Best Pumpkin Spice latte Cake Recipe
Bake a delicious pumpkin spice latte cake! Get our easy recipe for a moist, coffee-infused, spiced cake perfect for fall celebrations.
Picture this: the warm, spiced aroma of fall baking filling your kitchen while you sip your favorite coffee. This incredibly moist pumpkin spice latte cake combines the beloved flavors of your favorite coffeehouse drink with tender, fluffy cake layers.
What makes this recipe truly special is its foolproof method that delivers bakery-quality results every single time. Unlike our popular cinnamon roll coffee cake, this show-stopping dessert brings together real pumpkin puree, aromatic spices, and a hint of espresso for the ultimate autumn indulgence.
Table of Contents
What is Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake?
Ever wondered why we’re all obsessed with pumpkin spice everything? This delightful cake captures that magical coffeehouse experience in dessert form! It’s essentially autumn’s love letter to your taste buds, combining velvety pumpkin puree with warm spices and coffee notes.
Remember the old saying that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, this cake proves it works for everyone! Ready to bring some cozy coffeehouse vibes to your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake:
Incredibly Moist and Flavorful
This cake delivers an unbelievably tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The secret lies in the perfect balance of pumpkin puree, sour cream, and oil, creating a texture that stays moist for days. Each bite bursts with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger while subtle coffee notes dance on your palate.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Luxury
Skip the expensive bakery prices and create this gourmet dessert at home for a fraction of the cost. With simple pantry staples and one can of pumpkin puree, you’ll have enough cake to feed a crowd. Compare this to our chocolate zucchini cake recipe, and you’ll discover how versatile seasonal baking can be.
Stunning Presentation and Versatility
The rich golden color and aromatic spices make this cake an instant showstopper at any gathering. Whether you dress it up with cream cheese frosting for special occasions or enjoy it plain with morning coffee, this cake adapts beautifully to any setting. Ready to impress your family and friends with this foolproof recipe?
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake:
Quick Overview
This pumpkin spice latte cake combines the cozy flavors of fall with rich coffee notes in one incredibly easy recipe. The moist, tender crumb comes from a perfect blend of pumpkin puree and sour cream, while warm spices create that signature autumn taste we all crave.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12-16 slices
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake:
For the Cake:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coffee Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Espresso In a small bowl, dissolve the instant espresso powder in hot water. Stir until completely dissolved and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until well combined. Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare Wet Ingredients In another large bowl, whisk together sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in pumpkin puree, sour cream, the cooled espresso mixture, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Mix Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Pour batter into prepared pan(s). Bake for 35-40 minutes for a 9×13 pan, or 30-35 minutes for round pans, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool Completely Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 8: Make the Coffee Glaze Whisk together powdered sugar, coffee, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with more coffee for thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for thicker glaze.
Step 9: Finish the Cake Once cake is completely cool, drizzle with coffee glaze. Allow glaze to set for 15 minutes before serving.
What to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake With:
This versatile cake pairs beautifully with many accompaniments. Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert. For afternoon tea, pair with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Coffee lovers will enjoy it alongside their morning brew, while hot apple cider makes an excellent autumn beverage pairing. Consider serving with toasted pecans or a dollop of maple mascarpone for elegant dinner parties.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure eggs, sour cream, and other dairy ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a more tender crumb. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or mix unevenly.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix just until the flour disappears to avoid a tough, dense cake. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will bake out.
Test for Doneness Properly
Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Overbaking will result in a dry cake.
Make Substitutions Wisely
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, or use melted butter instead of oil for richer flavor. For a stronger coffee taste, increase espresso powder to 3 tablespoons.
Enhance the Spice Blend
Toast whole spices and grind them fresh for more intense flavor, or add a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Store this pumpkin spice latte cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week. The cake actually improves in flavor after the first day as the spices meld together.
For longer storage, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing and serving.
To reheat individual slices, microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. The cake is equally delicious at room temperature or slightly warmed.
If freezing glazed cake, place in the freezer uncovered for 30 minutes to set the glaze, then wrap carefully in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1/12 of cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 285mg |
| Total Carbs | 52g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 42g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 58% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake without espresso powder?
Yes! You can substitute 2 tablespoons of very strong brewed coffee for the espresso powder and hot water mixture. The coffee flavor will be slightly milder but still delicious.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should spring back lightly when touched, and the edges will start to pull slightly from the pan sides.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or additional pumpkin puree, and use plant-based milk in the glaze instead of heavy cream.
Why did my cake turn out dense?
Dense cake usually results from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully. Use two 9×13 pans or four 9-inch round pans, and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
How far ahead can I make this cake?
You can bake the cake up to 2 days ahead and store covered at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving for the best appearance and texture.
Bonus Tips for Success:
Make-Ahead Options
This cake is perfect for meal prep and entertaining. You can make the cake layers up to one month ahead and freeze them wrapped tightly. The unfrosted cake also keeps well for several days, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Flavor Variations
Transform this base recipe into different seasonal treats. Add chocolate chips for extra indulgence, swirl in cream cheese for a marbled effect, or incorporate chopped pecans for crunch. You can also experiment with different glazes like maple, caramel, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Presentation Ideas
Turn this simple cake into an elegant dessert by serving it in individual portions with a dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick garnish. For parties, cut into squares and arrange on a beautiful platter with fall leaves as decoration.
