Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake – Rich, Moist & Decadent

Delicious Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe

Hey there, friend! Are you ready to dive into a world of heavenly flavor with this gorgeous Coffee Caramel Cake? Picture this: a moist, buttery cake filled with rich coffee notes, layered with luscious cream cheese frosting, and topped with homemade caramel sauce. It’s the kind of dessert that makes every occasion feel truly special, whether it’s a birthday, a cozy gathering, or just because it’s Tuesday! Let’s get baking!

Nutritional Benefits

This Coffee Caramel Cake may be indulgent, but it also has some surprising perks! The inclusion of coffee not only gives this cake a wonderful flavor boost but also comes with antioxidants, which can be beneficial for your health. Plus, using buttermilk in the recipe helps keep the cake tender, while providing a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully. And hey, those chopped nuts on top? They add a crunchy texture and healthy fats!

Fun Variations

• Decaf Delight: If you want all the flavor without the caffeine kick, feel free to use decaf coffee or omit the coffee altogether!
• Nutty Options: Not a fan of pecans or walnuts? Try chopped almonds or even some mini chocolate chips instead!
• Vegan Twist: Swap eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use coconut cream for the frosting!
• Gluten-Free Version: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking for gluten-free options!

Step-by-Step Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp instant coffee granules (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or 1 cup unsalted butter for buttercream)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• For caramel sauce:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish

Serves 12–16 people

• Standard cake slices → about 12 servings
• Slightly smaller slices or party-style portions → up to 16 servings

Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans—this step is crucial for easy cake removal!
2. Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. If you’re using instant coffee, dissolve the granules in ½ cup of hot water and let it cool. If you’re using brewed coffee, make sure it’s ready to go!
4. Now, grab a large bowl and cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. You want it to be light and fluffy—this will take about 4-5 minutes of mixing.
5. Yay! Now add the eggs, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract too—it’ll smell amazing!
6. Now it’s time to alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk (or whole milk), starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t over-mix!
7. Finally, stir in the cooled coffee.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans and pop them in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean!
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Caramel Sauce

1. While your cakes are cooling, let’s whip up that luscious caramel sauce! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring constantly. Keep doing this until the sugar has turned an amber color.
2. Add the cubed butter, stirring until it’s melted and everything is nicely combined.
3. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Bring it to a boil for about 1 minute, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Prepare the Frosting

1. Now, for the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s all smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix it in.

Assemble the Cake

1. Let’s put it all together! Start by placing one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over it, then drizzle some caramel sauce on top.
2. Add the second cake layer and repeat the frosting and caramel drizzle. Do it once more with the third layer, finishing off with frosting on top.
3. Drizzle any remaining caramel sauce over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Don’t forget to sprinkle those chopped pecans or walnuts on top for that extra crunch!
4. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows all those amazing flavors to meld together!

Practical Tips

• For the best texture, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh for a few days (if they last that long!).
• If your caramel sauce is too thick,Simply add a splash of warm water and stir to loosen it up.

Equipment Needed

Here’s a handy dandy list of tools to make your baking journey smooth:

• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• A mixing bowl and a whisk (or electric mixer for less effort!)
• A measuring cup and spoons
• A medium saucepan for the caramel sauce
• Wire racks for cooling cakes
• A spatula for spreading frosting

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! Bake the cake layers in advance and store them in the fridge. Just frost them on the day you plan to serve.
2. What if I don’t like coffee? No problem! You can use milk instead, and the cake will still taste wonderful!
3. Can I freeze the cake? Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
4. Can I use a different frosting? For sure! You can swap the cream cheese frosting for a chocolate buttercream if you want a different flavor.
5. How do I know when the cake is done? Just insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready to come out!

Join the Baking Fun!

Did you bake this tasty Coffee Caramel Cake? I’d love to know how it turned out for you! Share your beautiful creation on social media, and don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more delightful recipes that will sweeten up your day!