Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
Hey there! So, I’ve got to tell you about this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake I’ve been obsessed with. It all started last fall when I was trying to impress my in-laws (because who doesn’t get a little nervous around them?). I wanted something seasonal, fun, and not too fussy—basically, my kind of baking. And let’s be honest, anything that combines pumpkin and coffee is a win in my book! This cake became my go-to for cozy gatherings and, well, I just had to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
I whip this up whenever I’m craving a little autumn comfort in cake form. My family goes crazy for it because it’s got that perfect blend of spices, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good coffee kick? (Sometimes I even have it for breakfast—shh, don’t tell!) Plus, it fills the kitchen with the most amazing aroma. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself sneaking a slice before it’s even cooled.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (I’ve used fresh pumpkin before, but canned works just fine—no need to go all out)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil when I’m feeling fancy)
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee (stronger the better—espresso, anyone?)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (whole wheat is great too, if you’re into that sort of thing)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 3/4 cup sugar (brown sugar adds a more molasses-y depth, if you like that)
Let’s Get Baking!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch pan or line it with parchment paper (this is where I usually spill a little flour everywhere…oops!).
- In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, oil, coffee, and eggs until it’s all smooth and nice. Sometimes I use a whisk, but a spatula works too if you’re short on tools.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the spices. I tend to think that this part smells like a warm hug—or maybe that’s just me.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mix in batches, stirring as you go. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy; it’ll all work out in the end.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick (or knife, if you’re low on toothpicks like me) comes out clean. This is when I usually take a deep breath and let the cake do its thing.
Little Tips I’ve Learned
So, one thing I figured out is that letting the cake cool completely before frosting (if you decide to go that route) is crucial. I once didn’t wait, and let me tell you, frosting soup is not as tasty as it sounds.
Fun Variations
I’ve tried adding some chopped nuts on top for a bit of crunch, which was a hit. Oh, and once I threw in chocolate chips, thinking it was a brilliant idea, but it kind of overshadowed the pumpkin (my bad!).
If You Don’t Have…
…a mixer, don’t worry. A good ol’ spoon works wonders here. And you can get creative with your spatula or even a fork if you’re really in a pinch.
Storing Your Cake
It stays fresh in an airtight container for a couple of days—though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day! If you do manage to save some, it tastes even better the next day, I think.
How to Serve It Up
I like to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream (or both, if I’m feeling indulgent). My kids love it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top. Sometimes, I even pair it with a cup of chai for extra coziness!
Lessons Learned the Hard Way
I once tried to rush the cooling process and cut into the cake too soon. Big mistake—it just crumbled everywhere. Patience is a virtue, or so they say!
Questions I Get A Lot
Can I make this gluten-free? Sure thing! Sub in gluten-free all-purpose flour and you should be good to go.
Do I have to use coffee? Well, I think it adds a great flavor, but you could use milk or even water if you’re not a coffee fan.
Thanks for baking with me! If you try this out, let me know how it goes. And don’t forget: sometimes the messiest kitchens produce the best cakes. If you need more cozy recipes, check out Simply Recipes for more inspiration.
