As a baker, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to combine flavors and textures that will wow my family and friends. This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is one of my absolute favorites! It combines the richness of coffee with the indulgent sweetness of caramel, creating a dessert that is both comforting and luxurious. The moist cake is topped with a gooey caramel sauce that seeps into every bite, making each forkful irresistible. Perfect for coffee lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth, this cake is sure to become a go-to in your baking repertoire.
The best part about this recipe is how simple it is to make. You don’t need to be a professional baker to create something that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end bakery. With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll have a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just indulging yourself on a cozy afternoon, this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is sure to bring joy to any occasion.
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and the steps to make this scrumptious cake. I promise it’ll be a hit!
Ingredients + How to Bake the Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 tbsp butter (for caramel sauce)
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1 pinch of sea salt (optional, for garnish)
How to Bake:
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Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
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Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth, then add the cooled coffee, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The batter will be somewhat thin, which is perfectly fine.
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Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel sauce.
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Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture starts to simmer. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to a sauce consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
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Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. When the cake is cool, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top of the cake. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve immediately. The gooey caramel sauce will create a delicious, rich layer as you cut into the cake, making each bite a heavenly experience.
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Gooey Coffee Caramel Cakes are the perfect balance of rich, aromatic coffee and indulgent caramel. Every bite melts in your mouth with the sweet caramel sauce, making it an irresistible treat for any coffee lover. Whether served as a dessert, a snack, or a special treat for a celebration, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 tbsp butter (for caramel sauce)
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1 pinch of sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the cooled coffee, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix into the dry ingredients until just combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel sauce by combining brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
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When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once the cake is cool, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. Garnish with a pinch of sea salt if desired.
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Slice, serve, and enjoy the gooey goodness!
Notes
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Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
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For a stronger flavor, substitute the feta cheese with blue cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use decaffeinated coffee for this recipe?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a cake with less caffeine, using decaffeinated coffee is a great alternative. The flavor of the coffee will still shine through in the cake, and the caramel will add its rich sweetness to balance it out.
2. Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make the cake a day ahead, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container. Drizzle the caramel sauce on top just before serving, or you can pour it over and reheat the entire cake in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the gooey texture.
3. Can I substitute the butter in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as margarine or coconut oil, if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. Just make sure to use the same amount as the recipe calls for to maintain the proper consistency and flavor.
4. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best way to check if your cake is done is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. If the toothpick is wet with batter, continue baking and check again in 5-minute intervals until the cake is cooked through.