This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake delivers rich coffee flavor with a decadent caramel sauce that soaks into every bite. Perfect for coffee lovers, this moist cake transforms any gathering into a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
- ☕ Coffee Lover’s Dream: Deep espresso flavor infuses every moist bite
- 🍯 Self-Saucing Magic: Creates its own caramel topping as it bakes
- 👩🍳 Simple Technique: Impressive results with basic baking skills
- 🎂 Crowd-Pleaser: Generates rave reviews at every gathering
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Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Ingredients
For the cake batter:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the caramel topping:
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1½ cups hot water
Tools Used to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Coffee maker or espresso machine
- Sifter (optional but helpful for cocoa powder)
How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your baking dish.
- Prepare the cake batter by whisking together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl – combine milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cooled coffee until well blended.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. The batter will be thick but pourable.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Make the caramel topping by mixing brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and espresso powder in a bowl.
- Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the cake batter. Don’t stir it in!
- Carefully pour hot water over everything. Again, do not stir – this creates the magic caramel sauce.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cake is set on top but still slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted into the cake portion should come out with moist crumbs.
- Cool for 15 minutes before serving to allow the caramel sauce to thicken slightly.
Variations of Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
- Mocha Madness: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolate punch.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans over the batter before adding the topping mixture.
- Spiced Coffee Cake: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom to the dry ingredients for a chai-inspired flavor.
- Salted Caramel Version: Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of flaky sea salt over the cake before serving.
- Boozy Twist: Replace 2 tablespoons of the hot water with Kahlúa or dark rum for an adult version.
Serving Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Serve this indulgent cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey cake and cold cream creates a delightful temperature contrast.
For an extra special presentation, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder. Each portion should include both cake and plenty of the luscious caramel sauce.
This cake is best enjoyed fresh from the oven but can be reheated in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore its gooey goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and topping up to a day in advance, but don’t combine them until you’re ready to bake. The cake is best served warm, so it’s ideal for baking shortly before serving.
Why is my caramel sauce too thin?
Make sure to let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes after baking. The sauce thickens as it cools. If it’s still too thin, your oven temperature might be slightly off or the cake might need an additional 2-3 minutes of baking time.
Can I use decaf coffee in this recipe?
Absolutely! Decaf coffee works perfectly for those who want to avoid caffeine but still enjoy the coffee flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore the gooey texture.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Increase the baking time to 40-45 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Try it for your next gathering and watch it disappear! Leave a comment below with your favorite serving suggestion or variation.