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 combines soft, buttery layers of almond cake with creamy, dairy-free frosting and tangy raspberry jam. Perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or as a delicious dessert for any occasion, this cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly flavorful. Its unique blend of almond and raspberry flavors makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to impress guests or indulge in a special sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe uses just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering delicious results.
- Flavorful Delight: With the combination of almond and raspberry, every bite offers a burst of flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or casual get-together, this cake fits perfectly into any event.
- Dairy-Free Option: The use of vegan ingredients ensures everyone can enjoy this cake without compromising on taste or texture.
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors of the raspberries and crushed almonds create an eye-catching dessert that will wow your guests.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cake pans (8-inch)
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Food processor
- Cooling rack
- Cake turntable
Importance of Each Tool
- Cake pans: Ensure even baking and easy release of your cake layers when lined with parchment paper.
- Food processor: Helps in easily grinding almonds into flour for the perfect texture in your cake.
- Cooling rack: Allows proper cooling of the cakes to maintain their shape and prevent sogginess.
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 350F. Line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients
Make sure to measure out all your ingredients before starting. Use a food processor to pulse the almonds into a rustic flour.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
Granulated sugar
Melted vegan butter
Dairy free yogurt
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually pour in the vegan buttermilk while whisking until just combined.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 40–42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in pans for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Slice Layers
Transfer the layers to a cooling rack until completely cooled. Carefully slice each layer in half if creating four layers.
Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
Prepare two batches of vegan cream cheese frosting according to your favorite recipe.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Place one layer on a plate or turntable. Spread about ½ cup of frosting on top. Create a well in the frosting for raspberry jam. Add about ⅓ cup of raspberry jam into this well.
Step 9: Layer Up
Repeat this process with additional layers until assembled. Smooth around edges to create a crumb coat. Chill in fridge for about 20 minutes.
Step 10: Final Frosting Touches
After chilling, frost the entire cake with remaining cream cheese frosting. Decorate with fresh raspberries and crushed almonds before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any gathering. This cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for various occasions.
For Afternoon Tea
- Pair with herbal tea: The subtle flavors of almond and raspberry complement herbal teas like chamomile or mint.
- Serve with fresh fruit: A side of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
For Birthdays
- Top with candles: Celebrate birthdays by adding candles on top for a festive touch.
- Accompany with ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
For Picnics
- Wrap slices individually: Easy to transport, each slice can be wrapped in parchment paper for on-the-go enjoyment.
- Include in a dessert platter: Combine with other vegan treats like brownies or cookies to create a diverse dessert spread.
For Holiday Gatherings
- Garnish with holiday spices: Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a seasonal flair.
- Serve alongside coffee or mulled wine: These beverages enhance the flavors and add warmth to your celebration.
How to Perfect One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
To achieve the best results when making this cake, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for better blending and fluffiness.
- Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cake layers by preventing excess flour.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to maintain a light texture; overmixing can lead to toughness.
- Cool completely before slicing: This helps prevent crumbling and ensures clean layers when cutting.
Best Side Dishes for One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Adding side dishes to accompany your cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream – A creamy, dairy-free treat that complements the fruity flavors of the cake.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of fresh seasonal fruits that provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Coconut Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy, this adds an extra layer of indulgence without dairy.
- Chai Spiced Tea – The spiced warmth of chai perfectly balances the cake’s sweet notes during cozy gatherings.
- Chocolate Drizzle – A simple chocolate drizzle on top adds elegance while enhancing flavor richness.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits Platter – Provides crunchy and chewy textures that pair well with the soft cake.
- Mint Infused Water – Refreshing hydration that cleanses the palate between bites of rich cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a cake can be tricky, especially when aiming for the perfect One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for the best results.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and texture. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Skipping the cooling process: Cooling the cakes in their pans helps them set properly. Avoid rushing this step to prevent crumbling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap each layer in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
- You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
Reheating One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, until warmed through.
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! Use gluten-free flour blends that measure cup-for-cup like gluten free 1:1 baking flour plus arrowroot or cornstarch as mentioned in the recipe.
How long do leftovers last?
The cake stays fresh in the fridge for up to five days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I use other fruits instead of raspberries?
Absolutely! While raspberries add a delicious tartness, you can substitute blueberries or strawberries based on your preference.
What can I substitute for vegan cream cheese?
You may try making your own frosting with blended silken tofu and powdered sugar as a lighter alternative.
Final Thoughts
The One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize this cake by adding different fruits or flavor extracts. Give this recipe a try for your next celebration or simply as a treat at home!
One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the delightful One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—a perfect fusion of soft almond cake, tangy raspberry jam, and creamy vegan frosting. This cake is not only a showstopper for any celebration but also easy to prepare, requiring just one bowl for minimal cleanup. Each layer bursts with flavor, creating a light and fluffy treat that will impress guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether it’s for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers, this visually stunning dessert is sure to elevate any occasion.
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
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- Vegan cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Combine the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually mix in the vegan buttermilk until just combined.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 40–42 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Slice each cooled layer in half if desired. Assemble with frosting and raspberry jam between layers, then frost the outside of the cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (107g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
