Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a luscious dessert that combines rich coffee flavor with sweet, buttery caramel in a moist, tender cake. With its irresistible gooey texture and bold flavor, this cake is perfect for coffee lovers and anyone who enjoys a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is the ultimate indulgence. It’s incredibly moist, packed with a deep coffee essence balanced by rich caramel, and easy to prepare with simple ingredients. Whether for a special dessert, brunch, or cozy afternoon snack, this cake delivers a perfect blend of comforting sweetness and bold flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Strong brewed coffee (cooled)
• Whole milk
• Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For topping:

• Extra caramel sauce
• Whipped cream or ice cream (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
5. Mix the cooled coffee and milk together.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the coffee-milk mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and drizzle half of the caramel sauce over it.
8. Pour the remaining batter over the caramel layer and drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top, swirling gently with a knife.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 12 people. Preparation takes around 20 minutes, baking requires about 35-40 minutes, and cooling takes about 15 minutes. Total time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for extra crunch.
• Espresso Upgrade: Use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee for a stronger coffee flavor.
• Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel sauce for a sweet and salty contrast.
• Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips into the batter for an extra decadent dessert.
• Mini Cakes: Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds to revive their gooey texture. You can also freeze the cake (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee in hot water and let it cool before using.

How do I make homemade caramel sauce?

Melt sugar over medium heat until golden, then stir in butter and cream carefully for a quick homemade caramel.

Can I skip the caramel swirl?

You can, but the caramel adds extra gooeyness and flavor that makes the cake special.

What type of caramel sauce works best?

Thicker, high-quality caramel sauce works best to create distinct gooey layers.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, it’s even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

Is the coffee flavor strong?

The coffee flavor is noticeable but balanced by the sweetness of the caramel.

Can I use decaf coffee?

Absolutely, if you want to enjoy the cake without the caffeine kick.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Avoid overbaking and store it properly covered to maintain its moist, gooey texture.

Can I add a glaze instead of caramel?

You could drizzle a simple coffee glaze made with powdered sugar and coffee if you prefer.

What can I serve with Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake?

Serve it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for an even more indulgent dessert.

Conclusion

Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a decadent, comforting dessert that combines the rich warmth of coffee with the irresistible sweetness of caramel. Moist, flavorful, and beautifully gooey, it’s the perfect cake for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this cake will quickly become a favorite for any occasion.

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