Dive Into Decadence
Ever bitten into a dessert so sumptuous that it feels like a warm hug? The Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake captures that essence perfectly. Imagine a soft, moist cake infused with rich coffee flavor, combined with a luscious caramel sauce that oozes from every slice. This easy-to-make cake will undoubtedly make you the star of any gathering, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why Make This Recipe
Why wouldn’t you? This cake comes together quickly and requires minimal cleanup. I mean, who wants to spend hours stuck in the kitchen? Plus, it’s seriously family-friendly—even the kids will be asking for seconds. And let’s be honest, coffee and dessert? That’s a duo that never disappoints!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!
- 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 sauce)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel sauce)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee (for caramel sauce)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Directions
Let’s break it down into simple steps:
Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Cake: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and egg until light and fluffy. Mix in the brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until smooth.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce: While the cake is cooling, make the caramel. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir constantly over medium heat until it simmers. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, salt, and brewed coffee. Set aside.
How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake (Overview)
So, how do we make this scrumptious creation? First, whip up that cake batter like a pro—don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Pour it into your pan and let it do its magic in the oven. While you wait, craft that velvety caramel sauce that will drench your cake in decadence. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone in the house swooning!
How to Serve Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Once cooled, drizzle that golden caramel sauce over the top and let it cascade down the sides—a true feast for the eyes! Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. The contrast of the warm cake and the cool ice cream is a match made in heaven, and the smell? Absolute bliss! 🍰
How to Store Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Want leftovers? This cake can last up to 5 days in the fridge! Keep it in an airtight container, and if you really want to take it easy, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just pop it in the microwave for a quick reheating—hello, cozy dessert!
Tips to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for the fluffiest cake!
- Coffee Quality: Use good quality brewed coffee; it makes all the difference in flavor. No one wants a tasteless cake!
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined for a softer texture. You want it moist, not a workout!
- Experiment with Toppings: Nuts or toasted coconut on top give a delightful crunch!
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance for richer flavors—your future self will thank you! 😄
Variations
Got dietary preferences? Easily make this cake vegan by swapping out the butter and egg for plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and flax egg. You can even play around with flavors—try adding a dash of cinnamon or chocolate chips for an extra twist!
FAQs
Can I use decaf coffee?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to have caffeine, decaf will work just fine.
Can I prepare the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a little reheat before serving.
Is it possible to freeze the cake?
Yes! Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn. Enjoy on a cozy day later!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
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 Ensure at room temperature
- 1 large egg Ensure at room temperature
- 0.5 cup brewed coffee, cooled Use good quality coffee
- 0.5 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter For sauce
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For sauce
- pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee For sauce
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x9-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 another large bowl, beat the softened butter and egg until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Caramel Sauce Preparation
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until it simmers, then let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, salt, and brewed coffee.
Serving
- Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the golden caramel sauce over the top.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.
