Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Name: Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 1 h 8 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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; 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

By:

dani

Published:

September 22, 2025

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Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is the perfect dessert to welcome the crispness of autumn and indulge in those warm, spicy flavors that we all love. If you’ve ever craved that first pumpkin spice latte of the season, this cake brings that beloved beverage to a whole new level. Imagine layer upon layer of moist, fluffy cake soaked in a delicious coffee mixture, then topped with a velvety espresso cream cheese frosting. It’s practically a hug in cake form! This recipe isn’t just about great taste—it’s about creating a cozy atmosphere and sparking joy as you bake and share it with friends and family. So, grab your mixing bowls, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create something truly special with this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake!

Why This Recipe Works

The unique combination of flavors in Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake creates an indulgent dessert that celebrates autumn perfectly. The moist texture achieved from the latte soak mimics popular tres leches cakes while retaining a distinctive character all its own. This cake incorporates both pumpkin puree and warming spices, creating a depth of flavor that is comforting and satisfying. You’ll be surprised at how each bite reveals layers of taste, making it not just a cake, but an experience.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

It’s a fan-favorite that brilliantly brings the beloved coffee shop drink into cake form, making it ideal for cozy gatherings. The espresso cream cheese frosting adds a rich finish that truly accentuates the warm spices of the cake. Plus, the beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity; it’s effortless to make, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

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 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

Preparing the Pumpkin Cake

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 inch light metal baking pan and line it with parchment paper to make removal easier.

Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside as you move on to the next steps.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is a crucial step for texture!

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. You want this mixture to become pale and ribbon-like.

Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Now, slowly add in the buttermilk and pumpkin puree. Mix on medium-low speed until blended, but don’t be surprised if it appears a bit curdled; it’s completely normal!

Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, scrapping down the sides of the bowl as needed. You want it to be smooth but still careful not to overmix.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 35-38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Set it aside to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes.

Making the Latte Soak

Prepare the Latte Mixture

While your cake is cooling, mix together the espresso, milk, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a liquid measuring cup. This mixture will give the cake that signature coffee flavor.

Preparing the Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the Butter

In a large bowl, whip the softened butter on high speed until it becomes pale and fluffy, which should take about 5-10 minutes.

Add Cream Cheese

Next, incorporate the cold cream cheese and mix on medium speed until it transforms into a fluffy mixture.

Incorporate Powdered Sugar

Gradually sift in the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Once fully combined, whip on high speed again until it’s fluffy.

Add Espresso and Spices

To elevate the flavor, dissolve the instant espresso powder in the vanilla extract and mix it into the frosting. Don’t forget to add the pumpkin pie spice for that extra boost!

Assembling the Cake

Prepare the Cake for Soaking

After the cake has cooled completely, trim off a thin layer from the top to create a flat surface. This helps with the soaking process.

Poke Holes for Soaking

Using a wooden stick or the handle of a spoon, poke holes across the top of the cake. This step is essential as it allows the latte mixture to soak in beautifully.

Pour the Latte Soak

Slowly pour the latte mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Take your time with this for the moistest cake possible.

Frost the Cake

Now, spread a thick layer of espresso cream cheese frosting on top of your cake, finishing with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for that gorgeous touch.

Serving Suggestions

For an even sweeter touch, pair the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It’s also delightful served alongside your favorite coffee or tea, which enhances that pumpkin spice experience beautifully.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best results, make sure ingredients like buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter. Additionally, don’t rush the soaking process; letting the cake absorb that latte mixture is key for a moist texture that everyone will love.

Variations

If you want to play with flavors, consider substituting half of the pumpkin puree with applesauce for a unique twist. You could also experiment with using different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree?
A1: For this recipe, it’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree to avoid unnecessary sugars and spices.

Q2: How can I store leftover cake?
A2: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to preserve its freshness.

Q3: Can I freeze the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake?
A3: Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Q4: Can I make this recipe without eggs?
A4: Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer.

Q5: Is this cake suitable for birthdays?
A5: Definitely! Its flavor and presentation make it a fantastic choice for celebrations.

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is a delightful addition to your fall baking repertoire. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it truly encapsulates the essence of the season in every bite. Enjoy it at gatherings or simply as a cozy treat with your morning coffee for the ultimate autumn experience.