Name: Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled); ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 cups powdered sugar

Pumpkin spice season just got a sweet twist with this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake. It captures all the cozy fall flavors of your favorite seasonal drink and bakes them into a moist, spiced cake topped with a creamy espresso-infused frosting. Every bite feels like a warm hug with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and that signature pumpkin kick.

This cake is the perfect bake for a cozy gathering, a festive dessert table, or just when you want to treat yourself to something autumnal. It delivers the flavor of a pumpkin spice latte in a sliceable, shareable form that will win over coffee lovers and pumpkin fans alike.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

This cake blends the rich warmth of pumpkin pie spice with the deep comfort of a coffeehouse favorite. The cake itself is soft and moist, thanks to real pumpkin puree, and the latte flavor shines through in the espresso-spiked frosting. It’s easy to make ahead, even easier to decorate, and guaranteed to draw a crowd. Whether for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or just a crisp Sunday afternoon, it hits every seasonal note.

What Kind of Coffee Should I Use in Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake?

Brewed espresso or strong brewed coffee both work beautifully in this recipe. If you have instant espresso powder on hand, you can use that too. The key is to get a bold coffee flavor that pairs nicely with the spices and pumpkin. Just make sure your coffee is cooled before adding it to the frosting so it blends smoothly without melting the butter.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

The ingredient list for this cake reads like a fall dream. Every item plays a part in building the cozy texture and warm flavors that make this cake irresistible.

Pumpkin Puree gives the cake moisture and earthy sweetness, perfect for that authentic pumpkin taste.

All-Purpose Flour creates the structure for the cake without being too dense.

Granulated Sugar balances the spice and enhances the pumpkin flavor.

Brown Sugar adds a rich, molasses-like depth that deepens the autumn profile.

Eggs bind everything together and help give the cake its rise.

Vegetable Oil keeps the crumb soft and tender.

Baking Soda ensures the cake bakes up fluffy and light.

Pumpkin Pie Spice is the heart of the flavor, filled with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

Salt sharpens the flavor and keeps the sweetness in check.

Vanilla Extract enhances the overall warmth and depth of flavor.

Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee gives the cake and frosting that signature latte taste.

Unsalted Butter forms the creamy base of the frosting.

Powdered Sugar sweetens and thickens the frosting into a smooth finish.

How To Make the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment circles.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time, then beat in the espresso and vanilla extract until smooth. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, splash in more espresso.

Step 6: Assemble and Frost

Place one cake layer on a plate, spread a layer of frosting, then top with the second cake. Finish by frosting the top and sides. Sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice on top or swirl some cinnamon into the frosting for flair.

How to Serve and Store This Cake

This recipe makes a cake that serves about 10 to 12 people generously, depending on how thick you slice it. It’s perfect for autumn birthdays, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or casual coffee dates.

To store, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five. Let it come to room temperature before serving to allow the frosting to soften.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake?

A Cozy Cup of Coffee

Nothing pairs better with this cake than the beverage that inspired it. Brew a fresh pumpkin spice latte or a warm cappuccino to sip alongside.

Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream brings this cake to dessert heaven.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over each slice for an indulgent upgrade.

Candied Pecans

A handful of candied pecans sprinkled on top adds crunch and complements the autumnal spice.

Spiced Chai Tea

The warm spices in chai echo the cake’s flavor profile beautifully and offer a non-coffee drink option.

Maple Glazed Bacon

If you’re serving this as part of a brunch spread, some maple-glazed bacon brings sweet and savory together.

Roasted Pears

For an elegant finish, pair the cake with oven-roasted pears drizzled in honey.

Want More Cake Ideas?

If this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake hit the spot, here are some other seasonal and cozy favorites you’ll love:

Delicious Lemon Cake to Die For brings bright citrus balance to your dessert rotation.

Ooey Gooey Bars offer rich, chewy sweetness in every bite.

Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are a fruity and creamy treat that’s perfect for entertaining.

Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler captures homestyle comfort in a bubbling, juicy bake.

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes mix cozy spice with creamy decadence for individual delights.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake turned out. Did you go bold with the coffee or keep it mellow? Add extra spice? I love hearing your spins on the recipe.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and seasonal treats on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new cozy favorites.