Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the cozy autumn season! With its soft, moist texture and rich flavors of pumpkin and espresso, this cake is ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or simply indulging yourself. The delightful espresso cream cheese frosting adds a creamy finish that elevates this cake to a whole new level. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just looking for a warm and inviting treat, this cake promises to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: This cake blends the warmth of pumpkin with the rich taste of espresso, creating a delightful combination.
• Moist and Soft Texture: The unique latte soak gives this cake an incredibly tender crumb, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for fall celebrations, coffee dates, or even as a sweet snack with your afternoon tea.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this impressive dessert without any fuss.
• Beautiful Presentation: The creamy espresso frosting not only tastes amazing but also adds a stunning touch to your dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started on your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy batter by thoroughly mixing ingredients without much effort.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down bowls and folding in ingredients gently, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.

Ingredients

To make your delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake, you’ll need the following 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 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

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
All-purpose flour
Pumpkin pie spice
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Whisk these together until well blended.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
Unsalted butter
Granulated white sugar

Mix until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in:
Eggs
Vanilla extract

Beat well until combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix:
Buttermilk
Canned pumpkin puree

Stir until well combined.

Step 7: Combine All Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the butter mixture while alternating with the wet mixture. Start with dry ingredients, followed by wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 8: Bake Your Cake

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

Step 9: Prepare Soak Mixture

While the cake is baking, mix together:
Espresso or strong coffee
Whole milk
Sweetened condensed milk
Pumpkin pie spice
Vanilla extract

Once mixed well, set aside.

Step 10: Soak the Cake

After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool slightly before poking holes all over its surface with a fork. Pour the soak mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to absorb fully.

Step 11: Make Frosting

For frosting, beat together:
* Softened unsalted butter
* Cold cream cheese

Add in powdered sugar gradually along with vanilla extract, instant espresso powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Beat until fluffy.

Step 12: Frost Your Cake

Once completely cooled, spread an even layer of frosting over the top of your soaked cake.

Your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is now ready to serve! Enjoy this delightful treat with friends or family during your next gathering!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

This delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. It pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors and textures.

With Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a delightful contrast to the moist cake, making each bite even more enjoyable.

With Coffee or Tea

• A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the spiced notes in the cake, creating a comforting experience perfect for chilly days.

As a Dessert Platter

• Slice the cake into smaller pieces and serve it on a dessert platter with seasonal fruits like apples and pears for a festive touch.

With Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side provides a creamy texture that balances the spices of the cake beautifully.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

To achieve the best results with your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake, consider these helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs and buttermilk to room temperature ensures better mixing and helps create a lighter cake texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid adding too much, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Don’t overmix: Mix your batter just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake instead of a soft one.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when done.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

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

1. Spiced Apple Compote
   A warm spiced apple compote adds sweetness and acidity, enhancing the flavors in the cake.
2. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice creates an irresistible sweet layer that pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
   These fluffy treats offer an additional layer of autumn flavor and make for fun finger food alongside your cake.
4. Chai Tea Cookies
   The warm spices in chai tea cookies echo the flavors of the cake while providing a delightful crunchy texture.
5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can balance the sweetness of the cake, making for an interesting flavor combination.
6. Pumpkin Soup
   A creamy pumpkin soup served as an appetizer sets a cozy autumnal tone before indulging in dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure that your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps create a uniform batter and a moist cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense texture. Stir until just combined to keep your cake fluffy.
• Ignoring the oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly. An inaccurate temperature can affect baking time and cake rise.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy. Too much flour can make your cake dry.
• Skipping the espresso soak: The espresso soak adds moisture and flavor. Don’t skip this step for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat single slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid, and warm the slice for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree; just make sure it’s well-cooked and smooth for the best texture.

What if I don’t have espresso powder?

You can replace it with instant coffee granules mixed with hot water for similar flavor.

How long does the frosting last?

The cream cheese frosting will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Is Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake suitable for baking in advance?

Absolutely! It stores well, so you can bake it a day or two before serving.

Can I customize the spices used in the cake?

Yes! Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences, such as adding nutmeg or cloves.

Final Thoughts

The Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. You can easily customize this recipe by adding nuts or using different frostings. Give it a try this autumn; you won’t be disappointed!