Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is the ultimate dessert for fall lovers. With its rich pumpkin flavor and a delightful coffee infusion, this cake is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying at home. The soft, moist texture combined with the creamy espresso frosting makes it a standout treat that everyone will love. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious seasonal delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor that capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
• Moist Texture: Soaked in sweet espresso, this cake offers a uniquely soft texture that is incredibly satisfying.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a cozy night in; it suits any occasion beautifully.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, even novice bakers can create this stunning cake.
• Decadent Frosting: The espresso cream cheese frosting elevates the flavor profile and adds a creamy finish.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather these essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment will ensure your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Baking pan: A quality pan ensures even baking for your cake, preventing burnt edges while keeping the center moist.
• Cooling rack: Allows your cake to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

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

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 with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
* Whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl:
* Use an electric mixer to beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

To the creamed mixture:
* Beat in eggs one at a time until well incorporated.
* Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Step 6: Combine All Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients into the butter mixture alternating with the pumpkin mixture.
* Start with dry ingredients and end with wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 7: Bake

Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
* Bake for about 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare Soak

While the cake bakes:
* In a small bowl, combine espresso or strong coffee with whole milk and sweetened condensed milk. Stir well.

Step 9: Soak Cake

Once baked:
* Allow the cake to cool slightly before poking holes all over its surface.
* Pour soak mixture evenly over warm cake to absorb flavors.

Step 10: Make Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
* Beat together softened butter and cold cream cheese until smooth.
* Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
* Add vanilla extract along with instant espresso powder and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until combined.

Step 11: Frost Cake

Once completely cooled:
* Spread frosting generously on top of your soaked cake.

Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to serve this cake that will impress your guests and enhance its flavors.

With a dollop of whipped cream

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

Drizzled with caramel sauce

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds a sweet, buttery richness that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.

Accompanied by vanilla ice cream

• Serve slices with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that balances the flavors.

Paired with spiced coffee

• Enjoy a slice alongside a cup of spiced coffee or chai latte to enhance the warm autumn flavors in every bite.

Topped with chocolate shavings

• Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the frosting for an added layer of flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with the spices.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

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

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs, buttermilk, and butter to room temperature helps create a smoother batter that bakes evenly.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag; this prevents packing and ensures accurate measurements.

• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake tender and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

• Let it cool completely: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and sliding of the frosting.

• Use quality espresso: Opt for high-quality espresso or strong coffee for soaking; it enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Pairing your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake with complementary side dishes can enhance its deliciousness. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts tossed in cinnamon and sugar offers a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.

2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake, making it perfect for any gathering.

3. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheese like brie or goat cheese; their creamy textures pair beautifully with pumpkin flavors.

4. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup makes for a cozy appetizer that matches well with your dessert.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips dusted with cinnamon sugar provide a sweet snack that complements every bite of cake.

6. Herbed Crostini: Crispy crostini topped with herbed cream cheese offer savory notes that contrast delightfully with sweet desserts.

7. Caramel Popcorn: Sweet, crunchy caramel popcorn adds an unexpected twist, perfect for nibbling alongside your slice.

8. Chai Tea: A steaming cup of chai tea brings out warm spices similar to those in the cake, creating a harmonious pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and buttermilk can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for better texture.
• Overmixing the batter: This can cause a tough cake. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Skipping the espresso soak: This step is crucial for moisture and flavor. Don’t skip soaking the cake in the espresso mixture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dense. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cake, and use a toothpick to check for doneness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

• Wrap 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 to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake so moist?

The combination of pumpkin puree and the espresso soak adds moisture, creating a soft and flavorful cake.

Can I use different spices instead of pumpkin pie spice?

Yes! You can mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a personalized spice blend that suits your taste.

How do I make this cake vegan?

You can substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding walnuts or chocolate chips can enhance both flavor and texture, offering delightful variations.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its rich flavors capture the essence of autumn while its moist texture satisfies cravings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings to make it truly yours. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!