Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, perfect for cozy gatherings and special occasions. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist and fluffy pumpkin cake soaked in rich espresso, topped with creamy espresso frosting. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that captures the essence of autumn. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration or a holiday feast, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its unique taste and inviting aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Moist: The unique soaking method gives this cake a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Flavor Explosion: Pumpkin, spices, and coffee come together to create an unforgettable flavor profile.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can achieve great results.
• Beautiful Presentation: The creamy frosting and warm spices make this cake visually stunning.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake, gather these essential tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is ideal for even baking and easy serving.
• Electric mixer: It helps achieve a light and fluffy batter quickly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfecting your cake recipe.

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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 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 non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Pumpkin pie spice
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt
Whisk together until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
– Unsalted butter
– Granulated sugar
Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in:
– Vanilla extract

Step 5: Mix in Pumpkin and Buttermilk

Gradually add:
– Pumpkin puree
– Buttermilk
Mix until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if there are some lumps.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 38 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let it cool completely before adding soak.

Step 8: Prepare Latte Soak

In a separate bowl, mix together:
– Espresso or strong coffee
– Whole milk
– Sweetened condensed milk
– Pumpkin pie spice
– Vanilla extract
Once blended, poke holes in the cooled cake using a fork or skewer and pour the soak evenly over it.

Step 9: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In another bowl, beat together:
– Softened unsalted butter
– Cold cream cheese
Mix until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Stir in:
– Vanilla extract
– Instant espresso powder
– Pumpkin pie spice
Beat until fluffy.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the soaked cake. Decorate as desired before slicing into squares to serve!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake can elevate its delightful flavors and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complement this autumn-inspired dessert.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top for a light and airy contrast to the rich frosting.

Alongside Coffee

• Serve with a hot cup of coffee or espresso to enhance the cake’s coffee notes and create a cozy experience.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds sweetness and a touch of decadence, making each bite even more irresistible.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Pair slices with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

With Seasonal Fruit

• Fresh apple or pear slices provide a refreshing balance to the rich cake, perfect for fall gatherings.

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: Ensure your eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

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

• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and light.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before applying frosting; this prevents melting.

• Add Extra Espresso Powder: For a stronger coffee flavor, consider adding more instant espresso powder to the frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider
   Warm spiced apple cider complements the cake’s flavors perfectly and adds a comforting drink option.

2. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
   The creamy soup provides a savory balance against the sweet cake, making it an ideal pairing for fall dinners.

3. Green Salad with Pecans
   A fresh salad topped with toasted pecans offers crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the cake.

4. Pumpkin Soup
   For pumpkin lovers, a smooth pumpkin soup enhances the theme while providing warmth and comfort.

5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese can add savory notes that pair nicely with dessert.

6. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
   Sweet roasted Brussels sprouts bring out similar caramel notes found in the cake, creating harmony on your plate.

7. Baked Sweet Potatoes
   Their natural sweetness complements pumpkin flavors while adding nutritious elements to your meal.

8. Chai Spiced Cookies
   These cookies echo the spices in your cake, making for a delightful treat alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake can be delightful, but a few common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or buttermilk can result in an uneven batter. Let your ingredients sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can affect baking time and texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to too much flour in your recipe. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring the Soaking Step: Skipping the espresso soak will deprive your cake of moisture and flavor. This step is essential for achieving that perfect texture.
• Using Unsuitable Frosting: Not opting for cream cheese frosting might result in a less flavorful experience. The espresso cream cheese frosting adds richness that complements the cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• 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 warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each slice on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat each slice for about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake, along with their answers.

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake vegan?

You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

How do I enhance the pumpkin flavor?

Adding more pumpkin puree or using pumpkin pie spice blends can intensify the flavor of your cake.

What if I don’t have espresso?

You can replace espresso with strong brewed coffee or even a concentrated coffee extract.

Can I use other spices instead of pumpkin pie spice?

Yes! You may experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is not only moist and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even swapping out spices based on what you enjoy most. Give this delightful recipe a try this autumn; it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!