Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a dessert that combines rich coffee flavors with a luscious caramel finish, you simply must try this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake. It’s the perfect treat for coffee lovers who enjoy a tender, moist cake with a gooey, buttery caramel sauce that melts in your mouth. Each bite delivers a comforting hug of coffee’s bold notes balanced by the sweetness of caramel, making this cake an irresistible indulgence that can quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion. Trust me, once you taste this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last slice is gone!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients that come together to create complex flavors and a perfectly soft texture. From the brewed coffee that infuses the cake with its signature taste to the rich caramel sauce that gives it that melt-in-your-mouth appeal, each ingredient plays a crucial role in building this delightful dessert.

• All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups to provide the perfect structure that remains tender and moist.
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for balanced sweetness and cake moisture.
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon, to help the cake rise beautifully.
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon, works with acids to tenderize and leaven the cake gently.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (softened), makes the cake rich and tender.
• Egg: 1 large, binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• Brewed coffee: ½ cup (cooled), the star ingredient that gives this cake its wonderful coffee aroma and taste.
• Buttermilk: ½ cup, adds moisture and a subtle tang to brighten flavors.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for subtle, fragrant sweetness.
• Brown sugar: 1 cup (packed), caramelizes perfectly in the sauce for deep flavor.
• Heavy cream: ¼ cup, enriches the caramel with creaminess.
• Additional butter: ½ cup for the caramel sauce, adds luscious depth.
• Pinch of salt: balances the caramel’s sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Brewed coffee: 2 tablespoons for the coffee drizzle, intensifies the coffee notes.
• Powdered sugar: 1 tablespoon for the drizzle, gives a light sweetness and smooth texture.

How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Cake

Starting off strong is important! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a perfectly even bake. Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal later. Proper pan prep will help you keep that flawless gooey texture intact.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Mixing the ingredients thoughtfully is key for a smooth batter that bakes into the perfect crumb. Begin by whisking the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl to evenly distribute your leaveners and flavor enhancers. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and egg until fluffy—this trapped air will give your cake that light feel. Next, stir in the brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until blended, then carefully fold in the dry ingredients. The coffee and buttermilk enrich the batter with moisture and flavor, creating that signature coffee-infused softness.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, but don’t just rely on the clock—check with a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This step ensures your cake is perfectly baked without drying out. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up slightly, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time sets the stage for the luscious caramel sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

While your cake cools, it’s time to make the decadent caramel sauce that truly makes this cake gush with gooey goodness. Combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture heats to avoid burning and to dissolve the sugar properly. Once it reaches a simmer, let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened; this concentrated richness is key to the signature gooey texture. Finish off with a splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavor. Set this sauce aside to cool slightly before drizzling.

Step 5: Add the Coffee Drizzle

The final touch is a delightful coffee drizzle that adds extra zing on top of the caramel. Whisk together brewed coffee and powdered sugar until smooth. This drizzle not only enhances the coffee notes but also adds a pretty finishing detail that makes your cake look as amazing as it tastes. Drizzle generously over the top just before serving.

How to Serve Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

Garnishes

To elevate the spectacle of your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, sprinkle some finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for crunch. A few chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder can add a subtle bitterness that pairs wonderfully with coffee and caramel’s sweetness. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser and adds a creamy cool contrast to the warm cake.

Side Dishes

This gooey cake shines on its own but can easily become a part of a larger dessert spread. Pair it with fresh berries or a fruit compote for a bright, tangy counterpoint. A hot coffee, espresso, or even a lightly sweetened latte makes the perfect beverage companion that echoes the coffee notes in the cake. For an unexpected twist, serve alongside a salted caramel gelato to intensify those caramel flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Turn your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake into an elegant dessert by cutting it into bite-sized cubes and serving in parfait glasses layered with whipped cream and espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Alternatively, warm the cake slightly and serve on a platter with a drizzle of caramel and sprinkle of sea salt for a rustic yet sophisticated look. Adding edible flowers or a sprinkle of instant coffee granules can make it an unforgettable centerpiece on your dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because of its moist and gooey nature, the Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake stores best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, you might prefer to refrigerate it to maintain freshness, but bring it back to room temperature before serving to recapture that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this cake ahead, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in the oven for best results.

Reheating

For a fresh-from-the-oven taste after storage, reheat slices of the Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This warming brings back the luscious gooey texture and aromas that make this cake irresistible. Avoid microwaving as it can unevenly heat and alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes! If you don’t have brewed coffee on hand, dissolving a teaspoon of instant coffee powder in ½ cup of warm water works just as well. It will still deliver that rich coffee flavor essential to the Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake.

Is buttermilk necessary in this recipe?

Buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderizes the cake, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute it by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The caramel sauce can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently rewarm it before drizzling over the cake.

What pan size works best for this cake?

A 9×9-inch square pan is perfect to yield a thick, gooey texture. Using a larger pan may thin out the batter and reduce that rich gooey effect.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

Freshly baked, this cake is best enjoyed within 2 days when stored properly. After that, texture and flavor begin to decline, although freezing can extend its life.

Final Thoughts

Embracing the warm, rich flavors of coffee with the decadent sweetness of caramel, this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re sharing it with friends over coffee or indulging in a cozy moment by yourself, it’s a comforting delight that feels like a special treat every time. Give this cake a try and let its irresistibly gooey charm brighten your day and satisfy your sweet tooth!

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