One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. This soft and buttery four-layer vegan almond cake, paired with creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting and raspberry jam, creates a light and fluffy treat that truly stands out. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress everyone with its delicious flavor and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just one bowl required for mixing, cleanup is a breeze!
• Deliciously Fluffy: The combination of vegan butter and dairy-free yogurt ensures a moist and airy texture.
• Versatile Layers: You can enjoy it as a two-layer or four-layer cake based on your preference.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle or anyone looking to reduce dairy intake.
• Stunning Presentation: Decorated with fresh raspberries and crushed almonds, it looks as good as it tastes!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to make the preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cake pans (8 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Food processor
• Cooling rack
• Cake turntable

Importance of Each Tool

• Cake pans: Ensures even baking for perfectly shaped layers.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy removal of the cakes.
• Food processor: Quickly grinds almonds into flour for a smooth batter.

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. Line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Measure out all ingredients. Ensure that the almonds are pulsed into a rustic flour using a food processor.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl:
Whisk together the granulated sugar, melted vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
Add in the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
Slowly pour in the vegan buttermilk while whisking to integrate dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stop once fully combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
Bake for about 40-42 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 4: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. This helps them sink back down so you won’t need to torte them later. Transfer them onto a cooling rack until completely cooled. Once cooled, slice each layer in half carefully to create four round layers.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

Prepare your two batches of vegan cream cheese frosting according to your favorite recipe or package instructions.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Place one layer on a plate or cake turntable:
Spread about half a cup of frosting on top of it.
Create a well in the frosting’s center for raspberry jam.
Scoop about one-third cup of raspberry jam into this well and smooth it towards the edges.
Repeat this process with each remaining layer.

Step 7: Final Frosting Touches

After stacking all layers:
Smooth on an initial crumb coat around the sides of your cake.
Chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before applying more frosting over the entire cake.

Step 8: Decorate

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 the One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an opportunity to impress your guests and enjoy a delightful dessert. Here are some creative ways to present this stunning cake.

For a Festive Occasion

• Layered Presentation: Serve each slice of cake layered with extra raspberry jam for a more vibrant look.
• Cake Stand: Display the cake on a beautiful cake stand to elevate its appearance.

With Fresh Fruits

• Berry Medley: Add a side of mixed berries like blueberries and strawberries for added color and texture.
• Citrus Slices: Include slices of orange or lemon for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

Accompanied by Beverages

• Herbal Tea: Pair the cake with a warm herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, for a soothing experience.
• Coffee: A cup of rich coffee complements the almond flavors perfectly.

For Texture

• Crushed Almonds: Sprinkle crushed almonds over the top layer of frosting for an added crunch.
• Coconut Flakes: Add toasted coconut flakes alongside raspberries for extra flavor and visual appeal.

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How to Perfect One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

To achieve the best results with your One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake, follow these handy tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially vegan butter and yogurt, are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Sift Flour: Sifting the flour helps to aerate it, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake; slight lumps are okay!
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Cool Completely: Let the layers cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and sliding of the frosting.
• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the assembled cake helps set the frosting and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

To complement your One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake, consider serving it with these delicious side dishes that balance out its sweetness beautifully.

1. Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy ice cream pairs well with cake and adds a classic touch.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made from seasonal fruits can lighten up your dessert table.
3. Granola Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and fresh berries in glasses for an indulgent yet healthy option.
4. Chocolate Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats add romance and richness alongside your cake.
5. Almond Biscotti: Serve crunchy biscotti as a delightful accompaniment, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.
6. Mint Salad: A light salad with fresh mint, cucumber, and lime offers a refreshing palate cleanser after rich desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using cold ingredients: Ensure your vegan buttermilk and yogurt are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
• Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to ensure the correct texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of the frosting.
• Ignoring decoration tips: Use fresh raspberries and crushed almonds for decoration; they add flavor and visual appeal that elevate your cake.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper if possible, to prevent sticking.

Freezing One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen 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 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common inquiries regarding the One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Add 1 tablespoon of arrowroot or cornstarch for better texture.

How do I make this cake even more flavorful?

Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest into the batter. It complements the almond and raspberry flavors beautifully.

What is the best way to store leftovers of One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze individual layers wrapped securely.

Can I replace almond extract with something else?

Absolutely! If you prefer not using almond extract, vanilla extract works well as an alternative, although it will change the flavor slightly.

Final Thoughts

This One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or nuts based on your preference. Try making it today and enjoy a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion!