Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. With its soft, moist texture and rich flavors of pumpkin and espresso, this cake is an ideal dessert for gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying at home. The unique combination of spices and coffee elevates a classic cake into something truly special. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a cozy dessert, this cake will impress your family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Moist: The cake is soaked in a sweet espresso mixture, making it incredibly soft and flavorful.
• Perfect for Fall: With warm spices and pumpkin puree, this cake embodies the spirit of autumn.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, family dinners, or even as a treat with your morning coffee.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even beginner bakers can create this delicious cake.
• Decadent Frosting: Topped with creamy espresso cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your butter and sugar are creamed to perfection, creating a light texture in the cake.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan allows for even baking, preventing uneven textures in your cake.

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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 Latte 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 Espresso 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 baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Whisk together until well mixed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl:
1. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time while continuing to mix.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Mix buttermilk with canned pumpkin puree until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
– Alternate adding flour mixture and pumpkin mixture until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan:
– Bake for about 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare the Latte Soak

While the cake bakes:
– Mix together espresso or strong coffee with whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a bowl.

Step 8: Soak the Cake

Once baked:
– Poke holes in the warm cake using a fork.
– Pour the latte soak evenly over the top while it’s still warm to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 9: Make Frosting

To prepare frosting:
– Beat softened butter with cold cream cheese until smooth.
– Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing.
– Stir in vanilla extract, instant espresso powder, and pumpkin pie spice until fully combined.

Step 10: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely:
– Spread the espresso cream cheese frosting generously over your soaked cake.
– Decorate as desired before serving.

Now enjoy each flavorful bite of this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake can enhance its delightful flavors and create a memorable experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert presentation.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the rich flavors of the cake.

Accompanied by Coffee

• Serving a warm slice alongside a cup of brewed coffee or espresso highlights the coffee notes in the cake, creating a perfect pairing.

Topped with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the cake, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce provides sweetness and a touch of decadence, making each bite even more indulgent.

Served with Ice Cream

• Pairing the cake with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter and improves texture.

• Sift dry ingredients – Sifting flour and spices ensures even distribution in the batter, preventing clumps and creating a uniform cake.

• Don’t overmix – Gently mix until just combined to avoid dense cake; overmixing can lead to gluten development.

• Check for doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when done baking.

• Cool completely before frosting – Allowing the cake to cool prevents the frosting from melting and ensures it adheres well.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake can create a delightful meal experience. Here are some excellent suggestions for sides that complement this dessert nicely.

1. Spiced Apple Cider – Warm spiced apple cider enhances autumn flavors and pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice.

2. Caramelized Pears – Sweet caramelized pears provide a juicy contrast that balances the richness of the cake.

3. Roasted Vegetables – A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds savory depth to your dessert spread.

4. Maple Glazed Carrots – The sweetness of maple glazed carrots brings out the warm spices in your cake.

5. Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Rich and creamy mashed potatoes serve as a comforting side dish that complements desserts well.

6. Cranberry Sauce – Tart cranberry sauce offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of sweet cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake can be delightful, but avoiding common mistakes can make a significant difference.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can affect the batter’s texture and rise.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Skipping the soak: The espresso soak is essential for flavor and moisture. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
• Not measuring flour properly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements. Too much flour can dry out your cake.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Ensure your oven is accurately preheated. An incorrect temperature can cause uneven baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake so special?

The unique combination of pumpkin puree and coffee creates a rich flavor profile, enhanced by warm spices that evoke autumn vibes.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swap the cream cheese frosting with a vegan alternative if desired.

How do I achieve the best texture for my cake?

Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature and avoid overmixing the batter during preparation.

What is the best way to serve this cake?

Serve chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or additional frosting on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Final Thoughts

The Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is not just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile too! You can easily customize it with various toppings or mix-ins to suit your taste. This recipe captures the essence of fall and is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying as an afternoon treat. Try it today!