Latte Cake Recipe

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This Latte Cake recipe is all about combining the rich, aromatic notes of coffee with the silky smoothness of cream, topped off with a touch of sweetness that’ll transport you straight to your favorite cozy café.

How to make Latte Cake

Latte cake is a coffee-inspired dessert that captures the flavor of a café latte in cake form. Think of it as a soft, moist cake infused with coffee (often espresso or strong brewed coffee) and paired with creamy, milky frosting.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) brewed coffee (preferably strong; cooled to room temperature)
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk (or use non-dairy milk alternatives)
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp instant espresso powder (optional, for a stronger coffee flavor)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 8 oz (227g) mascarpone cheese (softened)
• 1 cup (115g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp brewed coffee (optional, for added coffee flavor)

Optional Toppings:

• Cocoa powder or cinnamon (for dusting)
• Chocolate shavings or coffee beans (for garnish)
• Caramel drizzle

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Work

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brewed coffee and milk. If using espresso powder, dissolve it into the coffee mixture.
3. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and the coffee mixture to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking.
2. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until creamy.
2. Add the heavy cream and whip until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue whipping until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and the optional tablespoon of brewed coffee for extra flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Latte Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
2. Carefully place the second cake layer on top, then coat the entire cake with frosting. Smooth out the sides and top.
3. Dust the cake with cocoa powder or cinnamon, and garnish with chocolate shavings or coffee beans if desired.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle. Serve with a fresh cup of coffee for the ultimate pairing!

Tips for Success

• Strong Coffee for Bold Flavor: Use robust brewed coffee or espresso for the best coffee taste. The stronger your coffee, the more pronounced the flavor will be.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and evenly baked cake.
• Balancing Sweetness and Coffee: Adjust the sugar in the frosting if your coffee is bitter or extra strong. A sweeter frosting balances the bold coffee flavor beautifully.
• Get Creative with Layers: Add thin layers of caramel or chocolate ganache between the cake layers for an indulgent twist.
• Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavors.

What to serve with

A beautifully made Latte Cake is a dessert that deserves to be paired thoughtfully to accentuate its rich coffee flavors and creamy texture.

1. A Freshly Brewed Cup of Coffee

What better pairing for a coffee-flavored dessert than the real thing? Match the bold coffee notes of the cake with:

• Espresso: A small shot of espresso complements the robust coffee-flavored sponge in the cake.
• Cappuccino or Latte: Serve a frothy latte or cappuccino for a soft, creamy pairing that ties into the theme. Sprinkle a bit of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for a matching decorative touch.
• Iced Coffee: For warm days, chilled iced coffee helps balance the richness of the cake. Experiment with flavored syrups like caramel or vanilla for added depth.

2. Tea Options

If coffee isn’t your guest’s drink of choice, offer fragrant teas that pair well with creamy desserts.

• Chai Tea: The spicy warmth of chai tea pairs wonderfully with the mellow sweetness and coffee notes of the cake.
• Earl Grey Tea: The subtle hint of bergamot in Earl Grey complements the coffee flavors while adding a refreshing twist.
• Matcha Latte: The earthy bitterness of matcha plays off the sweetness of the frosting for an unexpectedly delightful pairing.

3. Fresh Fruit

Adding a lighter, refreshing element can balance the richness of the Latte Cake. Try serving:

• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries make beautiful and tangy complements to the creamy frosting. You can serve them fresh or macerated in a little sugar to bring out their juices.
• Sliced Pears or Figs: The natural sweetness of pears or figs makes them a sophisticated choice alongside the cake.

Ingredients Substitutes

You can easily tweak certain ingredients in a Latte Cake recipe without compromising on its flavor or texture.

1. Substitutes for All-Purpose Flour

If you don’t have all-purpose flour or want to adjust for dietary needs, try these options:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with equal parts whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the cake’s texture, making it denser.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Substitute in a 1:1 ratio with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain structure.
• Almond Flour (for low-carb): Replace half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour to reduce carbs and add richness. However, almond flour alone won’t provide enough structure for the cake to hold, so use it in combination with another flour.

2. Substitutes for Baking Powder and Baking Soda

Leavening agents are crucial for achieving a fluffy cake. If you run out, here are alternatives:

• Baking Powder Substitute: Mix 1 tsp baking soda + 2 tsp cream of tartar for every 1 tablespoon of baking powder required.
• Baking Soda Substitute: Use 4 times the amount of baking powder as a replacement. But note that it may slightly affect the cake flavor, so only use this in case of emergency.

3. Substitutes for Milk

The milk in the recipe adds richness and moisture, but there are several alternatives:

• Plant-Based Milk: Use almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk in equal proportions. These will make the cake dairy-free but may subtly affect the flavor (e.g., coconut milk adds a hint of coconut).
• Buttermilk Substitute: For a tangy flavor, substitute regular milk with buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Water: In a pinch, you can use water instead of milk, though the cake may lack some richness. Try adding a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream for a moist texture.

4. Substitutes for Butter

Butter provides flavor and richness to the cake, but there are plenty of alternatives:

• Vegetable Oil: Replace butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil. Oil will add moisture but may lack the buttery flavor. You could counterbalance this by adding a little butter extract.
• Coconut Oil: Use melted coconut oil in equal parts for a dairy-free and slightly nutty option.
• Margarine: This is an easy one-for-one swap for butter. Just ensure you’re using stick margarine and not a spread.
• Applesauce (for lower fat): Replace half or all of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier, lower-fat option. Note that this will make the cake slightly denser.

5. Substitutes for Eggs

If you have an egg allergy or follow a vegan diet, here are some excellent substitutes for eggs:

• Flaxseed Egg: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. This replaces one egg.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. It keeps the cake moist but may slightly alter the flavor.
• Mashed Banana: Use ¼ cup mashed banana per egg; this will add sweetness and flavor.
• Plain Yogurt or Silken Tofu: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened yogurt or puréed silken tofu to replace one egg.

Final Thoughts

With its coffee-kissed sponge and creamy frosting, this Latte Cake is sure to delight!

More Latte Recipes:

• Copycat Starbucks Iced Latte Recipe
• Iced Latte Recipe with Instant Coffee