Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe

If you adore those cozy, warming drinks of autumn, then this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. Imagine a soft, moist pumpkin cake swirled with a rich coffee batter, soaked in espresso syrup, and topped with a luscious espresso buttercream frosting. This cake perfectly captures all the beloved fall flavors in every bite, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as your favorite pumpkin spice latte in a cup, but even better because it’s a slice of pure joy on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the tender crumb to the bold coffee kick, creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for a soft, fluffy cake.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and promotes a tender crumb.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Brings that quintessential autumn warmth, made from cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise perfectly and maintain a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes in the batter.
• Pure pumpkin puree: Adds moistness and that rich, authentic pumpkin flavor.
• Oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist without overwhelming the taste.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cake’s structure.
• Full fat plain yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• Pure vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor profile with warm floral notes.
• Espresso powder: Injects that unmistakable coffee essence for the latte vibe.
• Brewed espresso or strong coffee: Forms the base of the luscious latte soak, adding depth.
• Light cream: Mixes with espresso and sugar to create a sweet, milky soak.
• Light brown sugar: Offers a subtle molasses undertone that complements the coffee and pumpkin perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: The foundation of the buttercream frosting, lending richness and creaminess.
• Powdered confectioner’s sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the frosting.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan. Line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake lifts out perfectly once baked. This simple prep step makes a big difference when it’s time to serve that beautifully swirled Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination is your cake’s dry base, ensuring even distribution of flavors and a light texture that’s ready for the next step.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend together the pumpkin puree, oil, egg, yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture adds moisture, creaminess, and that unmistakable pumpkin taste that makes this cake so irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until you have a uniform batter. Take your time here; you want to combine thoroughly without overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.

Step 5: Create the Coffee Swirl

Set aside half a cup of the batter in a small bowl and stir in the espresso powder for that rich coffee punch. Pour the pumpkin batter into your prepared pan, then dollop the espresso batter on top. Use a knife or spatula to swirl the coffee into the pumpkin, adding that signature marbled effect with a hint of java.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Bake the cake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma as it bakes will already have your mouth watering, thanks to the perfect blend of pumpkin spices and espresso.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare the Latte Soak

Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, mix your brewed espresso, light cream, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. This soak is key to infusing moistness and a sweet coffee layer into the cake.

Step 8: Soak the Cake

Using a skewer, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake so the latte soak can seep in deeply. Brush the syrup generously over the surface, enhancing every bite with a gentle coffee kick.

Step 9: Make the Latte Frosting

Beat your very soft butter with powdered sugar until fluffy, then add cream and vanilla extract. Stir in the espresso powder and continue beating until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and just the right balance of sweet and coffee-flavored.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Spread the espresso buttercream evenly over the top of your soaked cake. To finish, drizzle a little of the reserved coffee syrup over the frosting and sprinkle with cinnamon for an extra touch of cozy spice. This final step transforms the cake into a stunning, irresistible centerpiece.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top adds a warm visual and aromatic appeal that perfectly complements the espresso buttercream. For a little extra indulgence, top with chocolate shavings or a few crushed toffee bits to add texture and a touch of crunchy sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to offset the rich coffee flavors. A light cup of your favorite spiced chai or a robust black coffee also makes an excellent companion for savoring every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, cut the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake into small squares and serve on a platter decorated with autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks. Alternatively, turn it into individual mini cakes or cupcakes topped with espresso frosting for parties or gatherings, making every serving feel special and personalized.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain its moisture. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator, wrapped well to prevent drying out, where it will stay fresh for about four days.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap leftover slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake will keep well up to three months, allowing you to enjoy that fall flavor anytime you like.

Reheating

To bring your cake slices back to life, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This will revive the softness of the cake and melt the frosting slightly for a perfectly cozy treat.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works beautifully and is often more convenient, especially during pumpkin season. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What if I don’t have espresso powder or brewed espresso?

If espresso powder isn’t on hand, you can substitute finely ground instant coffee. For the soak, strong brewed coffee can stand in for espresso—it won’t be quite as intense but still contributes delicious coffee flavor.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour. The texture might be slightly different, but the pumpkin and coffee flavors will shine through just as wonderfully.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

With a few swaps, yes. Use a dairy-free yogurt and replace the butter in the frosting with a plant-based alternative. Coconut cream can substitute for the cream in the soak and frosting, providing a slightly different but delicious result.

How long does this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake last after frosting?

Once frosted, the cake is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days if kept refrigerated to ensure the frosting stays fresh and the cake moist. Bringing it back to room temperature before serving helps the flavors shine.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe enough for anyone who loves the taste of fall in a dessert form. Every element, from the pumpkin-spiced batter to the coffee-soaked layers and dreamy espresso frosting, comes together to create something truly special. Trust me, once you make it, this cake will become your new go-to when you want a slice of autumn comfort and joy.

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