Pumpkin Marble Cake

Name: Pumpkin Marble Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 15 ounces (425g) pumpkin puree, canned or homemade (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 ¼ cup (240g) packed light brown sugar, or granulated cane sugar; ½ cup (125g) neutral-flavored oil; ⅓ cup (85g) dairy-free milk, room temperature; ⅓ cup (60g) dairy-free yogurt, room temperature; 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional; 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, sifted if needed; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 3 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup (25g) Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted if needed; 2 tablespoons (30g) dairy-free milk; 1 teaspoon espresso powder, optional; ½ cup (85g or 3 oz) dairy-free chocolate, finely chopped; ½ cup (120g) thick scoopable canned coconut cream

By:

Alejandro

Published:

October 11, 2025

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This Pumpkin Marble Cake (vegan) is a little slice of heaven that brings together the warm, spicy aroma of pumpkin and the rich, decadent goodness of chocolate. Picture this: you’re curled up on a chilly autumn afternoon, and the scent of baking fills the air. You slice into this cake, revealing delightful swirls of golden pumpkin and luscious chocolate. It’s moist, tender, and just the right amount of sweet. Plus, since it’s vegan, it’s a treat that everyone can enjoy!

Whether you’re snuggled up at home, hosting a gathering, or simply looking for a comforting dessert, this cake fits the bill perfectly. The marbling not only makes it visually stunning, but it also enhances the flavors with each bite. Grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Why This Recipe Works

This Pumpkin Marble Cake (vegan) utilizes a single batter that blends pumpkin and chocolate flavors, creating a cozy dessert with a fudgy texture. The beautiful marble effect not only looks stunning but also allows for a moist and harmonious blend of spices and cocoa. By combining these two rich flavors, the cake remains balanced and satisfying without one overpowering the other. The use of spices adds warmth, while the cocoa brings depth, making every bite deliciously complex.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Marble Cake (vegan)

If you’re a fan of fall flavors but want to maintain a vegan lifestyle, this recipe is a dream come true. It’s easy to make, packs a delightful punch of pumpkin spice, and has indulgent chocolate swirls, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The best part? You’ll find that it’s not just delicious; it’s also a fun baking project. The kids can help with dolloping the batter, and that means more precious memories in the kitchen. Trust me; this cake will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

15 ounces (425g) pumpkin puree, canned or homemade (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 ¼ cup (240g) packed light brown sugar, or granulated cane sugar
½ cup (125g) neutral-flavored oil
⅓ cup (85g) dairy-free milk, room temperature
⅓ cup (60g) dairy-free yogurt, room temperature
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, sifted if needed
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup (25g) Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted if needed
2 tablespoons (30g) dairy-free milk
1 teaspoon espresso powder, optional
½ cup (85g or 3 oz) dairy-free chocolate, finely chopped
½ cup (120g) thick scoopable canned coconut cream

Making the Cake Batter

Combine Wet Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it heats up, prepare your baking pan by lining an 8-inch (20 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, neutral oil, dairy-free milk, dairy-free yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This part is simple and makes your kitchen smell heavenly!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step might seem extra, but it helps prevent lumps in your batter and creates a lighter cake. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t worry about tiny pockets of flour; they’ll disappear as the cake bakes.

Separate and Flavor the Batter

Now, divide half of the batter into a separate bowl. To this, add the cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of dairy-free milk, and optional espresso powder. Mix gently until just combined. The espresso powder amplifies the chocolate flavor without being overwhelmingly coffee-like, so it’s a clever way to enhance your cake!

Assembling the Cake

Layer the Batter

Using two large spoons, dollop alternating layers of pumpkin and chocolate batter into the prepared pan. Start with ½ cup of pumpkin batter, followed by ½ cup of chocolate. Repeat this process until all the batter is used. Don’t worry if the layers mix slightly—that’s part of the charm!

Baking the Cake

Bake to Perfection

Place your beautifully layered cake into the oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 5 to 10 minutes. After about 30-40 minutes, if the top starts to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent burning. When the baking time is almost up, check it with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, signaling that it’s done.

Cooling the Cake

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely. Your house will smell divine during this waiting period—hold back that urge to eat it straight away!

Making the Chocolate Ganache

Prepare the Ganache

In a small saucepan, heat the coconut cream over medium heat until it simmers gently. Remove from heat and add the chopped dairy-free chocolate, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Patience is key here, so let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken beautifully.

Drizzle and Chill

Once your ganache is smooth and luscious, allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes. Then, drizzle it generously over the cooled cake. For a perfect finish, chill the cake in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, allowing the ganache to set.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of this Pumpkin Marble Cake (vegan) with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or sprinkle some nuts or seeds on top for added texture. Pair it with a warm beverage like chai or coffee for the perfect cozy afternoon treat. Just imagine your guests’ faces when they see the stunning marbled effect—it will definitely impress!

Tips for Success

Make sure all dairy-free products are at room temperature before mixing, as this helps with better batter consistency.
Avoid over-mixing your batter; a few dry spots are perfectly fine and will disappear as it bakes.
Always use quality cocoa powder and dairy-free chocolate for the best flavor possible.

Variations

Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips for extra texture. If you want to switch things up, substitute pumpkin for sweet potato puree or butternut squash for a different spin. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to find your perfect flavor balance.

Storage Tips

To keep your leftovers fresh, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices for up to 1 month. Just make sure to wrap them well!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pumpkin works great, but make sure it’s pure and not pumpkin pie filling.

2. How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

3. Is this cake suitable for kids?
Absolutely! It’s a perfect way to introduce kids to delicious vegan desserts.

4. Can I skip the ganache?
You can! The cake is delicious on its own, or simply dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter touch.

5. How do I ensure my cake doesn’t stick to the pan?
Lining the pan with parchment paper and lightly greasing it helps prevent sticking.

This Pumpkin Marble Cake (vegan) is an absolute delight for any dessert table. It combines the flavors of pumpkin spice and rich chocolate in a beautiful marbled effect that will impress both vegan and non-vegan alike. Enjoy the cozy vibes and rich flavors, perfect for autumn or anytime you crave a slice of happiness!