Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe
This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is a delightful autumn-inspired dessert that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice and espresso in a moist pumpkin cake soaked with a latte-infused milk mixture and topped with a rich espresso cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced and layered with creamy frosting, this cake is ideal for cozy gatherings or a festive treat during the fall season.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Pumpkin 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 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
- Prepare the Pumpkin Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, add softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on high speed, cream together for 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute until pale in color and smooth.
- Incorporate Buttermilk and Pumpkin: Pour in the buttermilk and canned pumpkin puree. Mix on medium-low speed until combined; the mixture may look curdled but this is normal.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Scrape sides of the bowl as needed to fully incorporate.
- 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.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Then lift the cake out by the parchment paper and cool completely on the rack.
- Make Latte Soak: While the cake cools, mix espresso, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a liquid measuring cup or pourable container.
- Prepare Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, whip the unsalted butter on high speed for 5-10 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add Cream Cheese: Add cold cream cheese to the whipped butter and combine on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually sift in powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Increase to high speed and whip for about 1 minute until fluffy.
- Add Espresso and Spice: Dissolve instant espresso powder in vanilla extract, then add to the frosting along with pumpkin pie spice. Mix on medium-low then on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, trim a thin layer off the top to help absorption. Transfer the cake to a serving plate and poke holes on the surface using a wooden stick or handle.
- Apply Latte Soak: Slowly pour the latte mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb through the holes patiently.
- Frost the Cake: Spread a thick layer of espresso cream cheese frosting on top using an offset spatula. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice for garnish.
- Serve: Cut the cake into 16 slices and serve. Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake!
Notes
- Make sure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature for best results.
- The cake may look curdled after adding pumpkin and buttermilk; this is normal and will not affect the final texture.
- If espresso is unavailable, use very strong brewed coffee.
- Use instant espresso powder for the frosting to avoid a gritty texture and to easily dissolve flavor.
- The cake soaks up the latte mixture better if allowed to rest after pouring; be patient for best flavor infusion.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the instant espresso powder slightly in the frosting.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.
Keywords: Pumpkin Spice Cake, Latte Cake, Espresso Cake, Fall Dessert, Pumpkin Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting