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+ servings

Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Servings 10
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is rich, moist, and layered with homemade caramel sauce and a coffee glaze — the perfect dessert for coffee lovers.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 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

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

  • 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and egg until light and fluffy. Slowly mix in the brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth, thick batter with no lumps.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce

  • While the cake cools, make the caramel sauce.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a simmer. Let it bubble for about 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool slightly — it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 5: Prepare the Coffee Drizzle

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the brewed coffee and powdered sugar until you have a smooth, pourable glaze.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

  • Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in slightly for maximum gooeyness. Then drizzle with the coffee glaze for an extra boost of coffee flavor and a beautiful finish.
  • Slice and serve with a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.