If you love the cozy flavors of fall and crave a dessert that captures the essence of your favorite seasonal coffee, you are in for a treat with this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe. It brings together the warm spices of pumpkin spice blend, the rich creaminess of coffee-infused frosting, and the tender, moist texture of a perfectly spiced cake. Imagine biting into soft layers of pumpkin cake, enveloped in luscious coffee cream cheese frosting—it’s like your cherished pumpkin spice latte transformed into an irresistible celebration on a plate.

A two-layer brown cake with a moist texture is presented on a round wooden board. Each layer of the cake is separated by a light beige frosting that spreads evenly, with the same frosting covering the top and sides. On top, there are two dollops of white cream with soft swirls and small green dollops at the peak of each swirl. The cake is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a role, from creating the tender crumb to building the iconic pumpkin and coffee flavors that truly define this seasonal masterpiece.

Self-raising flour: Provides structure while keeping the cake light and fluffy.
Pumpkin spice mix: The heart of the recipe, infusing the cake with cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm autumn spices.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without weighing it down.
Large eggs: Help bind ingredients and add richness to the batter.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet, spicy flavors with a fragrant touch.
Light brown sugar: Adds subtle molasses notes and deepens the flavor profile.
Canned pumpkin puree: Delivers authentic pumpkin flavor and beautiful color.
Instant coffee granules: Mixed in the frosting to bring the essential latte aspect to life.
Boiling water: Used to dissolve the coffee, ensuring an even flavor in the frosting.
Unsalted butter: Softened for a creamy and smooth buttercream base.
Icing sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting to perfection.
Full-fat cream cheese: Adds tanginess and luscious creaminess to the frosting.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin-Spiced Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven and prepping your cake tins. The secret to a tender crumb is to gently combine your dry ingredients first—self-raising flour and pumpkin spice mix blend to set the perfect flavor base. Then, whisk together the wet ingredients including eggs, oil, and that lovely pumpkin puree until silky smooth. Mixing wet into dry just until combined helps keep the texture light and moist.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide your batter evenly between two greased and lined 7-inch pans. Baking at a moderate temperature allows the cakes to rise with a golden glow and spring back when lightly pressed, signaling they’re perfectly baked. Cooling them first in the pans helps the cakes hold their shape before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes cool, let’s prepare that luscious frosting. Dissolve your instant coffee granules in a little boiling water and chill—it’s this step that infuses that authentic latte coffee flavor. Cream the butter until soft and pale, then gradually beat in the icing sugar for a smooth buttercream. Folding in the cooled coffee liquid and cold cream cheese gently ensures your frosting is rich, creamy, and irresistibly fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe

Now for the fun part: layering your cake! On a stand or plate, place one cake round and generously slather half the frosting on top. Stack with the second cake layer, then spread the rest of the frosting over the top and sides. Personalize your final decoration however you like—maybe some autumn leaves or a sprinkle of cinnamon—to make it truly yours.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe

A slice of two-layer brown cake with a rough, crumbly texture sits on a white plate. Between the two layers is a light tan creamy filling that looks smooth and soft. The outside of the slice is also coated with the same light tan cream, slightly dripping off the edges. A silver fork rests on the plate with a small piece of cake on its tines. The setting features a white marbled surface under the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg over the frosting for an inviting aroma and a gorgeous finish. Toasted pecans or walnut halves add texture and a nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting and warmly spiced cake.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to highlight the dessert’s rich flavors. A hot cup of your favorite coffee or tea completes the ultimate cozy fall experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving individual slices alongside petite pumpkin spice latte cups for a mini tasting party. Alternatively, plate it with caramel drizzle or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra indulgent touch. Using autumn-themed plates or napkins will elevate the presentation in the most charming way possible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, cover your cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe at a leisurely pace without losing any of the luscious flavors or creamy texture.

Freezing

If you’d like to make this cake in advance, you can freeze the baked cake layers before frosting. Wrap each cooled layer well in cling film and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw completely at room temperature before applying the coffee cream cheese frosting and assembling the cake for the freshest taste.

Reheating

Although this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer a slightly warmer slice, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to heat too long to avoid melting the frosting. This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe is versatile and forgiving, perfect whether served fresh or gently warmed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Fresh pumpkin puree can be used, but you’ll need to cook and puree the pumpkin first to achieve the right consistency. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient, consistent, and retains moisture well, which helps keep the cake tender and moist.

What can I substitute for instant coffee granules?

If you don’t have instant coffee granules, you can substitute with very strong brewed espresso or coffee. Use about two teaspoons of brewed coffee instead of the granules dissolved in boiling water.

Is this cake suitable for vegans?

This version is not vegan because it contains eggs, butter, and cream cheese. However, with some ingredient swaps like plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and flax eggs, you could adapt the recipe for a vegan-friendly Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe.

How do I make my frosting less runny?

Frosting can become runny if over-mixed or if the cream cheese is too warm. Chill the frosting in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm it up before assembling the cake. Also, make sure your cream cheese is cold when you add it.

Can I bake this cake in one pan instead of two?

Baking the batter in one pan will require adjusting the baking time, likely longer, and you may lose some of the delicate height and even layer texture. Using two 7-inch pans is best for achieving the classic layered look and balanced baking.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe is truly a celebration of autumn in every bite. It’s the perfect way to bring those beloved latte flavors into your home kitchen as a showstopping dessert everyone will adore. Whether sharing with friends or indulging yourself, you’ll find this cake is a warm, nostalgic hug on a plate that’s impossible not to smile at. Give it a try and watch it become your new seasonal favorite!

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake Recipe