One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that brings together the nutty flavor of almonds and the tartness of raspberries. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply to enjoy with friends over tea, this cake features four soft layers enveloped in creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. The vibrant raspberry jam adds a refreshing touch, making it a true showstopper at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This cake is made in just one bowl, reducing cleanup time and making it perfect for busy bakers.
- Deliciously Fluffy: The combination of almond flour and dairy-free yogurt creates a moist and airy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: With hints of vanilla and almond, this cake complements various occasions, from casual get-togethers to elegant parties.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Everyone can enjoy this cake! It’s completely vegan, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Stunning Presentation: Layered with vibrant raspberry jam and decorated with fresh raspberries and crushed almonds, this cake is as beautiful as it is tasty.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin baking, gather all your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having everything ready will make baking your One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake seamless and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 8-inch cake pans (2)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Cake turntable (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without spills or mess.
- Whisk: This tool helps incorporate air into the batter, ensuring a light and fluffy cake.
- Cake turntable: While optional, it makes assembling and decorating the cake much easier by allowing you to rotate the cake smoothly.
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. Prepare two 8-inch cake pans by lining them with parchment paper. Measure out all your ingredients ahead of time for easy access. Use a food processor to pulse the almonds into a rustic flour if you haven’t done so already.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt to the wet mixture. Gradually pour in the vegan buttermilk while whisking until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop once there are no dry spots.
Step 4: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for about 40–42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven.
Step 5: Cool Layers
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled completely, carefully slice each layer in half horizontally so you have four layers total.
Step 6: Prepare Frosting
While your cakes cool down completely, prepare your vegan cream cheese frosting according to your recipe or preferred method.
Step 7: Assemble Cake
Place one layer on a plate or on a cake turntable. Spread about half a cup of frosting on top. Create an indentation in the frosting for raspberry jam. Add approximately one-third cup of raspberry jam within this area. Repeat this process for each layer until all layers are stacked.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once assembled, smooth out any excess frosting around the edges for a crumb coat. Chill in the fridge for about twenty minutes to firm up slightly before adding more frosting on top. Finally, decorate with fresh raspberries and crushed almonds before serving.
Enjoy your stunning One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
How to Serve One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving a slice of One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful experience. This cake not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning on any dessert table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment.
Pair with Fresh Fruit
- Raspberries: Add a handful of fresh raspberries on the side for a burst of flavor and color.
- Sliced Strawberries: Complement the cake with sliced strawberries, which add sweetness and contrast.
Serve with Dairy-Free Ice Cream
- Vanilla Almond Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla almond ice cream pairs beautifully with the cake, adding creaminess.
- Coconut Milk Ice Cream: For a tropical twist, serve alongside coconut milk ice cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- Vegan Chocolate Sauce: A rich vegan chocolate sauce drizzled over each slice enhances the overall dessert experience.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Mini Desserts: Serve slices of this cake alongside mini vegan desserts like brownies or cookies for a variety of flavors.
- Cheesecake Bites: Include small bites of vegan cheesecake for an elegant touch to your dessert spread.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Fresh Mint: Adding mint leaves as a garnish offers a refreshing taste that complements the sweetness of the cake.
How to Perfect One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Perfecting this cake involves careful attention to detail during preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter and yogurt, are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense layers; too much flour can lead to dryness.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to tough texture.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cakes to cool completely; frosting on warm cakes will melt and create a mess.
- Chill Between Layers: Chilling the frosted layers in between helps them set and makes it easier to achieve clean edges.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different extracts like raspberry or lemon for added complexity in flavor.
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 enhances its deliciousness. Here are some great options that complement this sweet treat perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Vegan Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped coconut cream adds a delightful touch when served alongside.
- Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti provides a nice textural contrast and pairs well with coffee or tea.
- Chocolate Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination brings out the flavors in the cake wonderfully.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer crunch and savory notes that complement the dessert’s sweetness.
- Herbal Tea: A cup of herbal tea works perfectly as a soothing drink that complements your dessert experience.
- Coffee: A smooth cup of coffee pairs beautifully with this sweet treat, enhancing its flavors even further.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a cake can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold ingredients can result in a dense cake. Always ensure your vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, and vegan buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing.
- Not measuring flour accurately: Too much or too little flour can drastically affect texture. Use a kitchen scale for precision, or spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off without packing it down.
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Ignoring cooling times: Removing the cake layers too soon can cause them to break apart. Allow them to cool in their pans for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Underestimating frosting quantities: Not making enough frosting can leave you short when decorating. Prepare two batches of vegan cream cheese frosting to ensure you have enough for layers and decoration.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and reheat slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
The best way to store this cake is in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last up to 5 days.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free 1:1 baking flour plus additional arrowroot or cornstarch as directed in the recipe notes.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking?
To prevent sticking, line your cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides with vegan butter before pouring in the batter.
Can I use other fruits instead of raspberries?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile; you can use strawberries, blueberries, or even mixed berries for different flavors.
How do I make the cream cheese frosting thicker?
If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
Final Thoughts
The One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different fruits or nuts based on your preference. Give this delightful recipe a try; it’s sure to impress family and friends!
One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in our One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a delightful dessert that perfectly marries the nutty taste of almonds with the tartness of fresh raspberries. This cake is ideal for any celebration or a cozy gathering with friends over tea. With four fluffy layers and smooth vegan cream cheese frosting, it’s not only visually stunning but also deliciously satisfying. A vibrant raspberry jam layer adds an extra burst of flavor, making this cake a true showstopper. Simplify your baking with this one-bowl recipe, ensuring minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vegan buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted vegan butter
- 1 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 1 1/3 cups ground almonds
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free)
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, melted vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
- Gradually add ground almonds, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt to the wet mixture. Slowly incorporate the vegan buttermilk while whisking until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for about 40–42 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for ten minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled completely, slice each layer in half horizontally.
- Prepare your vegan cream cheese frosting as per your recipe.
- Assemble the cake by layering frosting and raspberry jam between each layer and decorating as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
