Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who enjoys rich, coffee-flavored desserts. This cake is soft, moist, and layered with buttery caramel sauce that seeps into every bite, creating a gooey texture that feels luxurious and comforting. The coffee adds a deep, aromatic flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel, making it an ideal dessert for both coffee lovers and those who simply appreciate a decadent treat. Perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or even as a weekend baking project, this cake is a showstopper that requires only simple ingredients. Its irresistible combination of gooey caramel, coffee-infused sponge, and creamy toppings makes it versatile enough to enjoy warm with ice cream or cold with a cup of espresso. Each slice offers a balance of sweetness and boldness, ensuring this dessert will be remembered long after the last bite.
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Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake – A Heavenly Dessert for Coffee Lovers
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and gooey cake infused with rich coffee flavor and swirled with luscious caramel, topped with a coffee glaze for the ultimate indulgence.
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.
- Cream butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture, alternating with milk and dissolved coffee, until smooth.
- Spread half the batter into prepared pan. Drizzle with caramel sauce and swirl lightly with a knife.
- Add remaining batter on top and repeat with more caramel drizzle.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool slightly before drizzling with extra caramel.
- For glaze: whisk powdered sugar with brewed coffee until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Use salted caramel for a sweet and salty twist.
- Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 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 – This provides the structure for the cake, ensuring it holds together while remaining soft and tender.
Instant coffee granules – Dissolved in warm water, these bring a robust coffee flavor that enhances the richness of the caramel.
Brown sugar – With its natural molasses content, brown sugar adds depth of sweetness and pairs beautifully with caramel.
Granulated sugar – Balances the flavors and ensures proper sweetness in the sponge.
Eggs – Essential for structure, they help the cake rise while giving it a light, airy texture.
Butter – Provides richness and moisture to the cake, ensuring a tender crumb.
Milk – Keeps the batter smooth and moist, allowing the flavors to blend seamlessly.
Baking powder – Ensures the cake rises properly, giving it a fluffy yet stable texture.
Salt – A small pinch enhances the other flavors, balancing the sweetness.
Caramel sauce – The star of the dessert, drizzled generously into the cake layers and over the top to create that gooey, irresistible texture.
Heavy cream – Whipped into the caramel or used as a topping, it provides a luscious creamy finish.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances both the coffee and caramel flavors.
Directions
Start by preheating your oven and preparing a baking dish with parchment paper or a light greasing. Dissolve instant coffee granules in a small amount of hot water and let it cool. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled coffee mixture.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until a smooth batter forms. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean, as you want the center slightly moist.
While the cake is still warm, poke small holes across the surface and drizzle with caramel sauce, letting it soak into the sponge. For extra indulgence, add a layer of whipped cream or drizzle more caramel over the top. Serve warm for a gooey, melty experience, or let it cool for a denser, fudgy bite.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8–10 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with a baking time of 35–40 minutes. Allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling before adding the caramel topping.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to restore their gooey texture. Avoid freezing, as the caramel may separate.
Variations and Customizations
Mocha Gooey Cake
Add a layer of melted chocolate or cocoa powder to the batter for a mocha-inspired twist.
Nutty Caramel Coffee Cake
Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts into the batter for crunch and extra depth.
Salted Caramel Coffee Cake
Top the cake with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness with a savory note.
Espresso-Infused Cake
Replace instant coffee with a shot of strong espresso for a bolder coffee flavor.
Cream Cheese Swirl Cake
Swirl sweetened cream cheese into the batter before baking for a tangy contrast to the caramel.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant granules?
Yes, but use a concentrated amount to maintain a strong coffee flavor without adding excess liquid.
Can I make this cake without caramel?
While caramel is central to this recipe, you can substitute with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche.
What type of caramel sauce works best?
A thick, buttery caramel sauce works best as it soaks into the cake while keeping a gooey texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake a day in advance and add the caramel topping just before serving.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dry?
Do not overbake—remove the cake while the center is still slightly moist.
Can I add alcohol to this cake?
Yes, a splash of coffee liqueur or Irish cream enhances the flavors beautifully.
Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Absolutely, bake the batter in muffin tins and drizzle caramel into the centers after baking.
Is this cake overly sweet?
The coffee balances the sweetness, but you can reduce sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet version.
Can I serve this cake cold?
Yes, but it will be denser. Warming enhances its gooey texture.
What can I serve with this cake?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries pair wonderfully with the gooey caramel.
Conclusion
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a decadent dessert that marries the boldness of coffee with the indulgence of caramel in every slice. It is rich, gooey, and perfectly balanced, making it ideal for special occasions or simply treating yourself. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe allows you to create a bakery-worthy dessert at home. Whether served warm with melting caramel or enjoyed cool with a cup of coffee, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy sweet cravings and impress your guests.