Pumpkin Spice Latte Surprise Cake
Indulge in the ultimate fall dessert with the Pumpkin Spice Latte Surprise Cake. This show-stopping creation captures the essence of autumn in every bite, blending the warm flavors of pumpkin spice, a hint of coffee, and creamy buttercream frostings. With marbled layers of orange, brown, and tan, this cake is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Perfectly moist and bursting with seasonal spices, the cake is crowned with a hidden mini pumpkin under a luscious swirl of whipped cream-like buttercream. Ideal for celebrations, this cake offers a delightful surprise with each slice, unveiling the artistry and flavors that make this a true masterpiece of fall baking.
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
25
Ingredients
Ingredients
cake flour
5 cups (sifted)
whole powdered milk
1/2 cup (optional)
baking soda
2 1/2 teaspoons (n/a)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (n/a)
ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons (n/a)
ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon (n/a)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (n/a)
ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
fine salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (n/a)
unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups (at room temperature)
large eggs
6 (at room temperature)
white sugar
1 1/3 cups (n/a)
light brown sugar
1 1/3 cups (packed)
canned pumpkin
2 1/2 cups (n/a)
cold brew coffee or water
1/2 cup (n/a)
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (n/a)
orange gel food coloring
4-5 teaspoons (n/a)
cocoa powder
1/4 cup (sifted)
Cold Brew Coffee Buttercream
2 batches (for frosting)
Milkmoon Meringue Buttercream
1 batch (for vanilla frosting)
white chocolate or candy wafers
1/4 cup (n/a)
heavy cream
1/4 cup (n/a)
green fondant
as needed (for decoration)
white edible paint
as needed (to decorate cake)
Instructions
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Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Pumpkin Spice Latte Surprise Cake?
This cake captures the essence of autumn by blending warm pumpkin spice, a hint of coffee from cold brew, and creamy buttercream frostings.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to provide 20 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What sizes of cake pans are required for this recipe?
You will need two 5-inch, two 6-inch, and two 7-inch round cake pans.
How long do the cakes need to bake?
The cakes should be baked for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
What is the 'surprise' inside this cake?
The surprise is a hidden mini pumpkin made from 5-inch cakes joined with orange buttercream, tucked under a swirl of buttercream 'whipped cream'.
Can I substitute the cold brew coffee in the batter?
Yes, you can use water instead of cold brew coffee if you prefer to omit the coffee flavor from the cake layers.
What specific spices are used in the pumpkin spice blend?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground allspice, and ground cloves.
Is powdered milk a required ingredient?
No, the 1/2 cup of whole powdered milk is listed as an optional ingredient.
What type of butter is recommended for the cake batter?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of unsalted butter at room temperature.
How do I create the marbled effect in the cake?
Divide the batter and tint one part orange and another with cocoa powder, then alternate scooping the different colors into the pans.
What kind of frosting is used for the main assembly?
The cake is primarily assembled using Cold Brew Coffee Buttercream.
What is used to create the whipped cream appearance on top?
Milkmoon Meringue Buttercream (white vanilla frosting) is piped at the edges to look like whipped cream.
How is the cake shaped to look like a latte cup?
After stacking the 7-inch and 6-inch layers, the sides are trimmed to form an inverted cup shape.
Why should the cakes be refrigerated before assembly?
Refrigeration helps the cakes firm up, making them much easier to torte, carve, and stack.
What is the drizzle on top of the cake made of?
The drizzle is made from orange-tinted white chocolate ganache, using white chocolate wafers and heavy cream.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 large eggs, which should be at room temperature.
What type of coloring is best for the orange batter?
Orange gel food coloring is recommended for a vibrant tint.
How much pumpkin is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 cups of canned pumpkin.
What sugar combination is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses an equal mix of 1 1/3 cups white sugar and 1 1/3 cups packed light brown sugar.
How do I make the cocoa-tinted batter?
Mix 1/4 cup of sifted cocoa powder into 3 cups of the prepared cake batter.
What are the green accents on the cake made from?
The green decorative accents are made from green fondant.
How do you achieve the final 'latte' presentation?
In addition to the cup shape and frosting, paper straws are inserted into the cake for a fun, latte-like look.
What tool is recommended for creaming the butter and sugars?
A stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is recommended for creaming at medium speed.
What should I use to line the cake pans?
The pans should be greased and lined with baking paper.
How many layers of cake are stacked for the main base?
The 6-inch and 7-inch cakes are leveled and split to create eight layers for the main stack.
What type of flour is required for this cake?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of sifted cake flour.
How do I ensure the batter is homogeneous?
Gradually add dry ingredients in two parts and scrape down the bowl to ensure everything is fully combined.
Is it necessary to use white edible paint?
White edible paint is used for optional decorative designs to enhance the visual masterpiece.
What is a 'crumb coat' and why is it used here?
A thin layer of coffee buttercream is applied to the carved cake to trap crumbs before the final decorative frosting is applied.