As the crisp autumn air fills your mornings and golden leaves crunch underfoot, there’s one flavor combo that defines the season — Pumpkin Spice Latte. Now imagine that iconic blend of pumpkin, coffee, and warm spices baked into a soft, moist, melt-in-your-mouth cake.
This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s pure fall comfort in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or craving a sweet weekend bake, this easy, one-bowl recipe brings café vibes right into your kitchen — no fancy equipment required!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
- 🍰 Super Moist & Fluffy: The perfect texture — soft, light, and tender.
- ☕ Coffee + Pumpkin = Heaven: The latte flavor adds depth and warmth.
- 🕒 Quick to Make: Just 15 minutes of prep and simple pantry ingredients.
- 🎃 Perfect for Fall Parties: A crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or Sunday brunch.
- 🧁 Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or your favorite frosting twist!
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup brewed coffee (cooled)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
🧁 How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
🥣 Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
🧈 Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients evenly ensures perfect flavor in every bite.
☕ Step 3 – Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brewed coffee, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. The coffee enhances the pumpkin spice flavor beautifully!
🎃 Step 4 – Combine Mixtures
Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Fold gently using a spatula — avoid overmixing for a soft, airy crumb.
🔥 Step 5 – Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Your kitchen will smell like your favorite fall coffee shop!
🍰 Step 6 – Cool and Frost
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Top with your favorite frosting or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze once fully cooled.
🍂 Cream Cheese Latte Frosting (Optional but Amazing)
Ingredients:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cooled brewed coffee
Instructions:
Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla and coffee. Spread over cooled cake and sprinkle with cinnamon or chocolate shavings.
💡 Pro Baking Tips for Perfect Results
- Bring eggs and coffee to room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t overmix — just combine until smooth.
- Use fresh coffee for the best aroma.
- Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
🧁 Fun Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives.
- Extra Moist: Add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
- Chocolate Pumpkin Dream: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a mocha twist.
- Spiced Latte Boost: Add a pinch of cardamom or a splash of espresso.
🍮 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a hot latte, chai tea, or spiced cider.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Sprinkle crushed pecans, chocolate curls, or caramel drizzle for a café-style touch.
- Cut into squares and serve on a fall-themed dessert board.
📦 Storage & Freezing
- Room Temp: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Fridge: Up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic + foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Bake a day ahead and frost just before serving.
Can I use espresso instead of coffee?
Absolutely — it intensifies the latte flavor beautifully.
What if I don’t have pumpkin puree?
Use mashed sweet potato or applesauce for a slightly different but still delicious version.
🧡 Final Thoughts: The Cake That Feels Like Fall
This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake captures everything we love about autumn — cozy, aromatic, and utterly delicious. Whether you enjoy it with morning coffee or serve it at a fall party, this cake brings the warmth of the season straight to your table.
If you try this recipe, save it on Pinterest, leave a review, and follow us for more fall-inspired desserts that fill your kitchen with joy and the scent of cinnamon dreams. 🍂✨
