Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is the ultimate treat for autumn! With its extra soft and moist texture, this cake is soaked in a delightful blend of sweet, spiced, milky espresso. Topped with a rich espresso cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions. The warm flavors of pumpkin and spices will make your taste buds dance, making it a standout dessert this season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor – The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for fall.
• Moist Texture – Soaked in espresso, this cake achieves a unique moisture level that makes each bite heavenly.
• Versatile Serving – Perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as an indulgent treat at home.
• Easy to Make – With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible even for novice bakers.
• Impressive Presentation – Frosted with espresso cream cheese frosting, this cake not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pan (9×13-inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer – This tool makes it easy to achieve a light and fluffy batter without much effort.
• Baking pan – A 9×13-inch pan helps in even baking, ensuring that your cake rises properly and has the right texture.
• Cooling rack – Allowing the cake to cool on a rack prevents sogginess by letting air circulate around it.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 1/4 cups (281 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 cup (244 g) canned pumpkin puree, at room temperature

For the Espresso Soak

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) espresso or strong coffee
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold
• 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp instant espresso powder
• 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Whisk until well blended.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl:
1. Use an electric mixer to beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time while mixing in between. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add buttermilk and pumpkin puree to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture:
1. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan:
1. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 38 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 7: Prepare Espresso Soak

While the cake is cooling:
In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together espresso or strong coffee with whole milk and sweetened condensed milk.

Step 8: Soak the Cake

When cooled:
1. Poke holes all over the top of the cake using a fork.
2. Pour the espresso soak evenly over the cake so it absorbs well.

Step 9: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat softened butter and cold cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
3. Stir in vanilla extract, instant espresso powder, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.

Step 10: Frost Your Cake

Spread cream cheese frosting over your soaked cake evenly using a spatula.

Enjoy every slice of this delightful Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any gathering or cozy evening at home. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Top slices of the cake with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy finish that complements the rich flavors.

Accompanied by Coffee

• Serve each slice alongside a warm cup of brewed coffee or espresso to enhance the coffee notes in the cake.

With Ice Cream

• Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and an extra layer of nuttiness.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A light drizzle of caramel sauce can add a sweet touch that pairs beautifully with the spices in the cake.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

To achieve the best results with your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs, buttermilk, and pumpkin puree are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cake.

• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a tough texture.

• Bake evenly: Rotate your cake halfway through baking to ensure even cooking, especially if your oven has hot spots.

• Cool before frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding frosting; this prevents melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai complement the pumpkin flavors beautifully.

2. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp adds a fruity contrast that pairs well with spiced desserts.

3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The richness of mashed potatoes provides a savory counterbalance to sweet desserts.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts offsets the sweetness of the cake nicely.

5. Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.

6. Sweet Potato Casserole: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes works harmoniously with pumpkin spices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups. This ensures the cake rises and has the right texture.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and buttermilk can affect the batter’s consistency. Take these ingredients out beforehand to allow them to reach room temperature.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping the espresso soak: This step adds moisture and flavor. Don’t skip it if you want that delicious latte experience in your cake!
• Using cold frosting: Cream cheese frosting should be at room temperature for easy spreading. Let it sit out before using to achieve the perfect consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

• Wrap slices in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for best results.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake.

How do I make my Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding more pumpkin pie spice or even incorporating chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake?

Yes! You can replace buttermilk with yogurt or dairy-free milk, and you can use different types of sweeteners if desired.

What is the best way to serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake?

This cake is delightful on its own or served with whipped cream for added richness. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes it even better!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just frost it right before serving for freshness.

How long does it take to bake the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake?

The total baking time is approximately 38 minutes, but don’t forget about prep time, which takes around 90 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is a fantastic dessert that captures all your favorite autumn flavors. Its moist texture and rich taste make it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chunks, or even swapping spices based on your preference!