Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate dessert that combines rich coffee flavor, decadent caramel, and a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’ve just found your next obsession. The Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is the stuff of cozy café dreams—a showstopping treat with a buttery crumb, ribbons of gooey caramel throughout, and just the right depth of brewed coffee in every bite. It’s perfect for afternoon pick-me-ups, indulgent celebrations, or simply impressing your friends and family. Trust me, if you love the combination of coffee and caramel, this cake will quickly become your signature bake.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake lies in a handful of simple yet high-impact ingredients, all working together to create something truly special. Each one adds a little more depth, sweetness, or richness to the Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake’s irresistible layers.

• All-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake, ensuring the perfect, tender crumb that soaks up all the caramel delights.
• Brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a subtle molasses undertone that plays perfectly with coffee and caramel.
• Granulated sugar: Helps balance the flavor and gives the cake a light, airy texture.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and that classic buttery flavor that ties it all together.
• Brewed strong coffee: The not-so-secret ingredient that infuses the cake with the bold, bittersweet flavor coffee lovers crave.
• Eggs: Essential for binding and giving the cake its gorgeous, lofty rise.
• Vanilla extract: A splash rounds out and warms the flavor profile.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings out every other flavor, making sweet and savory shine.
• Baking powder: The trusted leavener ensures the cake rises perfectly every time.
• Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce: The star of the show—swirled inside and poured over the top for maximum gooeyness.

How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan, then line it with parchment paper for extra easy removal. A little attention to prep here means your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake will slide out effortlessly later—no sticky surprises!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting or whisking helps keep the cake light and prevents any dense pockets, ensuring that tender, fluffy bite every time.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy. Don’t rush this step—the more air you incorporate here, the softer your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake will turn out!

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Coffee

Blend in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled brewed coffee. The coffee will add a delightful depth and bring out the flavorful hints of caramel and brown sugar.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two batches, mixing just until incorporated. Over-mixing can lead to a tougher crumb, so use a gentle hand to ensure a perfectly tender Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl Caramel

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, and top with several generous spoonfuls of caramel sauce. Swirl the caramel through the batter with a knife or skewer. Add the remaining batter and repeat with more caramel swirls. This is where the magic happens—pockets of caramel hidden throughout every slice!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. If you like an extra gooey finish, drizzle with more caramel sauce while it’s still a touch warm.

How to Serve Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

Garnishes

You can take your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake over the top with a light sprinkle of sea salt, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a handful of chopped toasted pecans. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also works wonders and looks irresistible on every plate.

Side Dishes

This cake marries well with a hot cup of coffee, an espresso shot, or even an iced latte. For something a bit more decadent, serve slices with a scoop of mascarpone cheese or alongside a silky chocolate sauce for a delightful flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, cut the cake into rustic squares and arrange them on a big serving board with bowls of extra caramel and berries. Or, for a more elegant occasion, serve individual layers of Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake in dessert glasses, alternating cake pieces with caramel sauce and a dollop of cream. Big or small, you can’t go wrong.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake stays moist and delicious at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to keep extra caramel sauce handy for drizzling before enjoying another slice!

Freezing

This cake is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Once cooled completely, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without garnish) in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving—add fresh caramel and garnishes after thawing for best results.

Reheating

To restore that gooey texture, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15–30 seconds, or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. Serve with a fresh drizzle of caramel sauce and you’ll enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste and aroma.

FAQs

Can I make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake without eggs?

Absolutely! Try substituting each egg with a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), or use a store-bought egg replacer for very similar results.

What type of coffee works best?

A strong brewed coffee brings out the richest flavor. Espresso or French press coffee works wonders, but even regular drip coffee will elevate your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake. Just be sure it’s cooled before adding it to your batter.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a personal touch and even more depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought caramel still gives you exceptional results.

Is this cake gluten-free?

The standard recipe includes all-purpose flour, but you can swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Just note that the texture may differ slightly, but the result will still be delicious and gooey!

What’s the best way to swirl the caramel?

Use a butter knife or a skewer and gently drag it through the caramel and cake batter, creating natural swirls. Don’t overdo it—less is more for beautiful, visible pockets of caramel throughout your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s truly next-level and will win the hearts of everyone at your table, this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a must-bake. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe—just be ready to share, because after one bite, everyone is going to want a slice. Happy baking!

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