Name: Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake with Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 2 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

Jump to Recipe

The Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake with Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute showstopper for anyone who adores the cozy flavors of fall wrapped in a moist, tender cake. Imagine a beautifully spiced pumpkin cake soaked in a luscious latte mixture, topped with a dreamy espresso cream cheese frosting that’s velvety and packed with warmth. This recipe perfectly captures those signature pumpkin spice latte vibes, bringing them to life in a cake that’s bursting with flavor, just begging to be shared with friends and family during those chilly afternoons or festive gatherings.

The image shows a close-up of a square piece of pumpkin cake with two layers: a moist, dense orange-brown cake base with small crumb textures and a thick, creamy light beige frosting layer on top sprinkled with a light dusting of cinnamon powder. The cake is on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture background, and star anise spices and a small orange pumpkin are placed nearby for decoration. Multiple similar pieces of cake are visible in the background, forming a neat row. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together harmoniously to create this unforgettable cake. Each component plays a vital role — from giving structure and moisture to infusing those unmistakable pumpkin spice and espresso flavors.

All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The base for a light and tender crumb that holds all the flavor.
Pumpkin pie spice (1 tbsp + 1/4 tsp + 1 1/2 tsp): A blend of warming spices that define the seasonal character of this cake.
Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp) & baking soda (1/4 tsp): Leavening agents that ensure a nice rise and soft texture.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the sweet and savory notes in the batter and frosting.
Unsalted butter (10 tbsp + 1 cup): Adds richness and contributes to a silky crumb and fluffy frosting.
Granulated white sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the spices.
Eggs (2): Provide structure and moisture, making the cake beautifully tender.
Vanilla extract (3 1/2 tsp): Adds depth and rounds out the flavors throughout.
Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Brings a subtle tang and makes the cake moist and tender.
Canned pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star of the cake, delivering moisture and the beloved pumpkin flavor.
Espresso or strong coffee (1/4 cup): Infuses the latte soak and frosting with that irresistible coffee kick.
Whole milk (1/3 cup): Adds creamy richness to the latte soak.
Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Sweetens the latte soak and keeps the cake irresistibly moist.
Cream cheese (8 oz, cold): Combines with butter for the thick, luxurious frosting.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and lightens the frosting to fluffy perfection.
Instant espresso powder (2 tsp): Enhances the coffee flavor in the frosting without adding liquid.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake with Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F, and grease a 9×9 inch pan lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Combine all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk them together to disperse the spices evenly. In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar at high speed until light and fluffy — this step is key for a tender crumb. Beat in eggs and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and pale. Next, mix in the buttermilk and pumpkin puree at medium-low speed; it may look slightly curdled at this stage but don’t worry, this is perfectly normal.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients into the wet batter gradually. Mix on low speed until just combined, making sure to scrape the sides to avoid any pockets of flour. This careful mixing ensures the cake remains light and soft without overworking the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This timing yields a moist, tender cake that’s packed with aromatic pumpkin spice goodness. Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment paper and allowing it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Latte Soak

While the cake cools, whisk together espresso, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. This magical soak will infuse your cake with moistness and that unmistakable pumpkin spice latte flavor that makes this cake truly extraordinary.

Step 5: Prepare the Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat butter until pale and fluffy, which can take 5 to 10 minutes — this aeration is what gives your frosting lightness. Then add cold cream cheese and beat until combined and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed to avoid a floury cloud, then whip it on high for a fluffy texture. Dissolve the instant espresso powder in vanilla extract, and add it together with pumpkin pie spice to the frosting mixture. Whip again until the frosting is light, creamy, and full of coffee-spiced flavor.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has fully cooled, slice a very thin layer off the top to help soak absorption. Place the cake on a serving plate and pierce its surface all over with a wooden stick or honey dipper handle to create pockets for your latte soak. Slowly pour the latte mixture over the cake and let it seep in patiently. When fully soaked, spread a generous layer of the espresso cream cheese frosting on top with an offset spatula. Dust with a little pumpkin pie spice for a final seasonal flourish and slice into 16 squares.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake with Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A tray of nine square pumpkin cake pieces layered with smooth light brown frosting on top, each frosting layer sprinkled with light cinnamon powder showing a slightly swirled texture. Three pieces are separated from the main tray, revealing a soft orange pumpkin cake layer underneath the frosting. A small orange pumpkin is placed near the tray, along with a brown bowl holding cinnamon sticks and star anise on a wooden surface. A metal serving spatula and a small white cup with frothy light brown liquid are also visible on the wooden surface, which is replaced with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

If you want to elevate your presentation, a light dusting of cinnamon or extra pumpkin pie spice on the frosting adds a beautiful visual touch and an extra hint of warmth. Toasted pecans or chopped walnuts scattered over the top will add a wonderful crunch and nutty contrast to the cake’s creamy texture.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the spice. For a warm beverage, keep the pumpkin spice latte theme going with a hot coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced cider to keep everyone cozy and content.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow guests? Serve individual slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkling of homemade candied ginger for a bright zing. You can also cut the cake into mini squares and serve on decorative toothpicks for a fun bite-sized treat at parties or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake with Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain the frosting’s creamy texture and prevent the cake from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake (without frosting) wrapped tightly in plastic and aluminum foil for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then prepare the frosting and reassemble just before serving so it tastes as fresh as when first baked.

Reheating

If you want to gently warm a slice, allow it to come to room temperature first, then microwave it for about 15 seconds. This will bring out the flavors and soften the frosting slightly without melting it completely, making each bite divine.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Fresh pumpkin can work, but make sure to cook and puree it thoroughly until smooth. Canned pumpkin has a consistent moisture level and flavor that ensures your cake turns out perfectly every time.

What if I don’t have espresso or coffee on hand?

You can substitute strong brewed coffee for the espresso. Just make sure it’s concentrated enough to impart that rich coffee flavor which balances wonderfully with the pumpkin spices.

Can this recipe be made into cupcakes?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time to about 18-22 minutes and fill muffin tins two-thirds full. The latte soak can be spooned over warm cupcakes for an extra moist and flavorful treat.

Is the frosting very sweet or balanced?

The espresso cream cheese frosting strikes a perfect balance — sweet but with a lovely tang from the cream cheese and a subtle coffee depth that keeps it from being overpoweringly sweet.

Can I make the cake gluten-free?

With some substitutions like using a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensuring your baking powder is gluten-free, you can adapt this recipe, though texture may vary slightly. It’s worth testing to enjoy this delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake with Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake with Espresso Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a true celebration of everything cozy and comforting about fall, wrapped in a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a quiet treat at home, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try — you’ll soon see why this recipe is a beloved favorite that’s sure to become part of your seasonal baking tradition.