A moist, tender coffee-infused cake drenched in warm caramel sauce and finished with a delicate coffee drizzle—this dessert is pure comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the rich flavor of coffee and the indulgent sweetness of caramel, this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake will become your new favorite dessert. The brewed coffee in the batter enhances the depth of the cake, while the homemade caramel sauce adds a warm, buttery richness. It’s a perfect treat for cozy evenings, gatherings, or coffee dates at home.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1½ 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

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For the Coffee Drizzle (optional):

• 2 tablespoons brewed coffee

• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Directions

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Servings: 9 squares
Calories: ~370 per serving

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and egg until fluffy and creamy.
4. Add cooled coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

To Make the Caramel Sauce:

9. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir over medium heat until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
10. Allow it to bubble for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
11. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let cool slightly.

To Make the Coffee Drizzle (optional):

12. Mix brewed coffee with powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over the cake just before serving.

Serving Ideas

• Warm with whipped cream: Serve the cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Chilled and dense: Refrigerate the cake for a denser, more fudge-like texture.

• Coffee pairing: Enjoy a slice with a hot espresso or cappuccino for the ultimate café-style treat.

Tips & Variations

• No buttermilk? Make your own by adding 1½ teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.

• Extra gooey? Poke holes in the cake with a skewer before pouring on the caramel sauce so it soaks into the crumb.

• Nutty twist: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the caramel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Wait to drizzle the coffee glaze until just before serving for the best presentation.

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant coffee in ½ cup of hot water to replace the brewed coffee in the batter.

Does the caramel sauce harden?
The sauce remains soft and gooey, especially if the cake is served warm. It will thicken slightly when chilled but can be reheated for drizzling.

Can I freeze this cake?
You can freeze the cake (without caramel and drizzle) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add sauce and drizzle before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is the dessert version of your favorite cup of coffee—rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying. With its balance of sweetness and bold coffee flavor, it’s ideal for dinner parties, holidays, or whenever you need a little indulgence. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear slice by slice.