Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a dessert that combines the bold flavor of coffee with the irresistible sweetness of caramel in one luscious, moist cake. Every bite is a balance of soft sponge infused with coffee, layers of sticky caramel, and a drizzle of sauce that makes it wonderfully gooey. This cake is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy desserts that are both indulgent and comforting. It’s a fantastic choice for dinner parties, afternoon tea, or simply as a weekend baking project when you want to treat yourself. The gooey caramel center paired with the slight bitterness of coffee ensures the cake isn’t overly sweet but beautifully balanced. It’s the kind of dessert that feels decadent while still being approachable enough for home bakers.
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Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake – A Rich and Indulgent Treat
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and gooey coffee-flavored cake swirled with caramel sauce and topped with a creamy glaze, perfect for coffee lovers and dessert fans alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp instant coffee granules (dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp strong brewed coffee (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish or round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk and dissolved coffee, mixing until smooth.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, drizzle with caramel sauce, then top with remaining batter. Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool slightly, then drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cake.
- For glaze: whisk powdered sugar with brewed coffee until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Use salted caramel for a sweet and salty twist.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the cake and provides structure.
Baking powder and baking soda – Help the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Strong brewed coffee – Infuses the cake with bold coffee flavor.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter and balances the coffee’s bitterness.
Brown sugar – Adds depth and pairs perfectly with caramel.
Unsalted butter – Keeps the cake moist and rich.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients and give the cake stability.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the coffee and caramel flavors.
Caramel sauce – Creates gooey layers throughout the cake.
Heavy cream – Adds richness to the caramel drizzle or filling.
Powdered sugar – Used for optional dusting or glazing.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round pans.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and brewed coffee. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth.
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top, then spread the remaining batter evenly. Swirl lightly with a knife to create ribbons of caramel.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow to cool slightly. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce and, if desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 10–12 servings. Preparation takes 20 minutes, baking requires 40 minutes, and cooling adds 15 minutes. Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving to bring back the gooey texture. The cake can also be frozen (unglazed) for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating and drizzling with fresh caramel.
Variations and Customizations
Salted caramel version – Use salted caramel sauce for a sweet-salty flavor.
Espresso boost – Replace coffee with brewed espresso for a stronger kick.
Nutty crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer.
Chocolate twist – Fold in chocolate chips for mocha-caramel richness.
Layer cake style – Bake in round pans and fill with caramel buttercream.
Glazed version – Top with a coffee glaze instead of extra caramel.
Holiday spice – Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter for a seasonal variation.
Cupcake version – Bake in muffin tins for individual gooey caramel cakes.
FAQs
How strong should the coffee be?
Brew it strong so the coffee flavor stands out against the caramel.
Can I use instant coffee?
Yes, dissolve instant coffee granules in hot water before adding to the batter.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely, though homemade caramel adds a richer flavor.
Can I freeze coffee caramel cake?
Yes, freeze without the drizzle for up to 2 months.
Does this cake need to be refrigerated?
Only if topped with heavy cream–based caramel or glaze.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a dessert that delivers comfort and indulgence in every slice. With its moist coffee-infused sponge, gooey caramel layers, and rich drizzle on top, it’s perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Easy to customize and guaranteed to impress, this cake is a dream for coffee lovers and anyone who enjoys decadent bakes.