Gooey coffee caramel cake has been my ultimate comfort dessert for years, a recipe I stumbled upon during a particularly stressful work week. The aroma of brewing coffee and melting caramel filling my kitchen instantly calmed me, and the first bite was pure bliss – a perfect harmony of moist cake and rich, sticky caramel. This isn’t just any cake; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’ve pulled off something truly special, yet it’s an surprisingly easy gooey coffee caramel cake to whip up. If you’re looking for a truly decadent and satisfying treat, this rich caramel coffee cake is it. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons!
- Unforgettable Taste: The combination of deep coffee notes and sweet, buttery caramel is pure indulgence.
- Incredibly Moist: Thanks to the careful balance of ingredients, you get a perfectly moist coffee caramel cake every time.
- Surprisingly Easy Prep: Despite its decadent appearance, the prep time is manageable, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly Bliss: Uses common pantry staples, proving you don’t need expensive ingredients for a showstopper dessert.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the comforting flavors and delightful texture of this moist coffee caramel cake.
- Visually Stunning: The layers, gooey filling, and frosting make it a beautiful centerpiece that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Delight: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a special weekend treat.
Ingredients for Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating your stunning coffee caramel layer cake. Don’t worry if some items, like the buttermilk, aren’t in your fridge; a simple substitute works just as well!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of our cake
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – for sweetness and structure
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – to give it that deep chocolatey coffee flavor
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules – the secret to its rich coffee punch
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – for leavening
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – works with the buttermilk for a tender crumb
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar) – adds moisture and tenderness
- ½ cup vegetable oil – keeps the cake incredibly moist
- 2 large eggs – helps bind everything together
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
- 1 cup boiling water – this helps bloom the cocoa and coffee for intense flavor
- For the Gooey Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for the caramel base
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – adds richness to the caramel
- ½ cup heavy cream – creates that luscious, smooth texture
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste) – cuts through the sweetness and boosts flavor
- For the Coffee Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – the base for our creamy frosting
- 4 cups powdered sugar – for sweetness and body
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules – for that extra coffee kick
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency) – to achieve the perfect frosting texture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a hint of warmth
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
- Chocolate shavings or espresso beans
How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Let’s get this party started! Making this incredible cake is a bit of a process, but totally worth every minute. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a showstopper on your hands.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get two 9-inch round cake pans ready by greasing and flouring them thoroughly. This ensures your beautiful cakes won’t stick.
- Step 2: Now for the cake base! In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: Add the wet ingredients to the dry: buttermilk, vegetable oil, large eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it’s smooth and well combined.
- Step 4: Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will become quite thin, which is exactly what you want for a super moist cake. This step really helps bloom the cocoa and coffee for an intense flavor.
- Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 6: While the cakes cool, let’s make that magical caramel filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a beautiful deep amber color.
- Step 7: Carefully add the unsalted butter and stir until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the sugar.
- Step 8: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up! Keep stirring until it’s smooth and luscious.
- Step 9: Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the sea salt. Let it cool slightly; it will thicken as it cools, giving you that wonderful sticky texture.
- Step 10: Time for the frosting! In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s nice and creamy.
- Step 11: Dissolve the instant coffee granules in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Add this coffee mixture along with the powdered sugar to the butter. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Step 12: If the frosting is too thick, add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Making the Coffee Cake
The foundation of our gooey coffee caramel cake is a wonderfully moist chocolate cake. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures everything is evenly distributed. Adding the boiling water at the end is key; it activates the cocoa and coffee, promising a deep flavor and a tender crumb. This technique results in a cake that’s almost like a moist chocolate coffee cake with caramel, even before we add the filling! For more baking tips, check out these latest recipes.
Crafting the Gooey Caramel Filling
Making caramel from scratch might sound intimidating, but it’s quite straightforward! Melting sugar slowly to an amber hue is crucial for flavor. Adding butter and cream creates that signature silky, rich texture. Remember, it will be hot and bubbly when you add the cream, so stir carefully. The final result is a wonderfully sticky coffee caramel that oozes beautifully between the cake layers. Learning about copycat recipes can be fun too!
Preparing the Coffee Frosting
This coffee frosting is the perfect complement to the cake and caramel. We start by beating softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Dissolving the instant coffee granules in a little hot water ensures there are no clumps and the coffee flavor is potent. Gradually adding the powdered sugar creates a smooth, spreadable frosting. Adjusting with heavy cream allows you to get the perfect consistency for easy spreading.
Assembling and Garnishing the Cake
Now for the fun part! Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Poke holes all over the top with a skewer or fork, then generously pour half of the gooey caramel filling over it. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and repeat with the remaining caramel. Finally, frost the entire cake with your delicious coffee frosting. For an extra touch, drizzle more caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or espresso beans.
Pro Tips for the Best Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Want to make sure your cake is absolutely perfect? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really elevate this dessert. These tips will help you achieve that signature gooeyness and rich flavor that makes this cake so special.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the cake batter; they incorporate more smoothly.
- Don’t overbake the cake layers. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean, for maximum moisture.
- Let the caramel filling cool slightly before pouring it over the cake layers. If it’s too hot, it might melt the cake, and if it’s too cool, it might be too stiff to pour.
- Ensure your frosting ingredients, especially the butter, are at the right temperature – softened but not melted – for a smooth, creamy texture.
What’s the secret to perfect Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake?
The real secret to the best gooey coffee caramel cake lies in the balance of the moist cake, the deeply flavored caramel filling, and a perfectly calibrated coffee frosting. The boiling water in the cake batter is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can find more tips on achieving perfect textures in baking on sites like King Arthur Baking.
Can I make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers and make the caramel filling and frosting a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble the cake a few hours before serving for the best texture, or up to a day ahead and refrigerate.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake?
A common pitfall is overbaking the cake, which leads to dryness. Another is making the caramel too quickly; patience ensures a smooth, rich consistency. Lastly, ensure your cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent a melty mess.
Best Ways to Serve Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
This decadent rich caramel coffee cake is a showstopper on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate your dessert experience even further. For a truly indulgent treat, try serving a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of the warm cake and cold ice cream, with the gooey caramel melting into both, is simply divine. Another fantastic pairing is a dollop of freshly whipped cream – it adds a light, airy texture that perfectly complements the cake’s richness. You could also serve it alongside a strong cup of coffee or an espresso to enhance the coffee flavors within the cake itself. For more dessert ideas, explore these easy chocolate chip cookies.
Nutrition Facts for Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
This gooey coffee caramel cake is a delightful treat, and here’s a breakdown of its estimated nutritional content per slice. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Proper storage is key to keeping your gooey coffee cake with caramel frosting tasting its best. After baking, always let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to store it. This prevents condensation, which can make the cake soggy. Once cooled, transfer the cake to an airtight container. If you plan to enjoy it within 3-4 days, the refrigerator is your best bet, especially with the gooey caramel filling and frosting. For more storage tips, consider these make-ahead meal ideas.
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator. For a delightful warm treat, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
What exactly is a Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake?
A gooey coffee caramel cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake infused with coffee flavor, layered with a luscious, sticky caramel filling, and often topped with a complementary coffee frosting. It’s designed to be decadent and comforting, with textures that range from tender cake to gooey, flowing caramel. It’s a celebration of coffee and caramel flavors baked into one irresistible dessert.
Can I make this homemade gooey coffee caramel cake for a special occasion?
Absolutely! This homemade gooey coffee caramel cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want to impress. Its beautiful presentation and rich flavors make it a standout dessert that guests will rave about. Just be sure to give yourself enough time for assembly, especially if you’re making it for the first time.
What’s the best way to store leftover gooey coffee caramel cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if your cake has a very soft frosting, refrigerating it is a good option. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I substitute the coffee flavor with something else?
While the coffee is a key component, you can experiment! For a less intense coffee flavor, reduce the amount of instant coffee granules. You could also try using espresso powder for a deeper flavor or even omit it entirely and add a bit more cocoa powder to the cake batter for a richer chocolate experience, though it won’t be a coffee caramel cake then.
Variations of Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different twists! If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy these flavors, consider these variations. They offer different textures and serving styles while keeping that beloved coffee and caramel essence.
- Coffee Caramel Bundt Cake: Instead of layer cakes, pour the batter into a well-greased bundt pan. Bake as directed, but you might need to add a few extra minutes. Once cooled, invert it and generously drizzle the caramel sauce and frosting over the top. This makes for a stunning presentation with minimal assembly effort, perfect for a simpler yet elegant dessert.
- Coffee Caramel Sheet Cake: For a crowd-pleasing option, bake the batter in a 9×13 inch sheet pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Once cooled, you can frost the entire top with the coffee frosting and then drizzle generously with caramel. This makes for easy serving and is ideal for parties or potlucks.
- Decadent Chocolate Coffee Caramel Cake: Amp up the chocolate by adding an extra half cup of cocoa powder to the cake batter and a handful of chocolate chips. This creates an even richer, more intense chocolate experience that pairs beautifully with the coffee and caramel.
- Espresso Caramel Layer Cake: For a bolder coffee flavor, swap the instant coffee granules in the cake and frosting for espresso powder. This variation will give you a more pronounced espresso kick, making it a favorite for serious coffee lovers.
Incredible Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake 1 Burst
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake recipe offers a moist and decadent dessert experience. It combines the rich flavors of coffee with a luscious caramel sauce, topped with a creamy coffee frosting and drizzled with more caramel. It’s a perfect centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Coffee Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the Gooey Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- For the Coffee Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
- Chocolate shavings or espresso beans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Make the Coffee Cake: Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Incorporate Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water until well combined (the batter will be thin). Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Gooey Caramel Filling: Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Add Butter: Once melted, carefully add the butter and stir until melted and combined. Incorporate Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring (the mixture will bubble up). Continue stirring until smooth. Add Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Allow to cool slightly before using.
- Make the Coffee Frosting: Dissolve Coffee Granules: In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add Sugar and Coffee: Gradually add the powdered sugar and the dissolved coffee, mixing until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble the Cake: Layer the Cakes: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Poke holes in the top with a skewer or fork, then pour half of the gooey caramel filling over the top. Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process, pouring the remaining caramel filling over the top. Frost the Cake: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the coffee frosting. Garnish: Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or espresso beans if desired.
Notes
- This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
- Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Caramel can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
- Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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