Decadent Vegan Walnut Spiced Layer Cake
This Decadent Vegan Walnut Spiced Layer Cake is an indulgent dessert that combines warm spices, rich flavors, and the delightful crunch of toasted walnuts. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, each layer is infused with a medley of spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves — creating a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. The cake is moist and tender, thanks to applesauce, while the creamy vegan frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. With a generous layer of walnuts pressed into the sides, it offers a beautiful presentation and an unforgettable taste. This recipe is a must-try for anyone, vegan or not, showcasing just how delicious plant-based baking can be!
20
Servings
160
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (Sifted)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Granulated sugar
1 cup (N/A)
Light brown sugar
1 cup (Packed)
Vegetable shortening
3/4 cup (N/A)
Applesauce
1 cup (N/A)
Soymilk or water
1 1/4 cups (N/A)
Vegetable shortening (for frosting)
1/2 cup (N/A)
Vegan margarine
1/2 cup (Softened)
Maple extract
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Rum extract
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Confectioners' sugar
2 (16 ounce) boxes (N/A)
Soymilk or water (for frosting)
6-8 teaspoons (N/A)
Walnuts (toasted, chopped coarsely)
1 1/2 cups (Toasted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by coating them with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottoms with wax paper, then spray the paper lightly as well.
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the vegetable shortening, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and applesauce until well combined and creamy.
4
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with soymilk or water. Mix well after each addition, ensuring everything is well blended. Beat for about two minutes until the batter is smooth and fluffy.
5
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Place them in the oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and cool them in the pans for about 12-15 minutes. Carefully turn the cakes out onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
7
While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable shortening and vegan margarine until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and the initial six tablespoons of soymilk or water, mixing until smooth. Adjust the consistency with additional liquid if necessary.
8
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate, spread an even layer of frosting on top, then gently add the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake, creating a beautiful finish.
9
Lastly, press the chopped and toasted walnuts gently into the sides of the frosted cake for a delightful crunch and presentation.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
25g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Vegan Walnut Spiced Layer Cake?
It is an indulgent, plant-based dessert featuring warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, moist layers made with applesauce, and a crunchy toasted walnut exterior.
Is this cake recipe entirely vegan?
Yes, the recipe uses vegan-friendly ingredients such as vegetable shortening, applesauce, soymilk, and vegan margarine.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 20 servings.
What are the main spices used in the cake?
The cake is infused with a medley of ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long should the cake layers bake?
The layers should bake for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What size cake pans are needed?
You will need two 9-inch cake pans.
How do I prepare the cake pans to prevent sticking?
Coat the pans with nonstick spray, line the bottoms with wax paper, and spray the paper lightly.
What ingredient makes the cake moist without eggs?
Applesauce is used in this recipe to ensure the cake remains moist and tender.
What are the primary ingredients for the frosting?
The frosting consists of vegetable shortening, vegan margarine, confectioners' sugar, and flavor extracts.
How are the walnuts incorporated into the cake?
1 1/2 cups of toasted, chopped walnuts are pressed gently into the sides of the frosted cake for presentation and crunch.
Can I use water instead of soymilk?
Yes, the recipe allows for either soymilk or water to be used in both the cake batter and the frosting.
What type of flour should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
What extracts are used to flavor the frosting?
Maple extract and rum extract are used to provide a rich, complex flavor to the frosting.
How much confectioners' sugar is required for the frosting?
You will need two 16-ounce boxes of confectioners' sugar.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of fat.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans after baking?
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 12-15 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack.
What sugars are used in the cake batter?
The recipe uses 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of packed light brown sugar.
Does this cake contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 3/4 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness.
What leavening agent is used?
1 teaspoon of baking soda is used to help the cake rise.
Should the margarine be softened for the frosting?
Yes, the vegan margarine should be softened to ensure a creamy consistency when beaten with shortening.
What is the best occasion for this cake?
Its warm spices and elegant presentation make it perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or special occasions.
How do you combine the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, alternating with soymilk or water, and mix well after each addition.
How long should the batter be beaten?
Beat the batter for about two minutes until it is smooth and fluffy.
How do you assemble the layer cake?
Place one cooled layer on a plate, frost the top, add the second layer, and then frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegan cake, walnut cake, spice cake, dessert, baking, plant-based, holidays, and layer cake.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 18 total ingredients including the cake batter, frosting, and topping.