If you adore the perfect balance of rich flavors and irresistible textures, then this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine moist coffee-infused cake layers layered lovingly with smooth coffee buttercream and topped with a luscious, sticky caramel sauce that oozes with every bite. This cake captures the essence of cozy coffeehouse moments and turns them into a show-stopping dessert that’s both comforting and delightfully decadent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, this cake delivers on every level of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every one of these ingredients plays a crucial role in building the flavor and texture of this cake. From the robust brewed coffee that brings depth to the layers, to the silky butter and sugar that create the perfect crumb and frosting, each component is simple yet absolutely essential.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake layers perfectly without overpowering.
- Eggs: Provide structure and a fluffy crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Strong brewed coffee: Infuses the cake and buttercream with that signature, bold coffee taste.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, balancing the coffee and caramel’s sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Key for smooth, velvety buttercream.
- Heavy cream: Essential for creating the decadent caramel sauce.
- Sea salt: Enhances the caramel’s complex sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.
- Coffee beans (optional): Perfect for garnish and a little coffee crunch.
How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing three 8-inch round cake pans with butter and a light dusting of flour. This simple step helps ensure your cake layers release easily after baking. Then, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl—this dry mix will give your cake structure and just the right lift.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
In a larger bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. This incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake a tender texture. Add eggs one by one, beating each in thoroughly before adding the next, followed by vanilla extract for that lovely hint of warmth.
Step 3: Combine Coffee and Buttermilk
In a separate bowl, mix your cooled strong brewed coffee with the buttermilk. This liquid mixture will moisten the batter and infuse it with a lovely coffee depth, keeping your cake flavorful but never overpowering.
Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry and Liquid Ingredients
Gently fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the coffee-buttermilk blend, starting and ending with the flour. Take care to mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter and producing a dense cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully—this step ensures your cake doesn’t crumble during assembly.
Step 6: Craft the Coffee Buttercream
Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, incorporating one cup at a time for smoothness. Stir in the brewed coffee and vanilla, whipping the frosting until light and fluffy. This coffee buttercream spreads like a dream and perfectly complements the cake’s coffee notes.
Step 7: Make the Luscious Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, dissolve sugar in water, then let it boil without stirring until it turns a deep amber. Carefully blend in the heavy cream (watching for bubbling), then stir in butter and sea salt until glossy and smooth. Let the sauce cool slightly so it thickens just enough to drizzle gorgeously over your assembled cake.
Step 8: Assemble Your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
Begin your assembly by placing one cake layer on a serving plate, spreading coffee buttercream evenly on top followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce. Repeat this layering with the second cake layer. Add the final cake layer on top and coat the entire cake with the remaining buttercream. Finish by drizzling extra caramel sauce down the sides and garnish with coffee beans for a touch of elegance and crunch.
How to Serve Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few coffee beans or a sprinkle of sea salt on the caramel drizzle takes your cake’s presentation to the next level. These small touches offer a beautiful contrast in texture and a hint of aroma that enhances each bite.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream which complements the richness while cooling the palate. For an adult twist, serve alongside a glass of cold brew or a latte to amplify the coffee experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices on elegant dessert plates garnished with a swirl of caramel sauce on the plate. Or, create mini layered versions in small glass jars, allowing guests to see each decadent layer through the glass—a gorgeous way to impress at parties or gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully fresh for up to four days, allowing the flavors to meld even more deliciously over time.
Freezing
If you won’t finish the cake right away, you can freeze it to enjoy later. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, placing it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Because this cake is all about that gooey caramel and moist, fluffy cake, reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back some of that just-baked warmth. Serve immediately for a delightful treat.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes! You can dissolve instant coffee granules in warm water to substitute brewed coffee, but freshly brewed coffee tends to give a richer, more nuanced flavor for this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute dairy butter with plant-based butter, use coconut cream or your favorite dairy-free cream for the caramel, and swap buttermilk with a mixture of plant-based milk and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
How do I ensure the caramel sauce doesn’t harden?
Making sure you don’t overcook the caramel and adding the heavy cream while off heat helps keep the sauce smooth and pourable. Allow it to cool at room temperature and apply it to the cake promptly before it thickens too much.
Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and store at room temperature to keep them moist and fresh for assembly.
What is the best way to cut this cake cleanly?
Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This method prevents the frosting and caramel from sticking and keeps your slices neat and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe is a delightful celebration of coffee and caramel lovers everywhere. Its moist coffee layers, silky buttercream, and luscious caramel drizzle come together in perfect harmony that’s hard to resist. I truly encourage you to try making this cake—it’s perfect for sharing, celebrating, or just treating yourself because some desserts deserve to be savored and remembered.
Print
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a decadent layered dessert combining the rich flavors of strong brewed coffee with buttery caramel sauce. Moist coffee-infused cake layers are frosted with a smooth coffee buttercream and generously drizzled with a homemade salted caramel sauce, finished off with coffee bean garnish for an elegant touch. Perfect for coffee lovers seeking a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Coffee Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Garnish
- Extra caramel sauce
- Coffee beans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a perfect texture for the cake layers.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
- Combine Coffee and Buttermilk: In a separate bowl, mix the cooled strong brewed coffee with the buttermilk.
- Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the coffee and buttermilk mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to retain moisture and tenderness.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Coffee Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the brewed coffee and vanilla extract and beat the frosting until it becomes light and fluffy, perfect for spreading.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved, then stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and carefully add the heavy cream, stirring constantly as the mixture will bubble up. Stir in butter and sea salt until smooth. Let the caramel cool slightly before using.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of coffee buttercream over the top and drizzle with caramel sauce. Repeat with the second layer, then place the third cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
- Garnish: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of the cake allowing it to drip down the sides. Garnish with coffee beans for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Ensure the brewed coffee is cooled before adding to the batter or buttercream to avoid curdling.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.
- Be cautious when adding cream to hot caramel; it will bubble vigorously.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
- Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly before drizzling on the cake to avoid melting the frosting.
