Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Coffee + Caramel Heaven: These two bold flavors pair beautifully, making each bite an irresistible experience.

• Incredibly Moist: The caramel sauce soaks into the cake, creating a gooey texture that will have you coming back for more.

• Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed—just a mixing bowl, saucepan, and a 9×9 pan.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether served at brunch, potlucks, or as a cozy weeknight dessert, this cake fits every occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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 packed brown sugar
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

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and egg until light and fluffy. Stir in the cooled coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it starts to simmer. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Step 5: Make the Coffee Drizzle

Whisk together brewed coffee and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble

Once the cake is cooled, poke small holes all over the top using a fork or skewer. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in. Finish with the coffee drizzle for that bold coffee kick.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 pieces
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Tips & Variations

• Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel sauce before it sets for a bit of texture.

• Make it mocha: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist.

• Serve chilled: Allow the cake to chill in the fridge and serve cold for a firmer, more set caramel texture.

• Switch up the topping: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. The cake can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days, though it may be slightly firmer when chilled.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, instant coffee can be used in place of brewed coffee, but make sure to dissolve it in water according to the package instructions to get the right consistency.

How can I make this cake vegan?

To make this cake vegan, replace the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk. Swap the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg or an egg replacer.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance. It stores well for a couple of days at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Just drizzle with caramel and coffee drizzle before serving.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake before adding the caramel and coffee drizzle. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving and drizzle as directed.

How do I prevent the caramel sauce from hardening too quickly?

If your caramel sauce is too thick, simply reheat it gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to achieve a smooth consistency again.

Conclusion

This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is an irresistible dessert that brings together rich coffee flavors and sweet, velvety caramel. It’s the perfect treat for coffee lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth. Easy to make and completely indulgent, it’s bound to become your go-to dessert for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Enjoy it warm, chilled, or with a scoop of ice cream—either way, you’ll be savoring every bite!