Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you a recipe that’s about to become your new obsession: the Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake. Imagine a moist, flavorful coffee-infused cake paired with a rich, velvety caramel sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a show-stopping dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into how to make this heavenly treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect blend of coffee and caramel flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- A moist and gooey texture that’s sure to become a family favorite.
- A straightforward recipe that’s easy to follow and requires minimal special ingredients.
- Can be made ahead and served at your next gathering or event.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover brewed coffee, making it a practical choice for coffee lovers.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Gooey Coffee Caramel 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
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s break down the process into simple steps:
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.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and egg until light and fluffy. Add the brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, and mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
While the cake is cooling, make the caramel sauce. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and salt, and set aside.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use high-quality coffee: The flavor of your coffee will shine through in the cake, so choose a brew you love.
- Don’t overmix: Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined to ensure the cake stays tender.
- Let it cool: Resist the temptation to drizzle the caramel sauce immediately. Letting the cake cool ensures the sauce doesn’t make the cake soggy.
- Customize it: Add a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flavor.
How to Serve
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is perfect as is, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.
- Top with whipped cream or chopped nuts for added texture.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
This cake is perfect for making ahead. Bake and cool the cake completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The caramel sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat the sauce gently before serving.
There you have it—your new go-to dessert recipe that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. The combination of gooey coffee cake and rich caramel sauce is absolutely divine. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
If you’re looking for more delicious dessert ideas, be sure to check out our Biscoff Cake recipe for another tasty treat.

Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch pan.
- Whisk dry ingredients. Beat butter and egg, add coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
- Combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Simmer 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.