Best Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe + Guatemala Specialty Coffee Pairing

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the air turns crisp and the kitchen fills with the scent of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This pumpkin spice cake recipe is designed for those moments. It is a humble, deeply flavorful cake that avoids the fuss of complicated frostings, focusing instead on a tender texture and a rich, spiced profile that feels like a warm hug.

As a versatile autumn treat, this cake is more than just a dessert. It is a companion to your morning ritual, providing a moist, spiced base that was specifically intended to be enjoyed alongside a cup of high-quality specialty coffee.

Why This Is the Best Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe

The best pumpkin spice cake should be effortless to make but complex in flavor. This version relies on real pumpkin puree to ensure a dense, moist crumb that stays fresh for days.  Unlike heavy, sugar-laden versions, this recipe focuses on the balance of spices.

That is why this pumpkin cake stands out:

• Natural Moisture: The pumpkin puree acts as a natural hydrating agent.

• Warm Spice Profile: A precise blend of ginger, cinnamon, and allspice.

• Versatility: It works perfectly as a snack cake or a breakfast slice.

This is a true pumpkin cake with coffee pairing, where the earthy sweetness of the squash creates a bridge between the food and the drink.

Ingredients for the Best Pumpkin Spice Cake

Before you begin, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature to achieve the smoothest batter possible.

For the pumpkin cake batter

• Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup (unsweetened)

• Sugar: 1 cup brown sugar (packed for extra moisture)

• Oil: ½ cup neutral oil (like vegetable or melted coconut oil)

• Eggs: 2 large eggs

• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

• All-Purpose Flour: 1½ cups

• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon

• Salt: ½ teaspoon

The Pumpkin Spice Blend

• Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon

• Ground Ginger: ½ teaspoon

• Ground Cloves: ¼ teaspoon

• Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon

How to Bake a Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake

This method follows a straightforward how to bake process that prioritizes texture and ease.

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or a standard loaf pan.

2. Whisk the Wet Ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar has started to dissolve.

3. Sift the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and your spice blend.

4. Fold the Batter
   Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together until no streaks of flour remain. Note: Do not overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.

5. Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes (or 45 to 50 minutes if using a loaf pan). A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

6. Cool and Serve
   Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This allows the spices to "set" and the moisture to redistribute.

Coffee Pairing: Why Guatemala Coffee Shines

As your cake cools, it is time to focus on the brew. To get the most out of this coffee pairing, look for a Guatemala coffee bean that has been roasted to a medium profile.

Guatemala coffee often comes from high-altitude farms, where beans develop complex flavors slowly. Via Guatemala Coffee are ethically sourced and carefully roasted to preserve balance. That balance is exactly why this coffee works so well with a pumpkin spice cake.

If you prefer a bolder experience, a dark roast coffee can also work, though it may lean more into the smoky characteristics of the bean rather than the fruitier acidity of the medium roast.

The Best Coffee to Pair With a Pumpkin Spice Cake

While many reach for a generic latte, the true beauty of a pumpkin spice cake recipe is revealed when paired with the right origin. For this cake, we recommend Guatemala coffee, specifically a medium roast coffee.

Guatemala coffee is celebrated in the world of specialty coffee for its unique volcanic soil origins.  Most arabica coffee beans from this region carry natural notes of bittersweet cocoa and roasted nuts. These specific flavors act as a perfect anchor for the bright, aromatic spices in the cake.

Why the pairing works:

• Cocoa Undertones: The chocolate notes in the coffee complement the sweetness of the pumpkin.

• Balanced Acidity: A medium roast provides a clean finish that refreshes the palate after a bite of cake.

• Ethically Sourced Quality: Choosing ethically sourced beans from Guatemala coffee farms ensures a depth of flavor that mass-produced blends simply cannot match.

A Simple Winter Ritual

This pumpkin spice cake recipe is a reliable treat that fits naturally into a coffee-focused kitchen. If you enjoy baking with intention and want to understand how flavors work together, this recipe is a great place to start.

Baking this cake is simple. Pairing it with the right VIA Guatemala Coffee is what makes it memorable. Explore our Guatemala coffee collection and find the medium roast that turns an everyday slice into a complete coffee-and-baking ritual.

FAQ: Pumpkin Spice Cake and Coffee Pairing

1. What makes this the best pumpkin spice cake recipe for coffee? 

The balance of spices and the high moisture content from the pumpkin puree allow it to stand up to the bold flavors of specialty coffee without becoming dry or crumbly.

2. Can I use a spice cake mix and pumpkin instead of scratch baking? 

Yes, you can combine a spice cake mix and pumpkin for a faster version, but baking from scratch allows you to control the spice levels to better match your Guatemala coffee.

3. Why is medium roast coffee recommended over dark roast? 

A medium roast coffee usually retains more of the bean's original flavor characteristics. In the case of Guatemala coffee, this means you get to taste the cocoa and nut notes that pair so well with pumpkin.

4. Where can I find ethically sourced Guatemala coffee?

 You can find premium, specialty-grade beans directly through our Via Guatemala Coffee Collection. We partner with specific Guatemala coffee farms to ensure every bean is of the highest quality and that farmers are compensated fairly for their craft.