Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
A rich and moist coffee-infused cake topped with a sticky caramel sauce, perfect for dessert menus or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 0.5 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a pinch salt
For an Optional Coffee Drizzle
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Make the Coffee Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and egg until light and fluffy.
- Add the brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
- Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer and thicken.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Optional Coffee Drizzle
- In a small bowl, mix brewed coffee with powdered sugar until smooth.
Assemble & Serve
- Once the cake is completely cooled, poke holes all over the cake surface using a fork or skewer.
- Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
- Drizzle with optional coffee mixture.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
Warm slices bring out the caramel sauce best. Pair with coffee or espresso for a dessert-and-coffee duo. A dollop of whipped cream or ice cream adds extra decadence.