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Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe

Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe

5 from 20 reviews

This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a delectably moist and rich dessert combining the robust flavor of brewed coffee with a luscious caramel sauce. Perfect for coffee lovers seeking a sweet treat with a gooey, buttery topping and a delicate coffee drizzle to finish.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  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 to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  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 the softened butter and egg until light and fluffy. Add the brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients and mix well. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until you achieve a smooth batter.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Prepare the Caramel Sauce: While the cake cools, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer. Continue simmering and stirring for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  5. Assemble the Cake with Caramel Sauce: Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in gently, creating a gooey layer.
  6. Make the Coffee Drizzle: Mix the brewed coffee and powdered sugar until smooth to form a light drizzle. Drizzle this over the caramel-topped cake for an added coffee punch and visual appeal.
  7. Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve as a delicious dessert or coffee-time treat. Best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use freshly brewed coffee that is cooled to avoid curdling the batter.
  • For a stronger coffee flavor, consider using espresso instead of brewed coffee.
  • The caramel sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before drizzling.
  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding caramel sauce to prevent it from melting too much.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt atop the caramel for a sweet-salty contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: coffee cake, caramel cake, gooey cake, coffee dessert, easy cake recipe, coffee caramel drizzle