Craving something sweet? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my latest obsession: a moist and indulgent Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake that’s sure to become your new favorite dessert! Imagine a tender coffee-infused cake smothered in a rich, gooey caramel sauce—it’s the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a show-stopping dessert, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, it’s easier than you think, and I’m walking you through every step with a smile!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A moist and flavorful coffee cake that’s perfect for any occasion
- A gooey caramel sauce that takes the cake to the next level
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Great for serving at brunch, dessert, or even as a snack
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or mix-ins
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Gooey Coffee Caramel 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
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake:
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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 together the softened butter and egg until light and fluffy. Add the brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, and mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
While the cake is cooling, make the caramel sauce. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and salt, and set aside.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use high-quality coffee: The flavor of the coffee will shine through in the cake, so use a good-quality brewed coffee for the best taste.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Let the cake cool: Resist the temptation to pour the caramel sauce over the cake while it’s still hot. Letting it cool slightly will help the sauce set properly.
How to Serve
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired
- Top with fresh fruit or whipped cream
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat
Make Ahead and Storage
Want to make this cake ahead of time? Here’s how to store it:
- Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw at room temperature or in the fridge)
And there you have it—a moist, flavorful, and indulgent Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake that’s sure to impress! Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a new dessert to try, this recipe is a winner. Don’t forget to check out some of my other favorite dessert recipes like Cookie Dough Cake, Chocolate Raspberry Cake, and Brown Sugar Chai Cake for more sweet inspiration. Happy baking!
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat butter and egg until fluffy, then mix in coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in vanilla and salt, then set aside.