Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
If you are looking for a dessert that perfectly balances rich coffee flavors with luscious caramel sweetness, then you absolutely must try this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake. This cake is a spectacular treat where moist, tender crumb meets a decadent, velvety caramel sauce infused with deep coffee notes. Every bite delivers a comforting hug of buttery caramel goodness layered on a soft coffee-kissed cake, making it a standout dessert that leaves you craving more. The Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is the kind of recipe that feels like a personal treasure, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a quiet moment of pure bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cake lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients, each playing a key role in building its signature flavor and texture. From the all-purpose flour that forms the tender base to the brewed coffee lending a subtle bitterness that balances sweetness, every component is essential. The buttery caramel sauce requires just a handful of pantry staples but transforms the cake into an unforgettable gooey delight.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with browning.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for leavening, keeping the cake light.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors, especially in the caramel sauce.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moistness to the batter.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cake’s tender texture.
- ½ cup brewed coffee, cooled: Infuses the cake with subtle, invigorating coffee notes.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Adds acidity and moisture for a soft, delicate crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Amplifies the overall flavor and aroma.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): The caramel sauce’s magic ingredient, giving it a deep, molasses-rich sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Creates a smooth, luscious caramel texture.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the caramel sauce.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the caramel flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel’s complexity.
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee: For the coffee drizzle, adding a glossy finish with a splash of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar: Sweetens the coffee drizzle and helps it to gently coat the cake.
How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Cake
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This steady heat is just right to bake the cake evenly without drying it out. Next, prepare your 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it thoroughly, or line it with parchment paper. This small step ensures your gooey, tender cake will release easily without losing any precious caramel or crumbs.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients—flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—in a medium bowl. This ensures an even distribution of leaveners for a perfectly risen cake. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and egg together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then, stir in the brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract for that signature flavor punch. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring gently until you have a silky-smooth batter ready to pour.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean, but the cake should still feel wonderfully moist. After baking, let the cake sit in the pan for about 10 minutes to cool slightly—this helps the texture set beautifully. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the next layer of bliss: the caramel sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
While your cake cools, it’s caramel sauce time! In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat until it simmers, carefully watching it as it begins to thicken. This usually takes 3 to 4 minutes—patience is key to developing that rich, gooey texture. Once it’s thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to round out the flavor with warmth and depth. This velvety caramel is exactly what makes the Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake so irresistibly decadent.
How to Serve Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Garnishes
To elevate your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel can create a fabulous sweet-salty contrast that wakes up the palate. Light dustings of cocoa powder or finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts add texture and visual interest. You can also drizzle the coffee drizzle made from brewed coffee and powdered sugar over the top for additional gloss and coffee essence.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts into the warm caramel creating a harmonious symphony of flavors and temperatures. A cup of freshly brewed dark roast coffee or even a bold espresso complements the coffee notes in the cake perfectly. For a calmer finish, try a dollop of whipped cream infused with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to add some festive spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake in elegant thin slices layered on dessert plates with delicate drizzles of extra caramel sauce around the edges for that fancy café vibe at home. For parties, cut the cake into squares and serve on small wooden boards with mini coffee cups for a charming coffee-and-cake experience. Another fun idea is to stack smaller cake pieces with whipped cream and caramel in between for an impromptu coffee caramel parfait presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigeration is best to preserve the delicate caramel and prevent spoilage, though it might slightly firm up the caramel sauce.
Freezing
This cake freezes exceptionally well! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked feel, reheat slices gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through—be careful not to overheat, which can make the cake dry. Alternatively, use a low oven (around 300°F) covered loosely with foil for about 10 minutes to revive the gooey caramel and tender crumb.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, instant coffee dissolved in hot water works perfectly well and can intensify the coffee flavor, but be sure to cool it before adding to the batter to avoid affecting the cake’s texture.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delightful.
Can I prepare the caramel sauce in advance?
Definitely. You can make the caramel sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat gently before pouring over the cake.
How do I get the perfect gooey caramel texture?
The key is to simmer the caramel just long enough for it to thicken but not harden. Stir constantly and watch carefully; once it coats the back of a spoon and has that thick but pourable consistency, it’s ready.
What’s the best way to cut the cake without ruining the gooey topping?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps create clean cuts without dragging through the caramel sauce and keeps your slices looking professional.
Final Thoughts
There is something so undeniably comforting about a Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake that combines the warmth of coffee with the buttery sweetness of caramel in one tender, irresistible package. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe never fails to impress and delight. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and indulge in this luscious cake that feels both cozy and indulgent with every forkful. Once you try it, you’ll definitely want to make the Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake a regular in your dessert rotation!
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Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a decadent dessert that combines rich coffee flavors with a buttery caramel sauce, creating a moist and flavorful treat perfect for coffee lovers. Moist cake infused with brewed coffee is topped with a luscious homemade caramel sauce and finished with a delicate coffee drizzle for an extra burst of caffeine-inspired sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup brewed coffee, cooled
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Coffee Drizzle:
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and egg until light and fluffy. Add the brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, stirring until you achieve a smooth, consistent batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce: While the cake cools, prepare the caramel sauce by combining brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture starts to simmer. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble and Drizzle: Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix the brewed coffee and powdered sugar until smooth, then drizzle this coffee glaze over the caramel layer, adding an extra dimension of flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the brewed coffee is fully cooled before adding to the batter to prevent curdling the butter and eggs.
- You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso instead of brewed coffee.
- The cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9th of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: coffee cake, caramel sauce, gooey cake, coffee dessert, coffee caramel cake
