Coffee Latte Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow dessert lovers and coffee aficionados! If you’re anything like me, the magical combo of rich coffee and creamy latte is a daily ritual you wouldn’t trade for the world. Now, imagine capturing that cozy, comforting latte experience in a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth cake. Sounds dreamy, right? Welcome to the wonderful world of Coffee Latte Cake – a heavenly fusion of robust espresso flavor, velvety milkiness, and soft, moist cake layers that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds).

Whether you want to impress guests at brunch, treat yourself after a long day, or simply elevate your baking game, this recipe will become your new go-to. It’s not just a cake; it’s a coffee lover’s dream dessert that’s indulgent, sophisticated, and surprisingly easy to whip up at home. So, grab your whisk, and let’s turn your kitchen into a coffee shop bakery!

Coffee Latte Cake Recipe

The Big Picture

This Coffee Latte Cake blends the best of both worlds: the strong, aromatic punch of espresso with the creamy sweetness of a latte, all folded into a moist cake base. The trick is balancing the coffee intensity with just the right amount of milk and sugar, so every bite tastes like your favorite café latte-only in cake form. Topped with luscious coffee buttercream or a silky latte glaze, it’s perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to a quiet afternoon indulgence.

Ingredients Needed

Ready to gather your ingredients? Here’s what you’ll need for the cake and the frosting or glaze:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups) – the backbone for structure and softness
• Granulated sugar (1 cup) – for sweetness and moisture retention
• Baking powder (1 ½ tsp) – the rising agent for fluffiness
• Baking soda (½ tsp) – works with baking powder for perfect texture
• Salt (¼ tsp) – enhances flavor balance
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened) – for richness and tenderness
• Eggs (2 large) – bind everything and add structure
• Whole milk (¾ cup) – adds moisture and smoothness
• Espresso or strong brewed coffee (½ cup) – the star ingredient that infuses deep coffee flavor
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – for warmth and aroma

For The Coffee Latte Frosting

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened) – the creamy base
• Powdered sugar (3-4 cups) – sweetness and texture
• Espresso or strong brewed coffee (2-3 tbsp) – concentrated flavor hit
• Heavy cream or whole milk (2-3 tbsp) – to achieve perfect spreadability
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – subtle aromatic lift
• Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness

How To Make Coffee Latte Cake

Alright, let’s get baking! Here’s your step-by-step guide to crafting this caffeinated masterpiece.

Step 1: Prep & Preheat

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

• In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This step is key for a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated.
• Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry

• Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
• Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 6: Stir In Coffee

• Fold in the cooled espresso or brewed coffee carefully for that deep latte essence.

Step 7: Bake

• Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make The Coffee Latte Frosting

• Beat softened butter until creamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well.
• Mix in espresso, vanilla, and cream/milk until smooth and spreadable.
• Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or cream as needed.

Step 9: Frost & Enjoy

• Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle cocoa powder or finely ground espresso on top.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out for a minute on why each ingredient is so crucial:

• Flour: The protein in flour forms gluten, which creates the structure to hold your cake together. Using all-purpose flour strikes a balance – enough gluten for structure but not so much that the cake becomes tough.
• Sugar: Beyond sweetness, sugar helps retain moisture and keeps the cake soft. It also assists in browning through caramelization, giving that beautiful golden crust.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These chemical leaveners release carbon dioxide when mixed with wet ingredients, causing the batter to rise and become fluffy.
• Butter: Butter adds fat, which tenderizes the crumb and enhances flavor. The creaming process traps air, helping with lightness.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure through proteins that coagulate when heated. They also help emulsify the batter, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Coffee/Espresso: The espresso adds a punch of robust flavor and a slight bitterness that balances the cake’s sweetness. Coffee also deepens the cake’s color and aroma.
• Milk: The milk’s fat content contributes to moistness and softness, while the water hydrates dry ingredients to activate gluten and leaveners.

Understanding these functions helps you troubleshoot and customize your cake like a pro!

Expert Tips

Want your Coffee Latte Cake to come out perfect every single time? Here are some insider secrets:

• Use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee – Instant coffee won’t deliver the same depth of flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until combined to avoid tough cake.
• Let your cake cool completely before frosting, or your buttercream will melt and slide off.
• Taste your frosting as you go – adjust coffee strength or sweetness to suit your palate.
• For a shiny glaze alternative, mix powdered sugar with espresso and drizzle over the cake.
• If you like a stronger coffee kick, try adding a splash of coffee liqueur to the frosting.
• Experiment with garnishes: coffee beans, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cinnamon make lovely finishing touches.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here’s how to switch things up:

• Mocha Latte Cake: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate-coffee combo.
• Vanilla Latte: Use half espresso, half vanilla extract in the frosting for a softer latte flavor.
• Caramel Latte: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the frosted cake and sprinkle with sea salt.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter for coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Layer Cake: Double the recipe to create a two-layer cake with frosting between layers for extra wow factor.

Final Words

Making Coffee Latte Cake is like crafting a love letter to coffee itself. The balance of bitter espresso and sweet creaminess wrapped in a tender cake is downright irresistible. It’s the perfect way to bring café vibes into your home kitchen, impress friends, or treat yourself on a lazy Sunday. Plus, with so many variations and expert tips, you can personalize it until it’s your signature dessert.

So next time you crave that comforting latte fix, why not bake it into a cake? Trust me, one slice will turn into a full slice of happiness.

FAQs

What Is A Coffee Latte Cake?

A coffee latte cake is a flavorful dessert that combines the rich, bold taste of coffee with the creamy smoothness of a latte. It typically consists of coffee-flavored cake layers, often paired with a coffee-infused frosting, and sometimes topped with a dusting of cocoa powder or coffee beans.

Can I Use Instant Coffee For A Coffee Latte Cake Recipe?

Yes, instant coffee is a convenient option for making coffee latte cake. Simply dissolve the instant coffee granules in hot water or milk to create the coffee base for your cake batter or frosting.

How Do I Make The Coffee Flavor Stand Out In My Latte Cake?

To intensify the coffee flavor in your latte cake, you can increase the amount of brewed coffee or espresso powder used in the batter. You can also add a touch of coffee liqueur or coffee extract for a more pronounced taste.

Can I Substitute Milk For A Non-dairy Alternative In The Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute milk with non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. These alternatives will work well in the cake batter and frosting, though they may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

What Type Of Frosting Is Best For A Coffee Latte Cake?

A classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs well with a coffee latte cake. You can infuse the frosting with brewed coffee, espresso powder, or coffee extract to enhance the coffee flavor. A mascarpone frosting also works wonderfully for a creamy texture.

Can I Make A Coffee Latte Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make a coffee latte cake ahead of time. Both the cake and frosting can be prepared a day or two in advance. Store the cake layers in an airtight container and keep the frosting refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

How Do I Store A Coffee Latte Cake?

Store your coffee latte cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For cakes with dairy-based frosting, refrigeration is recommended.

Can I Make The Coffee Latte Cake Recipe Gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free coffee latte cake by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum to help with structure and texture.

What Type Of Coffee Is Best For A Coffee Latte Cake?

Espresso or strong brewed coffee works best for a coffee latte cake, as it provides a rich and concentrated flavor. You can use a medium or dark roast depending on your taste preferences, but avoid using coffee that’s too light or weak.

Can I Add Chocolate To My Coffee Latte Cake?

Yes, chocolate and coffee pair beautifully together. You can incorporate cocoa powder into the cake batter for a mocha-flavored latte cake or add chocolate chips to the cake for a bit of texture. A drizzle of chocolate ganache over the cake also adds a decadent touch.