Perfect Spice Cake Vegan Recipe – Moist & Fluffy Every Time
Discover our delicious spice cake vegan recipe! This easy recipe offers a perfectly moist and flavorful cake with a blend of classic spices.
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm spices filling your kitchen as this incredible spice cake vegan bakes to golden perfection. This moist, flavorful cake combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in perfect harmony, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Did you know that spice cakes were originally created as a way to preserve expensive spices during medieval times? Today, this plant-based version proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create pure magic in cake form. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and foolproof results.
What is Spice Cake Vegan?
Ever wondered why we call it “spice cake” when it’s packed with so many different flavors? This delightful dessert gets its name from the beautiful blend of warming spices that dance together in every bite. Think of it as autumn in cake form!
The magic happens when cinnamon meets nutmeg, and ginger joins the party with a gentle kick. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this cake certainly proves that plant-based baking can win over anyone’s taste buds. Ready to fall in love with vegan baking?
Why You’ll Love This Spice Cake Vegan
Incredibly Moist and Flavorful This cake delivers the perfect texture without any animal products. The secret lies in our carefully balanced wet ingredients that create a tender crumb bursting with warm spice flavors. Each bite melts in your mouth with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla.
Budget-Friendly Home Baking Making this cake at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a similar dessert at a bakery. With pantry staples and affordable plant-based ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
Customizable and Versatile Top it with vegan cream cheese frosting, dust with powdered sugar, or serve it plain with fresh berries. The spice blend can be adjusted to your taste preferences, making it as mild or as bold as you desire. Unlike our popular vegan chocolate cake, this recipe brings warm, cozy flavors perfect for any season. Why not give both recipes a try and discover your new favorite?
How to Make Spice Cake Vegan
Quick Overview
This spice cake Vegan is surprisingly simple to make. The one-bowl mixing method keeps cleanup minimal. The combination of plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar creates the perfect rise. Rich spices and vanilla extract deliver incredible flavor.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Key Ingredients for Spice Cake Vegan
Dry Ingredients:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups unsweetened plant-based milk
- ¾ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with oil or vegan butter. Lightly dust with flour, tapping out excess. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Make sure all spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This step ensures consistent flavor in every bite.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together plant-based milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and applesauce. The vinegar will react with the milk, creating a slightly thick consistency. This reaction helps create the perfect cake texture.
Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a whisk or large spoon, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake.
Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should spring back lightly when touched.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before frosting or serving. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures clean slices.
What to Serve Spice Cake Vegan With
Classic Pairings:
- Vegan cream cheese frosting for special occasions
- Fresh whipped coconut cream with berries
- A dusting of powdered sugar for simple elegance
Beverages:
- Hot coffee or espresso for morning treats
- Chai tea or spiced latte for cozy afternoons
- Cold plant-based milk for kids and casual moments
Seasonal Additions:
- Vanilla ice cream in summer
- Warm caramel sauce in fall
- Fresh apple slices in autumn
Top Tips for Perfecting Spice Cake Vegan
Ingredient Substitutions That Work
Replace applesauce with mashed banana for extra moisture and subtle fruit flavor. Coconut oil can substitute vegetable oil but let it cool slightly before mixing. For gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Timing and Temperature Tricks
Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create better texture. Don’t open the oven door for the first 30 minutes of baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature – many ovens run hot or cold.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar – it’s crucial for proper rise. Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling off. Fresh spices make a noticeable difference, so replace old spices if they’ve lost their potency.
Enhancing Flavor
Toast whole spices and grind them fresh for maximum impact. Add a tablespoon of molasses for deeper flavor and darker color. A pinch of black pepper enhances the other spices without being noticeable.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. Place a piece of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
Refrigeration: Wrapped properly, this cake keeps in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture. Frosted cakes should always be refrigerated.
Freezing Instructions: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
Reheating Methods: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For multiple slices, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the cake.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1/12 of cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 340mg |
| Iron | 8% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake oil-free?
Yes! Replace the oil with additional applesauce or mashed banana. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious. You might need to reduce baking time by 5 minutes.
What’s the best plant milk to use?
Any unsweetened plant milk works well. Oat milk creates extra richness, while almond milk keeps it light. Avoid vanilla-flavored milk as it can make the cake too sweet.
Can I reduce the sugar content?
You can reduce sugar by up to ¼ cup without major texture changes. For larger reductions, consider adding extra applesauce or using a sugar substitute designed for baking.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges will start pulling slightly away from the pan sides.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Absolutely! Divide the batter among 24 cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick starting at 18 minutes.
Why did my cake turn out dense?
Common causes include overmixing the batter, using old leavening agents, or incorrect measurements. Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh and measure ingredients accurately.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Yes! Fold in up to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins after combining wet and dry ingredients. Dust them with flour first to prevent sinking.
Is this cake suitable for special diets?
This recipe is naturally vegan and can be made gluten-free with appropriate flour substitution. It’s also nut-free unless you add nuts as an optional ingredient.
Additional Helpful Information
Spice Blend Variations: Create your own signature blend by adjusting ratios. Try adding cardamom for exotic flavor, allspice for warmth, or a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat. Store custom blends in airtight containers for future use.
Frosting Options: Beyond traditional cream cheese frosting, try maple buttercream, cinnamon glaze, or simple powdered sugar dusting. For special occasions, consider layers with apple butter or vegan caramel between cake and frosting.
Seasonal Adaptations: Add pumpkin puree in fall, replacing half the applesauce. Include finely chopped crystallized ginger for winter warmth. Spring calls for lemon zest, while summer pairs beautifully with fresh peach compote.
Troubleshooting Guide: Cracked top usually means oven too hot. Sunken center indicates underbaking or old leavening. Dry texture suggests overbaking or too much flour. Dense cake often results from overmixing or altitude issues.
Make-Ahead Tips: Bake cake layers up to 2 days ahead, wrap tightly, and refrigerate. Unfrosted cake freezes beautifully for planned events. Mix dry ingredients a week ahead and store in sealed containers for quick weekend baking.
This spice cake Vegan proves that plant-based baking can be every bit as satisfying and delicious as traditional recipes. The warm spices, perfect texture, and foolproof method make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this cake delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
