Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of coffee and caramel. The cake is tender and moist, thanks to the buttermilk and brewed coffee. The buttery caramel sauce adds a touch of sweetness and gooeyness that keeps everyone coming back for more. This recipe is straightforward, and the combination of flavors makes it a favorite for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

Why You Should Try This Recipe
You should try this recipe if you enjoy cake that is both delicious and easy to make. The gooey caramel drizzled over the coffee-flavored cake adds a unique twist. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet. Plus, it requires simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen, making it accessible for everyone.
How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
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 (for caramel)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel)
- Pinch of salt (for caramel)
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee (for caramel)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for caramel)
Equipment Needed
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Saucepan
- Wire rack
- Toothpick
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier.
Step 2: Make the 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, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
While the cake is cooling, make the caramel sauce. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture simmers. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and brewed coffee. Set aside.
How to Serve Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over each slice for a delightful presentation. You can enjoy it plain or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
How to Store Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can keep the caramel sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat the sauce gently before serving it on the cake.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for better mixing.
- For a deeper coffee flavor, use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee.
- If you want to make it ahead of time, bake the cake a day in advance and prepare the caramel sauce on the day you serve it.
Variations & Substitutions
- You can substitute the buttermilk with yogurt or sour cream if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
- For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- If you prefer a lighter version, try using a sugar substitute in the cake.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, you can use instant coffee dissolved in hot water for this recipe.
2. What can I do if my caramel sauce is too thick?
If your caramel sauce is too thick, you can stir in a little more heavy cream to loosen it up.
3. Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake without the caramel sauce. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it before serving.
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
A delightful cake combining rich coffee flavors and gooey caramel, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 (for caramel)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel)
- Pinch of salt (for caramel)
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee (for caramel)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for caramel)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- 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, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream for the caramel sauce. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture simmers. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and brewed coffee. Set aside.
Notes
For a deeper coffee flavor, use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee. You can substitute the buttermilk with yogurt or sour cream if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg