Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake. This cake is an ode to the classic pumpkin spice latte, soaked in milky espresso goodness, and topped with a luscious espresso cream cheese frosting. Each slice bursts with warm spices and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it the perfect treat for chilly days and cozy evenings. With its rich pumpkin flavor and just the right touch of coffee, this cake brings the comfort of autumn into every bite. It’s easy to make, and the espresso soak ensures that the cake stays moist and flavorful. Whether paired with your morning coffee or served as an elegant dessert, this cake is a surefire way to embrace the season!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups (281 g) all-purpose flour
- 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 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 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
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Combine wet ingredients. Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture, then mix until smooth. Add buttermilk and pumpkin puree, mixing until combined.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until combined.
- Bake the cake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the latte soak. While the cake cools, mix espresso, milk, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
- Make the frosting. Beat butter until pale and fluffy. Mix in cream cheese until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, then add vanilla dissolved with espresso powder and pumpkin pie spice. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the cake. Once cooled, trim a thin layer from the top of the cake, poke holes, and pour the latte soak over it. Frost the cake with the cream cheese frosting and dust with pumpkin pie spice. Cut into 16 slices and enjoy!
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 38 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 380 kcal per slice | Servings: 16 slices
The Background of the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
The Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is inspired by one of the most beloved fall beverages, the pumpkin spice latte (or “PSL” as many fondly call it). This seasonal drink, made popular by coffee shops around the world, combines the earthy richness of pumpkin, warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, and a creamy finish that’s both comforting and invigorating. The cake is essentially a tribute to these fall flavors, transforming the experience of sipping on a PSL into a delectable dessert that you can slice, serve, and savor.
The concept behind this cake is to merge the comfort of a moist pumpkin spice cake with the indulgence of a coffee-soaked treat. Drawing inspiration from a tres leches cake, which is soaked in three types of milk, the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake takes a similar approach but with a fall twist. The espresso-milk soak allows the flavors to deepen, and the creamy espresso-infused frosting is the ultimate finishing touch.
The Benefits of Making the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
1. Warm Spices that Soothe and Heal
One of the key highlights of this cake is its spice blend – a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, commonly known as pumpkin pie spice. Not only do these spices add incredible flavor, but they also offer some health benefits. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Ginger is praised for aiding digestion, and cloves have natural antioxidants. This cake, though indulgent, carries the added bonus of being packed with these warming spices, which makes each bite not just tasty but comforting for the body.
2. A Balance of Flavors and Textures
The Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is not just another spiced dessert. It features a perfectly balanced combination of moist, spongy cake, aromatic espresso, and creamy frosting. The espresso-milk soak enhances the depth of the pumpkin and spice flavors while keeping the cake moist. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the warm spices and coffee notes to shine through, making it an excellent pairing with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or, of course, a pumpkin spice latte.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting for a Velvety Finish
What truly sets this cake apart is the espresso cream cheese frosting. Unlike typical buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting has a slight tanginess that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake and the bitterness of the espresso. The addition of espresso powder to the frosting not only adds flavor but enhances the overall coffee theme. It’s creamy, smooth, and luxurious – the perfect finish to an already decadent cake.
4. Versatility and Ease of Customization
This recipe is very versatile and can be adapted for different occasions or dietary preferences. You can easily transform it into cupcakes for a party or add extra toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle for added texture and flavor. And if you need to go gluten-free, substituting a high-quality gluten-free flour (like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour) works perfectly without sacrificing taste or texture.
Why This Cake is the Best Fall Dessert
1. Moist and Tender Crumb
A common problem with many cakes is that they can turn out dry or dense, but this recipe uses a combination of ingredients that create a tender and moist crumb. The buttermilk and pumpkin puree are key here, as they keep the cake soft and ensure that every slice is flavorful. The latte soak adds another layer of moisture, making each bite melt in your mouth.
2. Rich, Autumnal Flavor Profile
The taste of this cake is like a cozy autumn day wrapped into a single slice. The pumpkin, combined with spices and espresso, creates a flavor that’s earthy, warm, and aromatic. It’s a cake that feels nostalgic, bringing to mind the smells and tastes of fall – like walking through crunchy leaves, sipping on a warm drink, and enjoying the crisp autumn air.
3. Impressive Presentation for Any Occasion
Not only is this cake delicious, but it’s also beautiful to present. The deep orange color of the pumpkin cake, contrasted with the creamy espresso frosting, makes for a stunning display. You can serve this cake at any autumn gathering – from Thanksgiving feasts to Halloween parties, or simply as a weekend treat – and it will never fail to impress. The dusting of pumpkin pie spice on top adds a finishing touch that enhances both the look and flavor of the cake.
Baking Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure you achieve the best possible outcome, consider the following tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients. This is crucial for achieving a smooth batter and even baking. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to clump or the cake to bake unevenly.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately. Particularly for baking, precise measurements are key. Using a digital kitchen scale is highly recommended, especially when measuring flour, to ensure that the cake turns out perfect.
- Poke Plenty of Holes for the Soak. Once the cake is baked, poke small holes all over the top to ensure that the espresso-milk mixture soaks into the cake evenly, infusing every bite with flavor.
- Chill the Frosting. For a stable and fluffy cream cheese frosting, make sure that the cream cheese is cold before whipping it with the butter. This prevents the frosting from becoming runny and helps it maintain its shape when spread over the cake.
Variations to Try
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to mix things up, here are some delicious variations:
- Add a Nutty Crunch. Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle. Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the frosted cake for a touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Chocolate Espresso Twist. Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle some on top of the frosting to give it a mocha flavor.
Why You Should Make This Cake
The Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s an experience. It’s the best way to celebrate the fall season, bringing together classic autumn flavors and the comfort of coffee in a beautiful, easy-to-make cake. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you want to treat yourself to a cozy night in, share it with friends over coffee, or serve it as a show-stopping dessert at your next gathering.
The combination of its soft texture, rich spices, coffee-soaked sponge, and creamy frosting creates a balance of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. And best of all, the recipe is straightforward, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve a stunning, delicious result.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of fall flavors, coffee, and cake, then this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is a must-try recipe. Its nostalgic flavors, warm spices, and tender crumb will make it a favorite addition to your autumn dessert repertoire – and a recipe you’ll want to come back to year after year.
