Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is a delightful blend of flavors that you may already love. It combines the warm spices often found in pumpkin pie with the comforting taste of coffee. This cake immediately brings to mind the cozy atmosphere of the autumn season, making it perfect for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, or any special occasion. The aroma of spices fills your kitchen as it bakes, creating an inviting environment for everyone.
Not only is this cake delicious, but it’s also simple to make. The recipe uses common ingredients you may already have in your pantry. With just a few steps, you can create a moist, flavorful cake that is sure to impress your friends and family. You might want to serve it for breakfast, enjoy it as a snack, or even serve it as dessert after dinner. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.
In addition to its great taste, the use of pumpkin puree offers health benefits. Pumpkin is low in calories and high in nutrients. It’s a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber. This means you can indulge in your cake while still feeling like you’re making a somewhat healthy choice. Enjoying dessert doesn’t have to mean compromising on nutrition!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
Making Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is a simple process that can be done in less than an hour. This recipe is straightforward, so even if you are not an experienced baker, you will have no trouble following it. Just gather your ingredients, follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have a delicious cake to savor.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Follow these easy steps to create your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and rises properly.
Prepare Your Baking Pan: Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step prevents the cake from sticking to the pan when it’s done baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices in the flour. Set this bowl aside once mixed.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brewed coffee, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk all these ingredients until they are smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the wet mixture to the bowl containing dry ingredients. Stir gently until no dry flour is visible. It is important not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Pour Batter: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if necessary.
Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You can check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Cool the Cake: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial, as it helps the cake maintain its moistness.
Optional Topping: If you wish, you can frost the cake with cream cheese frosting or serve it plain for a lighter option.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
Serving Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. You can dust the top with powdered sugar for a classic look. Alternatively, you may choose to add a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, which complements the flavors beautifully.
When serving, consider pairing slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. A warm cup of coffee or tea also makes a perfect match, helping to enhance its rich flavors. This cake is great for celebrations, but it can also be enjoyed in more casual settings, like a family brunch or a quiet afternoon snack.
How to Store Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
If you have leftover cake, storing it correctly will help keep it fresh. Allow the cake to cool completely. Then, you can place any uneaten cake in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, but if you want it to last longer, store it in the refrigerator.
If you plan to keep it for more than a few days, consider freezing the cake. Slice it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. You can then place all the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it at room temperature before serving again.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake turns out perfectly:
Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If you have the time, making your pumpkin puree from scratch can elevate the flavor of this cake. Roast a fresh pumpkin until soft, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements are key. For dry ingredients like flour, use a spoon to fill the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
Don’t Overmix: Stir only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking.
Let It Cool Completely: For the best flavor and texture, be sure to let the cake cool completely before serving or frosting.
Variations
While the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake is delightful as is, you can also try some variations:
Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the soft cake.
Include Chocolate: Mixing in chocolate chips can create a lovely balance of flavors. Dark chocolate pairs particularly well with pumpkin and spices.
Spice Variations: You can adjust the spice ratios to fit your taste. More cinnamon or even a touch of cardamom could add a lovely flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just be sure to roast the pumpkin and blend it until smooth before using it in the recipe.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or refrigerate it to keep it fresh longer.
3. What should I do if my cake is dense?
If your cake is dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. It’s important to mix only until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
By making Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake, you’re not only creating a delicious dessert but also enjoying the comforting flavors of the season. This cake is easy to make, can be customized in numerous ways, and is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Enjoy your baking!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, brewed coffee, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until no dry flour is visible.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve plain or frost with cream cheese frosting. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.