Name: Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; ½ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 2 tablespoons brewed coffee; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

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Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of Coffee Caramel Cake: each bite is a delicate balance of robust coffee flavor, buttery caramel, and a luxuriously moist crumb – a true celebration for anyone who adores the magical combination of coffee and caramel. This recipe is simple enough for an afternoon pick-me-up but impressive enough to wow at your next special gathering. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a potluck, or just to brighten your day, Coffee Caramel Cake brings warmth and joy to any table.

Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Coffee Caramel Cake so irresistible is how each ingredient plays a starring role, from the deep flavor of brewed coffee to the gooey, sweet hit of homemade caramel sauce. These simple staples come together harmoniously to create an unforgettable treat.

All-purpose flour: The structural backbone that gives the cake its tender but sturdy crumb.
Granulated sugar: Provides just the right sweetness for the base without overpowering the coffee and caramel.
Baking powder: Helps lift the batter, creating a light and fluffy texture.
Baking soda: Works alongside the buttermilk to make every bite perfectly soft.
Salt: Enhances the rich flavors and balances the cake’s sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Adds moisture, richness, and that unforgettable buttery flavor.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds extra tenderness.
Brewed coffee: Infuses the cake and drizzle with real coffee taste – use your favorite blend!
Buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist, with just a subtle tang that makes it irresistible.
Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and depth in both the cake and caramel sauce.
Brown sugar: The caramel sauce’s mainstay, bringing those deep, molasses-y notes.
Heavy cream: Turns an ordinary sauce into a rich, dreamy caramel.
Powdered sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness and smoothness to the coffee drizzle.
Pinch of salt: Rounds out the caramel, making its flavor pop even more.

How to Make

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Cake Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), giving it enough time to get nice and toasty. Next, grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and either grease and flour it or line it with parchment paper – this little step makes cake removal a total breeze.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate, larger bowl, beat the softened butter and egg until the mix is pale and fluffy. Add in those magical flavor-makers: brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Slowly stir in the dry ingredients bit by bit until you have a smooth, glossy batter full of promise and aroma.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour that tempting batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top for even baking. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick at the 25-minute mark – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in its pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

While the cake cools, melt the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently until it all bubbles into a simmer. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, until lovely and thickened. Off the heat, swirl in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then let the caramel cool slightly to a pourable, glossy consistency.

Step 5: Prepare the Coffee Drizzle

In a small bowl, whisk up the brewed coffee and powdered sugar until completely smooth. This drizzle delivers another hit of java goodness and a bit of shimmer to your Coffee Caramel Cake.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

When your cake is completely cooled and your caramel is sticky and warm, slowly pour the caramel sauce over the cake, letting it soak in and create gooey pockets of flavor. Finish with the coffee drizzle, zig-zagging it over the top for a dramatic finishing touch.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Slice the Coffee Caramel Cake into generous squares and serve right away. Each piece will be meltingly tender, with that glorious combination of deep coffee and golden caramel in every bite.

How to Serve

Garnishes

To transform your Coffee Caramel Cake into a true showstopper, try topping each slice with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an even fancier finish, sprinkle on some chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair a square of Coffee Caramel Cake with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast. If you’re serving it for brunch or as dessert at a dinner party, a pot of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk alongside will make the experience complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into petite cubes and skewer them with toothpicks for a sweet addition to your next dessert platter, or stack slices into elegant layers with extra caramel and whipped cream between each. Coffee Caramel Cake also makes delightful individual trifles when layered with cream and fruit in jars.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Coffee Caramel Cake is completely cooled, keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’d like to keep it fresh a bit longer, it holds up beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days—just allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

If you want to savor Coffee Caramel Cake beyond the week, freezing is your best bet. Cut the cooled cake into pieces, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and pop them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before indulging.

Reheating

To restore that just-baked goodness, gently warm individual servings of Coffee Caramel Cake in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, then drizzle with a little extra caramel if you like. This brings back that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth magic even days after baking.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Absolutely! Mix one tablespoon of instant coffee granules with half a cup of hot water, then let it cool before using in the recipe. This gives your Coffee Caramel Cake a clear, bold flavor without any special equipment.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, try mixing half a cup of milk with one and a half teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes until slightly thickened—that’s your quick buttermilk fix for the Coffee Caramel Cake.

How do I keep the caramel sauce from becoming grainy?

Make sure the brown sugar fully dissolves in the butter and cream before it simmers, and stir constantly. Adding the vanilla extract off the heat helps avoid crystallization and keeps your sauce smooth and glossy.

Is Coffee Caramel Cake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This cake contains no meat or gelatin, making it perfectly vegetarian-friendly. Check your heavy cream and butter labels—almost all standard brands are vegetarian-approved.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! For a larger group, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Watch the baking time—your Coffee Caramel Cake may need a few extra minutes but will be just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you love dessert with a cozy twist and can’t resist the allure of caramel and coffee together, you simply must give this Coffee Caramel Cake a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that just might become a new staple in your baking repertoire—go ahead, treat yourself!