Name: Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ 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; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; ½ cup unsalted butter (for the sauce); ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the sauce); Pinch of salt; 2 tablespoons brewed coffee (for the sauce); 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Have you ever wondered how a simple combination of coffee and caramel can transform an ordinary cake into an extraordinary dessert? The Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake not only answers that question but also challenges your perceptions about cake-making. This recipe infuses the richness of chocolate-inspired notes with the aromatic depth of coffee, creating a harmonious experience that’s both enjoyable and memorable. Get ready to dive into this delightful creation that will captivate your taste buds and have your friends begging for seconds.

Ingredients Needed

To craft your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, gather the following ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, offering structure.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds extra lift for a light texture.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides moisture and richness.
1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent and enhances texture.
½ cup brewed coffee, cooled: Infuses aromatic richness.
½ cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors.
1 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives depth and a lovely caramel note.
½ cup unsalted butter (for the sauce): Adds creaminess to your caramel.
¼ cup heavy cream: Contributes to the sauce’s silky texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the sauce): Adds flavor complexity.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the caramel’s sweetness.
2 tablespoons brewed coffee (for the sauce): Deepens coffee flavor.
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for garnish): Adds a touch of elegance.

Timing

Preparation and cooking time for this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is approximately 90 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average baking recipe that takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Here’s the breakdown:

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes

How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper; this will help your cake release easily after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and egg until light and fluffy. Pour in the cooled brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and luscious.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the moment to enjoy the magical aroma that fills your kitchen! Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

While the cake cools, make the caramel sauce. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture starts to simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a delightful gooey consistency. Remove from heat, incorporating the vanilla extract, salt, and brewed coffee to elevate the flavor.

Nutritional Information

For one slice of Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, you can expect to get approximately:

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 4g

This nutritional insight showcases the balance between rich flavors and indulgent enjoyment.

Healthier Alternatives for Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

To make this recipe lighter while retaining flavor, consider the following alternatives:

Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Coconut Sugar: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Greek Yogurt: Replace buttermilk with Greek yogurt to boost protein without losing moisture.
Silken Tofu: For a vegan alternative, use silken tofu blended until smooth in place of the egg.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance the experience of your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake by serving it with:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds airy lightness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing with vanilla ice cream creates a temperature contrast.
Chopped Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch.
Extra Caramel Drizzle: For those who can’t resist, an extra drizzle of caramel sauce elevates visual appeal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, be mindful of the following pitfalls:

Underbaking the Cake: Always perform the toothpick test; it should come out clean, not wet.
Overmixing the Batter: Avoid dense cakes by mixing just until combined.
Using Hot Coffee: Ensure your coffee is cooled to prevent melting the butter.
Skipping the Cooling Time: Rushing the cooling process may affect the texture of the cake.

Storing Tips for Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

To maintain freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Remember to let the cake cool completely before sealing it away; this will preserve the ideal texture and moisture.

Conclusion

The Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is not just a recipe; it’s an exploration of flavors that intertwines the rich complexity of coffee with the sweet decadence of caramel. Whether serving at a gathering or indulging on a cozy night, this cake is sure to delight. We invite you to try this recipe and share your experience. Don’t forget to leave your feedback and check out our other delightful treats!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can create a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles.

Can I use decaf coffee?

Absolutely! Decaf coffee will work just as well for those looking to enjoy the rich flavor without added caffeine.

How can I make this cake vegan?

You can replace the egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce, use plant-based butter, and substitute dairy milk with a non-dairy alternative.

Is it necessary to make the caramel sauce?

While the cake is delightful on its own, the caramel sauce adds an incredible depth of flavor. However, you can skip it if you prefer a lighter option.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Ensure to check a couple of spots for accuracy.

Indulge in the pleasures of baking and savor every bite of your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake!