The rich flavor of the pumpkin spice latte beverage in a cake makes a delicious pumpkin spice latte cake. Frosted with maple buttercream, this is a light and airy oil-based cake with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and coffee. A perfect layer cake to adorn a festive dinner table, birthday cake, or to impress family and friends.
A few years ago, I had a customer who asked me to make a pumpkin spice latte cake. At first, I was confused about what a pumpkin spice latte cake is. I took my favorite pumpkin cake, which had my pumpkin spice mix and pumpkin puree, and added some wonderful rich coffee for that latte flavor. The customer was so pleased and said it was the best pumpkin spice latte cake she ever had. Since then, it has become one of our family favorites every year.
Why you’ll love this cake
- Pumpkin spice latte flavor – Pumpkin puree, warm spices, and coffee give you those classic fall flavors in one cake.
- Soft and moist – Oil keeps the cake moist, while buttermilk gives it a soft, tender crumb.
- Maple buttercream – The maple frosting pairs beautifully with the pumpkin, spice, and coffee flavors.
- Perfect for fall celebrations – Make it as a layer cake for a centerpiece dessert, or keep it simple and bake the batter as a Bundt or sheet cake.
Ingredients and substitutes
- All-purpose flour – I like using all-purpose flour for cakes with vegetable puree. I think it adds stability. And if you have only self-raising flour on hand, use it, but reduce the baking powder by half.
- Sugar – I have used both white and brown sugars. These add flavor and texture to the cake. The color and hint of molasses from the brown sugar enhance the flavor of the pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin Spice – Pumpkin spice is readily available from most supermarkets these days, but you can make your own spice mix as well.
- Vanilla extract – A good-quality vanilla extract goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of your baked goods.
- Maple syrup – This is an expensive ingredient, but one that will add so much flavor to your buttercream. I prefer high-quality maple syrup. You may choose to use 1/4 tsp of maple extract to enhance the maple flavor as well.
- Coffee Powder – I used instant coffee powder, but you can use regular coffee powder or instant espresso powder.
Step-by-step: Pumpkin spice latte cake
Cake
- Preheat the oven to 325°F / 165°C / Gas Mark 3. Grease and line 2 x 9-inch round cake pans or 3 x 7-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Dry ingredients – Combine flour with baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt – set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the eggs with both white and brown sugars until light and foamy – ribbon stage. Gradually, add the oil while continuously whipping. Followed by the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- Next, add the flour mixture. Continue to use the whisk attachment, combining well but not overmixing. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure a smooth batter. Then, divide the batter between the three prepared baking pans.
- Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert on a cooling rack and cool completely. Always cool cakes completely before you decorate or store them away.
- Maple Buttercream: In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream butter until smooth. Add the salt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and whip the buttercream until it is light and fluffy – about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Simple syrup: After all the sugar has dissolved, boil the sugar and water for two more minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
- Level & Torte: Using a bread knife or cake leveler, cut the domes off the cake layers. Cut each layer in half horizontally, giving you a total of four layers. Brush each layer with the cooled simple syrup.
- Stack: Place a cake layer on the cake board or cake stand. Top with a big dollop of maple buttercream – spread evenly with a straight-edge spatula. Top the second cake layer on top, followed by more frosting until you have used up all the layers. Place the cake in the fridge for 15 minutes so the layers hold together.
- Frost: Spread the remaining buttercream around the cake and its top. Use a cake bench scraper to smooth the sides and an offset spatula for the top. Swirl the buttercream to create a rustic look, as shown in the video.
- Decorate: I’ve used fondant pumpkin on this cake. Alternatively, you can put the remaining maple buttercream in a piping bag with a star piping tip and pipe some borders or swirls.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
The rich flavor of pumpkin spice latte beverage in a cake makes a delicious pumpkin spice-latte cake. Frosted with maple buttercream this is a light and airy oil-based cake with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and coffee. Perfect layer cake to adorn a festive dinner table, birthday cake, or to impress family and friends.
Video
Ingredients
Cake
- 375 g (3 cups) All-Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ tsp Pumpkin Spice
- 2½ tsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp Baking soda
- ½ tsp Salt
- 200 g (1 cup) White Sugar
- 210 g (1 cup) Brown Sugar
- 4 large Eggs
- 240 ml (1 cup) Cooking Oil
- 120 ml (½ cup) Pumpkin Puree
- 120 ml (½ cup) Buttermilk
- 1 tsp Coffee Powder instant
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
Maple Buttercream
- 1 cup (1 cup) Unsalted Butter room temperature
- 480 g (4 cups) Powdered Sugar
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) Maple Syrup
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Maple extract (optional)
Plus
- ¼ cup Simple syrup (boil ¼ cup sugar + ½ cup water until dissolved)
- 100 g (4 oz) Orange fondant
- 50 g (2 oz) green fondant
- 50 g (2 oz) brown fondant
Method
Cake
- Preheat the oven to 325°F / 165°C / Gas Mark 3. Grease and line 2 x 9-inch round cake pans or 3 x 7-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Dry ingredients – Combine flour with baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt – set aside.375 g All-Purpose Flour , 1 ½ tsp Pumpkin Spice, 2½ tsp Baking powder, ½ tsp Baking soda, ½ tsp Salt
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the eggs with both white and brown sugars until light and foamy – ribbon stage. Gradually add the oil while continuously whipping. Follow with the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, coffee powder, and vanilla extract.200 g White Sugar, 210 g Brown Sugar, 4 large Eggs, 240 ml Cooking Oil, 120 ml Pumpkin Puree, 120 ml Buttermilk , 1 tsp Coffee Powder, 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- Next, add the flour mixture. Continue using the whisk attachment, combining well without overmixing. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure a smooth batter. Then, divide the batter between the three prepared baking pans.
- Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then invert on a cooling rack and cool completely. Always cool cakes completely before you decorate or store them away.
Assemble
- Maple Buttercream: In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream butter until smooth. Add the salt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and whip the buttercream until it is light and fluffy – about 2 to 3 minutes.1 cup Unsalted Butter, 480 g Powdered Sugar, 80 ml Maple Syrup, 2 tsp Vanilla Extract, 1 tsp Maple extract
- Simple syrup: After all the sugar has dissolved, boil the sugar and water for two more minutes. Set aside to cool completely.¼ cup Simple syrup
- Level & Torte: Using a bread knife or cake leveler, cut the domes off the cake layers. Cut each layer in half horizontally giving you a total of four layers. Brush each layer with the cooled simple syrup.
- Stack: Place a cake layer on the cake board or cake stand. Top with a big dollop of maple buttercream – spread evenly with a straight-edge spatula. Top the second cake layer on top followed by more frosting until you have used up all the layers. Place the cake in the fridge for 15 minutes so the layers hold together.
- Frost: Spread the remaining buttercream around the cake and its top. Use a cake bench scraper to smooth the sides and an offset spatula for the top. Swirl the buttercream to create a rustic look, as shown in the video.
- Decorate: I've used fondant pumpkin on this cake. Alternatively, you can put the remaining maple buttercream in a piping bag with a star piping tip and pipe some borders or swirls.100 g Orange fondant, 50 g green fondant, 50 g brown fondant
Notes
- Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. For the most consistent result, weigh it.
- Coffee: Use instant coffee or espresso powder. It enhances the pumpkin-spice flavor without making the cake taste strongly of coffee. For a stronger latte flavor, increase slightly to taste.
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, combine ½ cup milk with 1½ teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar and let it stand for 5 minutes.
- Don’t overmix: Once the flour is added, mix only until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense rather than soft and tender.
- Cake pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and don’t fill them more than about ⅔ full. Baking time will vary with pan size.
- Maple buttercream: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Maple extract is optional but gives the frosting a stronger maple flavor without adding more liquid.
- Simple syrup: This is optional. Brush it lightly over the cooled cake layers if making the cake ahead or if you want extra-moist layers.
- Make ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day ahead, wrapped well, and kept at room temperature. Frost once completely cool.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @veenaazmanov_kitchen or tag #veenaazmanovkitchen!Tips for Success
- Use pure pumpkin puree – Not pumpkin pie filling. Weighing it gives you the most consistent moisture and texture.
- Whip the eggs and sugars well – Beat until pale, thick, and at ribbon stage. This helps give this oil-based cake a lighter crumb.
- Don’t overmix the flour – Once the dry ingredients go in, mix only until combined to keep the cake soft and tender.
- Cool completely before frosting – Even slightly warm layers can soften the maple buttercream and make the cake difficult to stack.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cake is dense or heavy | Eggs weren’t whipped enough or batter was overmixed | Whip the eggs and sugars until pale and thick, then mix gently once the flour is added. |
| Cake is dry | Too much flour or overbaking | Weigh the flour and begin checking the cake a few minutes before the stated baking time. |
| Cake sinks in the center | Cake is underbaked or oven door was opened too early | Bake until a skewer comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, and avoid opening the oven early. |
| Buttercream is too soft | Butter was too warm or too much maple syrup was added | Chill the buttercream for 10–15 minutes, then whip again before frosting the cake. |
more pumpkin recipes
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cake Recipe
- Pumpkin Spice cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Cake with Whipped Cream Buttercream
- Coconut Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Coconut Caramel
- See all pumpkin-inspired recipes or see all layer cake recipes
Frequently asked questions
How long will this layer cake keep?
If properly stored, this pumpkin cake will last a day at room temperature. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 or 6 days. Unfrosted cake layers will keep in the freezer for up to a month.
How do I freeze this cake?
You can freeze this cake, but before frosting it.
Freeze it on a tray for a few hours, then wrap well in plastic wrap, followed by the parchment paper, and then aluminum foil. Thaw wrapped in the fridge for 24 hours so the condensation will stay on the papers, not the cake.
Can I omit or replace the eggs to make an eggless pumpkin spice latte cake?
This recipe works best with eggs. I do have an eggless vanilla cake recipe that can serve as a base for a pumpkin spice latte flavor, with the addition of pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree.
Can I omit the coffee from this cake?
Yes, you can. In fact, I have a Pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting as well as a pumpkin cake with whipped cream frosting. Perhaps you may like to try those tried and tested recipes.
What other pans can I use for this pumpkin cake?
If you don’t want to make a pumpkin layer cake like this. You can also make
– Pumpkin sheet cake – Pour this batter into a 9 x 13 sheet pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
– Pumpkin bundt cake – Pour the batter into a well-greased and dusted 10 or 12-cup bundt pan. And bake for 35 to 45 minutes.
– And pumpkin cupcakes – This batch will make 24 beautiful cupcakes. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes.
more pumpkin recipes
- Homemade Pumpkin Puree
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins (Starbucks Copycat)
- Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
- Easy Soft Fluffy Pumpkin Rolls
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Hi, I’m Veena
I’m the recipe developer, baker, and food photographer behind Veena Azmanov Kitchen.
I’ve spent years developing and testing recipes, from everyday meals and homemade breads to cakes and desserts.
I share the practical tips and little details I’ve learned along the way so you can get great results in your own kitchen.
Your cake looks so amazing! I am not good at decorating, but I am definitely going to try this. Both of my girls love pumpkin spice lattes so this will be a great treat for them and they will help me decorate it as well 🙂 Time to make some lattes and do some baking!
Thanks, Dawn. They will love this one. So amazing.
Mmm…this cake sounds delicious. Love those cute tiny pumpkins.
Thanks, Julia.
Oh, how I’ve been craving all things pumpkin spice lately! This cake looks amazing and would be the perfect way to kick off fall baking season!
Absolutely, You must make. Thanks, Denisse.
This cake looks absolutely gorgeous! Perfect for the season ♥
Thanks, Natalie
This cake is stunning!! I could just do with a big slice now with my coffee. What a flavour combination too, I just love Pumpin Spice Latte anything!
Thanks, Annie. It’s so easy to make.
What a stunning pumpkin cake! Perfect for this season.
Thank you, Kate. yes, perfect for the season .
Oh my goodness, your cake looks absolutely epic! What a beauty. I love those autumnal flavours and the general look of the cake.
Thank you, Mel.
What a beautiful looking cake. I want to dive right in to that icing!
Me too. Thanks Danielle