If you’re ready to wow your friends and satisfy your sweet tooth, the Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream is your golden ticket. Imagine sinking your fork into ultra-soft layers infused with real coffee and ribbons of gooey caramel, all wrapped up in a creamy coffee buttercream that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just want to make an ordinary day a little more special, this beautiful dessert has everything: depth of flavor, visual appeal, and that perfect balance of sweet and sophisticated. Let’s get baking!

Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream plays a key role in building amazing flavor and dreamy texture. Simple pantry staples come together in a memorable and crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like a fancy café creation you made at home!

All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its sturdy yet tender crumb, making every bite light but satisfying.
Baking powder and baking soda: The dynamic duo that ensures your cake rises beautifully for those impressive, airy layers.
Salt: Just a little salt sharpens and balances the sweetness throughout for a real flavor punch.
Unsalted butter (for both cake and buttercream): Provides richness and that irresistible buttery flavor—be sure it’s softened for easy blending!
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cake a moist, delicate crumb.
Eggs: Act as the glue binding everything together while providing richness and structure.
Vanilla extract: Brings out the best in both the coffee and caramel notes, tying all the flavors together effortlessly.
Strong brewed coffee (cooled): Every latte cake needs a real coffee kick; cooled coffee makes the layers aromatic and complex.
Whole milk: Ensures the cake stays soft and moist—don’t swap for skim for best results.
Sour cream: Adds subtle tang and extra moisture, giving the cake its unforgettable richness.
Caramel sauce: Whether store-bought or homemade, caramel sauce swirls sweetness and creaminess into every mouthful.
Powdered sugar (for buttercream): Whips up into a cloud-like frosting that’s sweet but never gritty.
Instant espresso powder (for buttercream): Bold espresso flavor dissolved with hot water brings out the latte vibe in every fluffy swirl.
Heavy cream (for buttercream): A splash or two makes your frosting ultra-silky and spreadable.
Pinch of salt (for buttercream): This tiny addition keeps the buttercream from being cloying and makes the coffee flavor pop.
Extra caramel sauce & chocolate-covered espresso beans/cocoa powder (for garnish): Crown your masterpiece with a generous drizzle and a final flourish for visual and textural delight!

How to Make Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping three 8-inch round cake pans—giving them a good greasing and a dusting of flour. This simple step ensures your Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream slides out perfectly, with beautiful, even sides ready to stack.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This early mixing guarantees even distribution of your leavening agents so your cake layers bake up light and fluffy every single time.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a large bowl and cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into your batter—a secret weapon for that soft, café-worthy crumb in the Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Pour in your vanilla extract and mix again. Adding eggs slowly ensures a silky, stable batter and a cake that won’t collapse.

Step 5: Combine Coffee Mixture

In a separate small bowl, stir together your cooled brewed coffee, whole milk, sour cream, and caramel sauce. This mixture amps up the flavor, giving every bite the unmistakable character of a caramel latte.

Step 6: Bring the Batter Together

Now, alternate adding the dry mixture and the coffee mixture into your creamed base—starting and ending with flour. Do this in three batches and mix just until combined. This step keeps your batter tender and prevents overworking the gluten so your cake layers stay ultra-soft.

Step 7: Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 25–28 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Coffee Buttercream

While your cakes cool, whip up your buttercream by beating softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then the dissolved instant espresso. Splash in heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your perfect, spreadable consistency. A little pinch of salt ensures the flavor is balanced and truly addictive.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost

Once your cake layers are cool, place one layer on a cake stand and generously spread coffee buttercream over it. Repeat with the next layers, then cover the whole cake with the remaining buttercream. For that finishing touch, drizzle with more caramel sauce and add your favorite garnishes. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for the cleanest, most impressive cuts.

How to Serve Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream

Garnishes

A final drizzle of caramel sauce gives this cake a glossy, show-stopping finish—plus, it adds a little extra indulgence! Don’t stop there: a scattering of chocolate-covered espresso beans or a gentle dusting of cocoa powder brings a hit of texture and a touch of drama, making your Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

This cake shines as a star dessert, but it’s wonderful with classic accompaniments. Offer a pot of hot coffee or espresso for a café-style finish, a scoop of vanilla ice cream to play up the creamy caramel notes, or even some fresh berries to balance the sweetness with a hint of tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, slice the Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream into narrow wedges and plate each one with a caramel swirl. Or cut the layers into squares for a modern, petit-four vibe at a dessert buffet. Individual mini cakes (baked in ramekins or as cupcakes) are perfect for parties—each topped with a tiny drizzle and espresso bean.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the buttery coffee frosting, it stays blissfully moist for up to four days. Let your slices come to room temperature before serving, to bring out the best, most luscious flavors and textures.

Freezing

Cake layers (unfrosted) freeze beautifully—wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw at room temperature and proceed as directed. Even fully assembled slices of Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream can be frozen; just wrap well and defrost overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

If your cake has been chilled or frozen, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. For the ultimate just-baked taste, you can microwave individual slices for 5–10 seconds (just enough to soften the buttercream and bring back those rich flavors).

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen if you bake the layers a day before, wrap them tightly, and assemble the cake the next day. The Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream is extra moist, so it stays delicious even made in advance.

Can I use a different size cake pan?

You can! Two 9-inch rounds instead of three 8-inch ones will work, though your layers will be a bit thicker and may need a few extra minutes of baking. Keep an eye on doneness and adjust accordingly.

What’s the best caramel sauce to use?

Store-bought caramel is a quick and tasty option, but homemade caramel adds a deeper, richer flavor. Salted caramel works beautifully if you love a sweet-and-salty twist. Just make sure your sauce is pourable and not too stiff.

Can I make the buttercream without espresso?

Of course! If you want a milder flavor, skip the espresso powder. The buttercream will still be silky and sweet, though it won’t have that bold coffee punch that defines this Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream.

How do I make a gluten-free version?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted 1:1 gluten-free blend. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged so everyone can enjoy this luscious treat without worry.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a showstopper dessert that pulls you right into the world of cozy coffeehouses, look no further than the Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream. It’s the perfect excuse to gather loved ones, celebrate big or small, and savor something truly special. Don’t be surprised if your friends request it for every occasion—give it a try and let the rave reviews begin!