Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake: The Cozy, Caffeinated Dessert of Your Dreams
There’s nothing like the rich aroma of coffee paired with buttery caramel to signal something amazing is coming out of the oven. This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is the perfect sweet spot between dessert and comfort food—a soft, moist crumb, sweet caramel drizzle, and deep coffee flavor that lingers with every bite.
Whether you serve it for a cozy brunch, a late-night dessert, or a just-because-you-deserve-it moment, this cake is everything you want in a treat: indulgent, beautiful, and easy to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cake is the definition of simple decadence. It’s made with everyday ingredients and comes together in one bowl, yet the flavor is anything but ordinary. The coffee gives it depth, the caramel keeps it gooey, and the texture stays soft for days (if it lasts that long).
And did I mention it smells incredible while baking?
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup milk
Ingredient Notes & Tips
- Coffee: Use strong brewed coffee (even leftover from the morning pot). For extra depth, espresso works beautifully.
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade is fine. Save extra for drizzling!
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but 2% works too.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a few flakes of sea salt to the batter for a subtle twist.
How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment if desired for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract, cooled brewed coffee, and caramel sauce.
5. Combine and Mix
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
6. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Drizzle
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, drizzle with extra caramel sauce for that glossy, gooey finish.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake: The cake should be soft and slightly springy. Check it at the 35-minute mark.
- Room temp ingredients: Help everything blend evenly for a smooth batter.
- Use real butter: For flavor and structure that can’t be beat.
- Cool before drizzling: Warm cake + cold caramel = less runny mess, more control.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This cake is best served warm or at room temperature with a little something on the side:
- Sip alongside The Slippery Drank for a playful cocktail pairing.
- For a non-alcoholic option, try a cool glass of Blueberry Lemonade.
- Make it part of a cozy dessert spread with Old-School No-Bake Cookies and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites.
- Kick off the evening with Baked Brie Appetizer for an indulgent sweet-and-savory dinner party menu.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Make-Ahead: Bake the cake a day ahead and drizzle just before serving for peak presentation.
More Desserts You’ll Love
If gooey, sweet, and deeply satisfying is your dessert vibe, try these next:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies
- The Slippery Drank
- Baked Brie Appetizer
- Blueberry Lemonade
Final Thoughts
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is everything a cozy dessert should be—simple to make, rich in flavor, and totally satisfying. Whether you serve it with coffee, cocktails, or a fork right from the pan, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Let us know how yours turns out and tag @chefmaniac with your creations! And don’t forget to follow for more irresistible bakes and sips coming your way.
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