The Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Latte Coffee Cake: A Fall Baking Essential

This article is proudly sponsored by The Folger Coffee Company, celebrating cherished traditions and the comforting flavors of fall. All thoughts and opinions expressed are authentically my own.

Embracing the Heart of Autumn: Flavors and Traditions

As mid-October swiftly descends upon us, the vibrant energy of autumn fills the air, bringing with it a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and a longing for cozy moments. The season truly flies by, leaving us eager to tick off every item on our fall bucket list. So far, my autumn adventures have included the delightful tradition of apple picking, the exciting hunt for new fall boots, and stocking up on some gorgeous burgundy pieces to refresh my wardrobe. Of course, the kitchen has been bustling with the creation of countless apple recipes, capturing the crisp, sweet essence of the harvest.

But let’s be honest, no fall celebration is complete without the star of the season: pumpkin! My next eagerly anticipated activity is our annual visit to the pumpkin patch for a fall festival – a cherished family moment filled with laughter, colorful gourds, and the crisp autumn air. These classic fall experiences, from carving pumpkins to enjoying festive treats, are the bedrock of beautiful family memories.

Revolutionizing Coffee Cake: Adding the ‘Coffee’ to the Cake

To truly immerse ourselves in the delightful pumpkin flavors of fall, I decided to embark on a culinary adventure that puts the “coffee” squarely back into coffee cake. With the indispensable help of Folgers® Coffee Classic Roast, I’ve created an extraordinary Pumpkin Spice Latte Coffee Cake. It’s a question that has long puzzled me: why do so many “coffee cakes” contain no actual coffee? They are undeniably the perfect accompaniment to a steaming cup of coffee, yet that rich, robust flavor is so often omitted from the cake itself. This seemed like a missed opportunity to elevate a beloved classic.

Given our collective adoration for the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) during the autumn months, it seemed only natural to infuse that beloved coffee essence directly into this pumpkin-spiced delight. The method is remarkably simple yet profoundly effective: I gently steeped Folgers® Coffee Classic Roast grounds directly into the buttermilk for a few minutes. This allows the grounds to subtly infuse the buttermilk with their distinctive aroma and flavor, setting the stage for a truly unique and comforting coffee cake experience.

The Magic of Coffee Infusion: Elevating Flavor

This simple step of infusing coffee into the buttermilk is a game-changer. It doesn’t overpower the delicate pumpkin and spice notes; rather, it provides a sophisticated, underlying depth that complements them beautifully. The coffee adds a slight bitterness and an earthy quality that balances the sweetness of the cake, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile. It’s an elegant way to incorporate the essence of a traditional coffee beverage into a baked good, making every bite a harmonious blend of fall’s favorite flavors.

A Symphony of Fall Flavors: The Taste Experience

The outcome of this innovative approach is nothing short of spectacular. This Pumpkin Spice Latte Coffee Cake is ridiculously moist, with a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. It’s bursting with the warm, inviting spices of the season – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice – creating that quintessential fall aroma we all adore. Added to this delightful symphony are a generous dose of robust coffee flavor and the comforting, earthy notes of pumpkin. The combination is simply irresistible.

This coffee cake is an absolute dream for a fall brunch, perfectly paired with a fresh, hot cup of coffee. Imagine a lazy Sunday morning, surrounded by loved ones, with the inviting scent of this cake wafting through your home. Each slice offers a comforting embrace, making it an ideal choice for those special, slow moments of autumn.

The Comfort of Classic Cakes and Cherished Traditions

Sometimes, all you need is a classic cake to bring comfort and warmth to the year’s cooler seasons. That’s exactly how I feel about coffee cake. It embodies simplicity, offers satisfying fullness, and provides the perfect accompaniment for a cozy fall or winter evening. There’s something inherently comforting about its familiar flavors and textures. In our home, enjoying a cup of Folgers® coffee at the conclusion of family meals is a cherished ritual, a moment of shared quiet and connection. This is precisely why I was so thrilled to partner with Folgers in developing this unique recipe.

Folgers is a brand deeply rooted in celebrating family traditions, from the gentle hum of the early morning wake-up call accompanied by a fresh brew, to the joyous cacophony of family celebrations. Their new Folgers® Limited Edition Collector’s Can beautifully encapsulates this spirit. It’s a tribute to those enduring traditions, precious family moments, and the familiar, comforting tastes that pair so perfectly with a good cup of coffee. This partnership felt natural, aligning our shared values of comfort, family, and delicious experiences.

And if I may add, a warm, cozy slice of this Pumpkin Spice Latte Coffee Cake only enhances those cherished moments! I am confident that you will adore this recipe, finding it provides your perfect PSL fix as you gather with your family to celebrate the magic of Fall. It’s more than just a cake; it’s an experience, a memory in the making.

Yield: 1 9-inch coffee cake

Pumpkin Spice Latte Coffee Cake

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
45 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 large egg
• 2-3 teaspoons strong brewed coffee
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

For the batter:

• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1-2 tablespoons Folgers Classic Coffee Roast
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• a pinch of allspice
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree

For the streusel and icing:

• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup butter, cold
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray.
2. For the filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and coffee. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add in the flour, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until well blended. Incorporate the egg mixture and mix until just combined. Transfer the cream cheese filling to a small bowl and set aside.
3. For the batter: In a measuring cup, whisk the buttermilk and Folgers coffee grounds together. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to steep, then strain out the grounds (optional, for smoother batter, or leave them for extra texture). In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, and a pinch of allspice. In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully combined after each addition. Beat in the canned pumpkin puree. Alternatively add the dry flour mixture and the infused buttermilk mixture to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, beating gently after each addition until just well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Transfer half of the cake batter to the prepared springform pan, spreading it evenly. Using a tablespoon, dollop half of the cream cheese filling on top of the batter. Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the filling. Finally, finish with dollops of the remaining cream cheese filling on top. Using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese filling to create an attractive marble pattern.
5. To make the crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and cold butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can lightly tent it with aluminum foil. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30-45 minutes before removing the springform sides.
7. For the glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and milk in a small bowl until a smooth, spreadable glaze forms. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm, cooled cake just before serving.

Making this Recipe?

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Exclusive Offer: Grab Your Folgers Limited Edition Collector’s Can!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bring home a piece of tradition and quality coffee. To get your very own Folgers® Limited Edition Collector’s Can, make your way to your local Target store. Look out for an exclusive offer in Cartwheel – a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite Folgers coffee while celebrating its rich heritage. This special edition is available for a limited time exclusively at Target, so be sure to grab one soon to add to your kitchen and enjoy the taste of tradition!