This ooey-gooey Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake comes together in about 30 minutes and requires just one bowl for a quick dessert your family will love! It’s a dream come true for busy nights when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to deal with the clean-up chaos that often follows baking. Plus, feel free to get creative with the ingredients, switch up the flavors to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” cake to get rid of those random leftovers hiding in your pantry!
Ingredient Breakdown
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s chat about the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delightful cake.
All-Purpose Flour
Why you need it: All-purpose flour is going to give you the best structure for this cake. You want your cake to rise just enough to be fluffy while still being dense enough to hold that gooey caramel.
Substitution options: If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but do check that it includes a leavening agent.
Tip: Make sure to spoon your flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag, that way, you won’t end up with a dense cake!
Granulated Sugar
Why you need it: Sugar is essential for sweetness and also helps with the cake’s texture.
Substitution options: You can replace a portion of it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor if you prefer!
Tip: I like to mix a bit of brown sugar and granulated sugar together to give the cake a lovely caramel undertone.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda
Why you need them: These leavening agents are crucial for making your cake rise beautifully.
Substitution options: If you don’t have baking powder, you can substitute with baking soda by increasing the vinegar or buttermilk in your recipe.
Tip: Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder and soda; they really do lose their oomph over time!
Salt
Why you need it: A couple pinches of salt help to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
Substitution options: Sea salt or kosher salt works just as well.
Tip: Don’t skip this step! Salt really elevates the flavor!
Unsalted Butter
Why you need it: Butter is essential for flavor and gives the cake a moist texture.
Substitution options: You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil instead for a dairy-free version, but I prefer unsalted butter for better control over the recipe’s salt content.
Tip: Always make sure your butter is softened, that means it should be at room temperature but not melted!
Large Egg
Why you need it: An egg binds the ingredients together, contributing to the cake’s structure and moisture.
Substitution options: For a vegan version, you can use a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Tip: If you can, avoid putting cold eggs directly into the batter, they should be at room temperature for even mixing.
Brewed Coffee
Why you need it: Brewed coffee adds a wonderful depth of flavor that enhances the caramel notes.
Substitution options: If you’re not a coffee fan, you can use strong brewed tea or even water, though it won’t have the same richness.
Tip: Make sure your coffee is cooled before adding it to the batter, it’ll make for a smoother mix!
Buttermilk
Why you need it: Buttermilk keeps the cake super moist and tender.
Substitution options: You can easily make your own buttermilk by combining milk with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before use.
Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, yogurt can serve in a pinch, just thin it out with a bit of water!
Vanilla Extract
Why you need it: Vanilla extract brings warmth and sweetness that elevates the cake.
Substitution options: You can use almond extract for a different flavor profile, but do so sparingly, it’s potent!
Tip: For an even more decadent flavor, consider using a vanilla bean paste instead!
Brown Sugar
Why you need it: Brown sugar adds richness and moisture, making the caramel even more delightful.
Substitution options: If you’re out of brown sugar, just add an extra teaspoon of molasses to granulated sugar for a similar flavor.
Tip: Pack the brown sugar tightly in your measuring cup to get the right amount!
Heavy Cream
Why you need it: Heavy cream makes for a luscious caramel sauce that just melts in your mouth.
Substitution options: You could use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
Tip: Warm the cream slightly before adding it to the caramel to help it blend in smoother.
Powdered Sugar
Why you need it: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch!
Substitution options: If you don’t have powdered sugar, just grind regular sugar in a blender until fine.
Tip: Dust this right before serving so it doesn’t dissolve into the cake!
How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Alright, let’s get to the fun part, baking this masterpiece!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Cake
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s going, grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake comes out perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This is where the magic begins!
In a separate large bowl, beat together ½ cup of softened butter and 1 large egg until it’s light and fluffy, oh, and you’ll be able to smell that buttery goodness!
Now, add in ½ cup of cooled brewed coffee, ½ cup of buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is smooth and homogenous.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour that luscious cake batter into your prepared pan. Bake it for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell while it bakes? Oh man, heaven! Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
Now, let’s not forget the best part: the caramel sauce! While the cake is cooling, grab a saucepan and combine 1 cup of packed brown sugar, ½ cup of unsalted butter, and ¼ cup of heavy cream. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer, and then let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. Remove it from the heat, and swirl in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of brewed coffee until fully mixed. Yum!
Personal Connection
I can’t tell you enough how much I adore this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, it’s truly my go-to recipe for family gatherings! Every time I serve it, there’s always an echo of “Wow!” filling the room. And let me tell you, I’m a real sucker for that gooey caramel goodness on top! The best part is just how versatile it is. You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand and still end up with a delicious treat!
If you loved this gooey goodness, be sure to check out my No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Graham Balls, All-American Trifle, or Carpathian Cream Cake for more scrumptious recipes!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a quick dessert choice for those busy weeknights when sugar cravings strike!
Crowd-Pleaser
I mean, who doesn’t love cake? With its gooey caramel topping and rich, coffee-infused flavor, the whole family will love it, kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or just because!
Customizable
Have leftover ingredients? Switch out some flavors or add in nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch. You can even use different kinds of sugar to change the flavor profiles.
Comfort Food
This cake is comfort food at its finest, utterly decadent and loaded with tons of flavor. Each bite takes you on a cozy, sweet trip down memory lane!
Serving & Storage
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top! You could also sprinkle some chopped nuts for added crunch.
Storage
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge, where it will last about a week!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, just microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds, or you can warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Is It Freezer Friendly?
Yes, absolutely! You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
And there you have it! Your very own Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, ready to impress and delight! Cook with joy, and remember, good food brings us all together! Happy baking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and egg until light and fluffy.
- Add the cooled brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir over medium heat until it simmers.
- Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
- Swirl in vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and brewed coffee until fully mixed.