If you’re a coffee lover with a sweet tooth, this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is your dream dessert! It features a soft, fluffy coffee-infused cake topped with a rich homemade caramel sauce and a bold coffee drizzle. Every bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of deep coffee flavor and sweet caramel goodness. Whether you’re serving it warm with ice cream or enjoying a slice with your morning brew, this cake is pure indulgence.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Coffee + Caramel Heaven: Two bold flavors that pair beautifully.
- Incredibly Moist: The caramel soaks into the cake for that gooey texture.
- Easy to Make: No fancy tools—just a mixing bowl, saucepan, and a 9×9 pan.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at brunch, potlucks, or as a cozy weeknight dessert.
☕ Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 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
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Coffee Drizzle:
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and egg until light and fluffy. Stir in the coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it starts to simmer. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
Step 5: Make the Coffee Drizzle
Whisk together the brewed coffee and powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 6: Assemble
Poke small holes all over the cooled cake using a fork or skewer. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top, letting it soak in. Finish with the coffee drizzle for that bold coffee kick.
Step 7: Serve
Serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🍰 Tips & Variations
- Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel before it sets.
- Make it mocha: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cake batter.
- Serve chilled: Let the cake chill in the fridge and serve cold for a firmer, more caramel-set texture.
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake