One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that will impress at any gathering. With its soft and buttery layers, this vegan cake features creamy dairy-free frosting and sweet raspberry jam. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, its light and fluffy texture makes it a complete showstopper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With just one bowl needed, this recipe simplifies the baking process while still delivering fantastic results.
- Delicious flavor combination: The blend of almond and raspberry creates a refreshing taste that’s both unique and crowd-pleasing.
- Versatile serving options: Serve it as a two-layer cake for casual occasions or go all out with four layers for more formal events.
- Dairy-free delight: This cake is entirely vegan, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
- Stunning presentation: Layered with colorful raspberries and crushed almonds, this cake is as beautiful as it is tasty.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will help you create the perfect One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake. Here’s what you need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8-inch cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Food processor (for grinding almonds)
- Cooling rack
- Cake turntable
Importance of Each Tool
- 8-inch cake pans: These provide the perfect size for even baking and create beautiful layers.
- Food processor: Essential for grinding almonds into a flour consistency, which is key for the cake’s texture.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
Ingredients
This soft and buttery 4 layer vegan almond cake is layered with creamy dairy free vegan cream cheese frosting and raspberry jam. Light, fluffy, and a complete showstopper!
- 1 1/2 cups (300 mL) vegan buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cup (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted vegan butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- 1 cup (240 g) dairy free yogurt, room temperature
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 1 1/3 cups (170 g) almonds, ground into a flour
- 2 1/2 cups (325 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten free 1:1 baking flour + 1 tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch) (see notes for GF)
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- 2 batches vegan cream cheese frosting
- 1 cup raspberries, for decoration
- 1 cup crushed almonds, for decoration
How to Make One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Measure out all ingredients ahead of time to streamline your process. Ensure the almonds are pulsed into a rustic flour using a food processor.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl:
Whisk together the sugar, melted vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
Add in the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
Slowly pour in the vegan buttermilk while whisking until just blended; do not overmix.
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for 40–42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven.
Step 4: Cool Down
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. This helps prevent doming on top as they settle. Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing each layer in half if desired.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While your cakes are cooling, prepare your vegan cream cheese frosting according to your favorite recipe or use store-bought if you’re short on time.
Step 6: Assemble Your Cake
Place one layer on a plate or turntable:
Spread about 1/2 cup of frosting on top.
Create a well in the frosting before adding about 1/3 cup of raspberry jam, spreading it toward the edges.
Repeat this process with all layers.
After stacking all layers, apply a thin crumb coat around the entire cake. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Final Decoration
Remove from fridge and apply another layer of cream cheese frosting around the sides and top of your cake. Decorate with fresh raspberries and sprinkle with crushed almonds. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
How to Serve One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake is a delightful experience. This cake is not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. Here are some creative ways to serve it that will impress your guests.
Individual Slices
- Serve slices on elegant dessert plates for a sophisticated presentation.
- Add a dollop of extra vegan cream cheese frosting on top for added creaminess.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pair the cake with fresh raspberries or strawberries to enhance the fruity flavor.
- A sprinkle of mint leaves can add a refreshing touch and color contrast.
Ice Cream Sundae Style
- Top each slice with dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in flavors.
- Drizzle with warm raspberry sauce for an indulgent treat.
As a Layered Dessert
- Serve in mason jars by layering cake pieces, frosting, and raspberry jam.
- This creates a fun, portable dessert option for picnics or parties.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Offer slices alongside freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea.
- The warm beverages complement the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
With Whipped Coconut Cream
- Add a scoop of whipped coconut cream on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- This adds a touch of tropical flair to your dessert presentation.
How to Perfect One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Creating the perfect One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out amazing every time.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature allows them to combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture.
- Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm that your oven heats accurately, preventing underbaking or burning.
- Cool completely before slicing: Allow cakes to cool fully before cutting; this helps maintain their structure and prevents crumbling.
- Decorate creatively: Use raspberries and crushed almonds as decorations for an eye-catching finish that enhances the flavor profile.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement the flavors of the cake perfectly.
- Vegan Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
- Chia Seed Pudding: Light and nutritious, this dish adds another layer of texture and flavor.
- Minty Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed in mint dressing create a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Roasted Nuts: A mix of almonds and cashews offers crunch and nuttiness, harmonizing with the cake’s flavors.
- Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layered coconut yogurt with granola adds creaminess and crunch alongside the cake.
- Herbed Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs balances out the sweetness of the dessert while adding protein.
- Dark Chocolate Bark: Break off pieces of dark chocolate bark for a rich yet simple candy option after dessert.
- Lemon Sorbet: A light lemon sorbet serves as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when making a delicate dessert like the One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Not measuring accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
- Using cold ingredients: Room temperature ingredients blend better, creating a smoother batter. Always allow your butter and yogurt to warm up before mixing.
- Over-mixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough cakes. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the cake layers to cool properly helps maintain their structure. Don’t rush this step; let them cool fully before frosting.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An accurate oven temperature is crucial. Use an oven thermometer if needed to verify it’s at the correct setting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat slices for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm each slice for several minutes until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour with arrowroot or cornstarch as suggested in the recipe for a delicious gluten-free option.
How do I store leftover One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for longer storage.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you’re allergic or prefer not to use almond extract, vanilla extract works well as a substitute without losing flavor.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! You can customize this cake by adding different fruits like strawberries or blueberries along with or instead of raspberries.
Final Thoughts
The One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only beautiful but also full of delightful flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different fruits and flavors, making it suitable for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!
One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the delight of our One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. This easy-to-make cake features soft, fluffy layers infused with almond and raspberry flavors, all topped with rich dairy-free cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a cozy afternoon treat, this cake will impress everyone at the table. With minimal cleanup thanks to its one-bowl preparation, you can savor every bite without the hassle. Enjoy a slice that bursts with flavor and showcases beautiful layers adorned with fresh raspberries and crushed almonds.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups vegan buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted vegan butter
- 1 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 1 ⅓ cups ground almonds
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 3 tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- Vegan cream cheese frosting (2 batches)
- Fresh raspberries and crushed almonds for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
- Stir in ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
- Gradually mix in the vegan buttermilk until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 40–42 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prepare your vegan cream cheese frosting while cakes cool.
- Assemble by layering cakes with frosting and raspberry jam; chill briefly before final decoration with frosting, raspberries, and crushed almonds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
