impressing guests.
How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Achieving the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for success.
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Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially when measuring flour and sugar.
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Mix well but avoid over-mixing: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed to keep the cake light and fluffy.
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Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance flavor; replace old jars to ensure maximum potency.
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Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is properly baked.
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Let it cool completely: Cooling the cake before frosting helps prevent melting and ensures neat slices.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can create a well-rounded dessert table. Here are some delicious options.
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Chai-Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts seasoned with chai spices adds crunch and complements the cake’s flavors.
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Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: Soft doughnuts coated in cinnamon sugar provide a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
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Apple Crisp: Warm apple crisp topped with oat crumble offers a fruity balance that’s perfect alongside pumpkin spice.
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Vegan Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide creamy richness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice notes.
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Maple Pecan Granola: Crunchy granola drizzled with maple syrup adds sweetness and texture, making it an ideal topping option.
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Spiced Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of spiced hot chocolate serves as a comforting drink that matches well with autumn flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Missing the right spices: Not using enough spices can lead to a bland cake. Ensure you measure cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves accurately for full flavor.
- Using the wrong flour: Self-raising flour is crucial for the right texture. Avoid using all-purpose flour unless you add baking powder and soda.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a light, fluffy cake.
- Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precision.
- Skipping the vinegar: The apple cider vinegar activates the baking soda, helping the cake rise properly. Don’t skip this ingredient!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness and moisture.
Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat individual slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake:
Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if needed. Just make sure it has similar rising properties.
How can I customize my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?
You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture or replace pumpkin puree with applesauce for variation.
What can I use instead of dairy-free cream cheese?
Coconut cream or whipped coconut yogurt works well as an alternative frosting option.
How long does this cake last?
The Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake lasts up to 5 days in the fridge and up to 3 months when frozen.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply craving something cozy, this cake is sure to impress. Try it out!
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, a delightful dessert that encapsulates the warmth of autumn in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons, this cake combines the rich essence of pumpkin with a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavorful treat. Topped with creamy dairy-free frosting, it becomes an irresistible centerpiece for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients
- 480ml dairy-free milk
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 420g self-raising flour
- 350g caster sugar
- 120ml sunflower oil
- 100g pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1 & 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 400g dairy-free block butter
- 80g dairy-free cream cheese
- 360g icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for frosting)
- Orange food gel
- Cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Combine dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar in a bowl; let sit for 5 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and spices.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined; fold in oil and pumpkin puree.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting with a blend of dairy-free butter and cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (108g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. To enhance sweetness, drizzle with vegan caramel sauce before serving.




