If you have a sweet tooth and a love for rich coffee flavors, you are going to adore this Decadent Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe. This cake is a glorious fusion of moist, tender crumb infused with deep coffee notes and topped generously with a luscious, sticky caramel sauce that seeps into every forkful. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and slight bitterness, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels both comforting and indulgently special. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become your go-to dessert for celebrations or whenever you crave something truly decadent and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet crucial ingredients that work harmoniously to create the ultimate coffee caramel delight. Each one plays a role from lending moisture and fluffiness to adding that irresistible caramel richness and coffee depth.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender cake with the perfect crumb structure.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake, ensuring it is perfectly balanced.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Together, they give the cake a delicate lift and lightness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
- Milk: Adds moisture and softness to the cake texture.
- Strong brewed coffee (cooled): Key to infusing that rich coffee flavor that sets this cake apart.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds structure.
- Brown sugar (for caramel): Gives the caramel sauce its deep, buttery flavor.
- Heavy cream: Makes the caramel irresistibly creamy and smooth.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the caramel with a silky texture.
- Salt (optional in caramel): A pinch to balance sweetness and heighten the caramel’s flavor.
How to Make Decadent Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to keep your cake from sticking and make sure it bakes evenly. This little prep sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry components ensures your cake will rise perfectly and have the ideal sweet-salty balance.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the milk, cooled strong brewed coffee, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and egg. The coffee adds that signature rich flavor while the oil keeps the cake moist, giving every bite a supple texture.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently just until you no longer see lumps. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake light and tender rather than dense and tough.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is crucial to achieving that perfect crumb.
Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
While the cake bakes, make the luscious caramel sauce. Combine brown sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, and salt (if using) in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened slightly and beautifully glossy. This sauce is what transforms your cake into a decadent masterpiece.
Step 7: Finish with Gooey Caramel
Once the cake is slightly cooled, poke holes all over the surface using a skewer or fork. Pour the warm caramel sauce generously over the top, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny. This is the magic touch that makes this Decadent Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe so irresistibly gooey and flavorful.
How to Serve Decadent Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cake even further, consider sprinkling a little sea salt on top for a subtle salty crunch, or add a dusting of cocoa powder to enhance the coffee notes. A few chocolate shavings or chopped toasted nuts also add lovely texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to soften its richness. For coffee lovers, serving it with a hot cup of espresso or cappuccino makes a perfect cozy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, try cutting the cake into small squares and arranging them on a pretty platter with drizzled extra caramel sauce and a sprig of fresh mint. For a stunning dessert plate, add fresh berries on the side to balance sweetness with a touch of natural tartness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. After that, refrigeration is best to keep the caramel sauce from spoiling, where it will last about 4 days.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds to revive the gooey caramel and warm the cake through. Be careful not to overheat, or the caramel may become too runny.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes! Dissolve a teaspoon of instant coffee powder in the milk before adding it to the batter. This will give you the same rich coffee flavor without needing freshly brewed coffee.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of equal quantity. Make sure your baking blend includes xanthan gum for structure, or else add a small amount separately.
What’s the best way to avoid overmixing the batter?
Stir until the dry ingredients are just moistened and no visible lumps remain. Leaving a few small lumps is okay; overmixing develops gluten and can result in a tougher cake.
Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the caramel sauce earlier and gently reheat it before pouring over the cake. It stores well in the refrigerator for a few days in a sealed jar or container.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid baking too long to keep it moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Decadent Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe if you’re looking to impress yourself or your loved ones with a dessert that marries indulgence and comfort perfectly. It’s a dish that brings warmth, deep flavor, and a sticky-sweet charm to any occasion. I guarantee once you’ve tried making this cake, it will become a beloved recipe you return to time and again.
