Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake ☕ – The Ultimate Indulgent Dessert for Coffee Lovers

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—these are your dry ingredients.

In another large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This aerates the batter, ensuring your cake bakes up soft and moist. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for aroma.

Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and your coffee-buttermilk mixture into the creamed butter. Begin and end with the dry mix. This alternating method keeps your batter smooth and well-balanced.

Step 2: Baking to Fluffy Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula, and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely—patience here pays off, as frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt or slide.

Step 3: Whipping Up the Coffee Buttercream

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth. Then, pour in the brewed coffee and vanilla extract, and whip for another 2–3 minutes until the buttercream becomes light, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable.

The result should be silky and rich, with just the right coffee punch to balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Step 4: Making the Silky Caramel Sauce

Here’s where the “gooey” magic begins. Making caramel might sound intimidating, but it’s simpler than you think as long as you keep an eye on it.

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup water over medium heat. Do not stir—just gently swirl the pan occasionally to help the sugar dissolve evenly. You’ll see it turn from clear to pale golden, then to a deep amber color. That’s your cue.

Once it reaches a rich amber shade, immediately remove the pan from heat. Carefully (and slowly) whisk in ½ cup heavy cream—the mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious. Next, whisk in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and ½ teaspoon sea salt until smooth and glossy.

Let the caramel cool slightly before using. It will thicken as it sits, creating that luscious, drip-worthy consistency.

Pro tip: If you prefer a slightly thicker caramel, let it simmer an extra minute before removing it from the heat. For a thinner drizzle, stir in an additional splash of cream.

This caramel sauce will become your go-to for everything—ice cream, pancakes, brownies, you name it—but on this cake, it’s pure luxury.

Step 5: Assembling the Gooey Layers

Now comes the most rewarding part—bringing all those components together into one stunning dessert.

1. Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread a generous layer of coffee buttercream over the top, smoothing it out evenly.
3. Drizzle a few spoonfuls of caramel sauce over the buttercream. Let it slightly drip over the edges for that signature gooey look.
4. Gently place the second cake layer on top, aligning it carefully.
5. Frost the entire cake with the remaining coffee buttercream, using a spatula to create smooth or rustic swirls (depending on your style).
6. Pour a bit more caramel sauce over the top, letting it drip naturally down the sides—it’s all about that irresistible, messy-chic caramel flow.
7. Finally, garnish with whole coffee beans or chocolate-covered espresso beans for an elegant café-style finish.

Pop the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the frosting firm up slightly and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

The result? A show-stopping dessert that looks straight out of a bakery display case—but it came from your kitchen.

Expert Baking Tips for a Perfect Coffee Caramel Cake

This cake is indulgent and rich, but perfection lies in the details. Here are some pro-level tricks to ensure your bake turns out flawless every time:

1. Use room-temperature ingredients.
Butter, eggs, and buttermilk should all be at room temperature before you start. This ensures the batter blends smoothly and traps enough air for a tender crumb.

2. Brew strong coffee.
The stronger your coffee, the deeper the flavor. Use espresso or double-strength brewed coffee for a bold taste that stands out even after baking. Avoid instant coffee granules—they can make the flavor slightly bitter.

3. Don’t rush the caramel.
Caramel demands patience. Stirring too much or increasing the heat can cause crystallization. The key is a steady hand and medium heat—let the sugar melt and caramelize naturally.

4. Level your cakes.
If your cake layers dome while baking, trim the tops slightly before stacking. This helps them sit evenly and prevents the frosting from sliding.

5. Frosting temperature matters.
If your buttercream feels too soft to spread, refrigerate it for 10 minutes. Conversely, if it’s too stiff, beat it again with a tablespoon of coffee or milk.

6. Enhance the flavor depth.
For a gourmet touch, add a pinch of espresso powder or a few flakes of sea salt to the buttercream—it intensifies the overall flavor and balances sweetness beautifully.

Following these tips will elevate your cake from “great” to “spectacular.”

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

When it comes to presentation, Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is all about drama and elegance. That caramel drip effect, the glossy frosting, the speckled coffee beans—everything works together to create a dessert that’s not just delicious, but visually stunning.

Here’s how to make your serving moment extra special:

1. The Drizzle Effect
Warm the caramel sauce slightly before serving so it flows smoothly over the top. Pour it in slow, circular motions, letting it drip naturally down the sides. For a more refined look, use a squeeze bottle or piping bag to control the flow.

2. The Coffeehouse Presentation
Serve each slice on a white plate drizzled with extra caramel sauce. Sprinkle crushed espresso beans or a dusting of cocoa powder around the edges—it’ll look straight out of a café.

3. The Perfect Pairings

• With drinks: Enjoy a slice with a cup of espresso, cappuccino, or even a caramel latte for the ultimate coffee experience.
• With sides: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the cake’s richness beautifully.
• With toppings: For a festive twist, add chocolate curls, toasted pecans, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

4. For Special Occasions
This cake shines at birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Its sophisticated flavor profile makes it a hit at adult gatherings, coffee-themed parties, or any event where you want to impress without overwhelming sweetness.

5. The Chill Factor
For an extra gooey experience, slightly warm each slice before serving. The caramel softens, and the buttercream becomes silky—pure heaven.

Variations You’ll Love

Want to put your own spin on this coffee caramel dream? Here are a few creative variations that keep the essence of the cake while adding fun new twists.

Salted Caramel Espresso Cake

Add ½ teaspoon sea salt directly into the caramel sauce for that irresistible salty-sweet combo. Pair it with a slightly darker espresso buttercream for a bold, grown-up dessert.

Mocha Fudge Layer Cake

Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the dry cake ingredients for a deep mocha flavor. Frost it with a combination of coffee and chocolate buttercream for the best of both worlds.

Hazelnut Latte Cake

Swap half of the butter in the frosting for hazelnut spread (like Nutella). The combination of hazelnut, coffee, and caramel is outrageously good and gives a nutty aroma that’s simply irresistible.

Each variation offers its own personality—whether you prefer something salty, chocolatey, or nutty, there’s a version of this cake that will feel tailor-made for your taste.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This cake is perfect for making ahead or storing leftovers—if there are any!

Room Temperature:
If your kitchen is cool, the cake can stay at room temperature for up to 24 hours, covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap.

Refrigeration:
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to soften the frosting.

Freezing:
You can freeze individual slices or the entire cake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and drizzle fresh caramel on top before serving.

Make-Ahead Tip:
You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. The buttercream and caramel sauce can also be made a day ahead—just refrigerate and re-whip or warm slightly before assembling.

Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

A decadent dessert with layers of rich coffee-infused cake, creamy coffee buttercream, and luscious salted caramel sauce. Perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy a sweet, gooey treat with a gourmet touch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing Bowls
• Electric Mixer
• Saucepan
• Wire Rack

Ingredients

  

Cake Layers

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee cooled
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Coffee Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Garnish

• extra caramel sauce for drizzling
• coffee beans for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
• Alternately add the dry ingredients and the coffee and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• To prepare the coffee buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
• Add brewed coffee and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
• For the caramel sauce, combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook without stirring until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
• Remove from heat and carefully whisk in heavy cream, butter, and sea salt until smooth. Let cool slightly.
• To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of coffee buttercream over the top.
• Drizzle some caramel sauce over the buttercream.
• Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining coffee buttercream.
• Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top and garnish with coffee beans.
• Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Ensure the caramel sauce is not too hot when adding cream and butter to prevent splattering. Use cold brewed coffee for a smoother coffee flavor in both the cake and buttercream.

Keyword Baking, Cake, Caramel, Coffee

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’re indulging in—because balance is key, even with dessert!

It’s rich, it’s indulgent, and it’s absolutely worth every single bite. Remember, desserts like this are meant to be savored, not rushed.

You may read as well :

Caramel Apple Cupcakes – The Ultimate Fall Dessert Dream
Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Caramel Pecan Pound Cake

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned bakers can stumble when working with caramel and coffee flavors. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your cake is bakery-perfect:

1. Overmixing the batter.
Once the dry and wet ingredients are combined, stop mixing. Overworking the batter can make the cake dense instead of soft.

2. Adding hot coffee.
Always let your brewed coffee cool before adding it to the batter or buttercream, or it may curdle the mixture.

3. Stirring caramel while it cooks.
Caramelizing sugar requires patience—stirring too soon causes crystallization. Swirl the pan instead.

4. Frosting a warm cake.
Wait until the cake layers are completely cool before adding frosting, or it will melt and slide right off.

5. Skipping the chilling time.
Chilling helps set the layers and intensifies the flavor. It’s worth the wait for that rich, gooey finish.

Why This Cake Is a Showstopper Dessert

The Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake isn’t just another dessert—it’s an experience. It embodies everything people love about coffeehouse treats: warmth, richness, and sophistication. Each layer tells a story—the soft cake infused with brewed coffee, the velvety buttercream, and that slow, golden caramel drip on top.

It’s elegant enough for celebrations, comforting enough for lazy weekends, and impressive enough to earn you serious “wow” moments from anyone lucky enough to taste it.

This is the kind of cake that turns ordinary afternoons into something extraordinary—a dessert that feels like love poured into every bite.

Conclusion – Every Bite Feels Like a Hug in a Cup

This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is everything a coffee lover dreams of—rich, smooth, and indulgent, with a balance of bold coffee and buttery caramel that hits all the right notes. Each slice is a little moment of joy, combining comfort and luxury in one irresistible dessert.

Serve it chilled or at room temperature, with coffee or without—it’s bound to steal the spotlight on any table. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just rewarding yourself after a long day, this cake promises pure, sweet satisfaction.

Similar recipes : Caramel Pound Cake Recipe – A Rich, Buttery Delight with Decadent Caramel Glaze

FAQs About Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

1. Can I make this cake without coffee?
Yes! Substitute the brewed coffee with warm milk or caramel-flavored milk for a milder, kid-friendly version.

2. How can I make the caramel sauce thicker?
Let it simmer for an additional minute or two. As it cools, it will naturally thicken even more.

3. What’s the best way to store leftover cake?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely—use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture remains moist and delicious.

5. Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee in 1 cup of hot water and let it cool before using.