Gooey Coffee Caramel Delight

This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake delivers the perfect balance of deep coffee notes and sweet caramel in every bite, creating an irresistibly moist dessert that will satisfy both coffee lovers and sweet tooths alike.

I first made this cake for my friend's birthday who is a complete coffee addict. The moment she took her first bite, her eyes widened with delight, and now it has become my signature dessert for all coffee loving friends.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure while keeping the cake tender
• Granulated sugar: Balances the bitter notes from the coffee beautifully
• Brewed coffee: Infuses every bite with authentic flavor; use freshly brewed for best results
• Buttermilk: Creates an incredibly moist texture that stays that way for days
• Brown sugar: Gives the caramel sauce its deep rich color and flavor; look for dark brown for extra depth
• Heavy cream: Creates that silky mouthfeel in the caramel; makes all the difference in texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Set your oven to 350°F while you prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan. Greasing and flouring the pan ensures easy release later, but parchment paper creates the most foolproof method if you have it on hand. Make sure to leave some overhang for easy lifting.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly. Proper mixing at this stage prevents flour lumps later and ensures even distribution of leavening agents. Take your time with this step for a perfectly textured cake.

Cream Butter and Egg:

Beat the softened butter and egg until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in color and fluffy in texture. This typically takes 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer. This process incorporates air which helps the cake rise properly during baking.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Pour in your cooled coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. The coffee should be completely cooled to prevent curdling the buttermilk or cooking the egg. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this point which is completely normal.

Combine Wet and Dry:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until smooth. Overmixing can develop gluten and result in a tough cake, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour. The batter should be smooth but not overworked.

Bake to Perfection:

Transfer your batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking at the 25 minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached for the perfect gooey texture.

Create Caramel Sauce:

While the cake cools, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning and bring to a simmer. Allow the mixture to bubble gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Finish and Drizzle:

Once your cake has cooled completely, drizzle with the warm caramel sauce, allowing it to soak partly into the cake for that gooey effect. For the coffee drizzle, mix brewed coffee with powdered sugar until smooth and drizzle in a crosshatch pattern for a professional finish.

Pin it

The first time I made this cake, I accidentally used espresso instead of regular coffee, creating an intensely flavored version that my caffeine loving brother declared the best cake he had ever tasted. Sometimes mistakes lead to the most memorable kitchen creations.

Storage Solutions

This cake stays remarkably moist when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, though the texture is best when allowed to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving.

Coffee Customizations

Feel free to experiment with different coffee varieties to customize the flavor profile. A dark roast will provide a more robust, almost smoky flavor, while a medium roast offers a more balanced sweetness. For an extra special version, try using freshly brewed espresso or cold brew concentrate diluted with a bit of water. Coffee liqueur can replace some of the brewed coffee for an adult version with subtle complexity.

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

This cake reaches its peak deliciousness when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the caramel sauce. For coffee purists, serve with a small espresso on the side for the ultimate coffee experience. If entertaining, cut into small squares and serve on a dessert platter with fresh berries and a small pitcher of extra warm caramel sauce on the side for guests to add as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the cake stays moist?

Use buttermilk and brewed coffee as they add moisture and flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain its soft texture.

→ Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, but homemade caramel sauce adds a richer, fresher flavor and allows you to control sweetness and texture.

→ What size pan should I use?

Use a 9×9-inch baking pan for even baking. Ensure it is greased or lined with parchment for easy removal.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I substitute the brewed coffee?

Yes, you can use decaffeinated coffee or replace it with milk, though the coffee flavor will be less pronounced.