The aroma of freshly baked Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm hug of spices and sweetness. Imagine sinking your fork into moist, spiced layers topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting that dances on your taste buds like a caffeinated ballerina.
This cake isn’t just for fall; it’s a year-round delight! Picture cozy gatherings with friends, where this cake steals the show and sparks laughter over pumpkin-themed puns. Each slice promises a delightful experience as rich flavors blend seamlessly, transporting you to your favorite coffee shop, minus the wait in line.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for bakers of all levels
- The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of pumpkin and spice that awakens your senses
- Visually stunning with its warm hues, it makes an impressive centerpiece for any occasion
- Versatile enough to serve at parties or as a comforting dessert after dinner
I vividly remember the first time I made this cake; my friends couldn’t believe I had baked it from scratch! Their delighted reactions made my kitchen feel like the set of a cooking show.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cake Flour: Using cake flour ensures a lighter texture; it’s worth the extra trip to the store.
Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree for rich flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling to keep it fresh.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds moisture and depth; I like using dark for extra richness.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): Freshly ground spices elevate the flavor; don’t skip this step for a true pumpkin spice experience.
Eggs: Essential for binding; use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into your batter.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors beautifully; always opt for pure over imitation.
For the Frosting:
Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor in your frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sift powdered sugar before adding to avoid lumps and achieve that perfect smooth frosting.
Butter: Softened unsalted butter balances flavors in the frosting; ensure it’s at room temperature before mixing.
Milk or Cream: A splash helps adjust consistency; add gradually until you reach your desired smoothness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour. This ensures easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk together until well combined so every bite is packed with flavor.
In another bowl, beat together pumpkin puree and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time while mixing until each one is fully incorporated. The mixture should be creamy and slightly thick.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake light and fluffy—no one wants a dense dessert!
Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While they bake, enjoy that heavenly scent filling your home.
Once baked, let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key here; let those cakes cool down properly before frosting!
For frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency with milk or cream if needed.
Frost between cooled layers generously then coat the top and sides of the cake. For added flair, sprinkle some cinnamon on top or garnish with whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy!
Slice up generous pieces of this delightful Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake and watch as everyone devours it with smiles and happy sighs. Enjoy every delicious bite!
You Must Know
- This delightful Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake brings the cozy café vibes right to your kitchen
- With warm spices and rich coffee flavors, it’s perfect for autumn gatherings or just a cozy night in
- The aroma alone will have you dreaming of falling leaves and pumpkin patches
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by brewing your coffee first; this ensures it cools while you mix the batter. Then, whip up the dry ingredients before combining them with the wet ones for a smoother blend. Lastly, bake until golden brown and let cool completely before frosting.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out some spices according to your taste! Try adding nutmeg for extra warmth or even a splash of maple syrup to enhance sweetness. You could also fold in chocolate chips for an indulgent twist that will leave everyone wanting more.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or enjoy them cold with a cup of coffee.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect texture, let your eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing
- Always sift your dry ingredients to avoid clumps, which can ruin the cake’s lightness
- Using fresh spices can elevate flavor immensely; don’t skimp on quality!
I remember the first time I baked this cake—my friends devoured it within minutes! Their smiles as they took that first bite made all the flour-covered chaos worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use decaf coffee in Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake?
Absolutely! Decaf coffee works wonderfully without sacrificing flavor in this recipe.
How do I make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake gluten-free?
Swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend for delicious results.
What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?
You can substitute applesauce or mashed bananas for a different yet tasty cake experience.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This cake is not just for the fall; it’s perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Each slice offers a moist, flavorful experience that transports you straight to your favorite coffee shop.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (100% pure)
- 1 cup brown sugar (dark preferred)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat, softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- Milk or cream (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture until just combined.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and adjust consistency with milk or cream as needed.
- Frost cooled cakes generously and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, try incorporating chocolate chips or maple syrup into the batter. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
