Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Indulging in a slice of Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is like surrendering to a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: a rich, moist chocolate cake infused with the deep flavor of brewed coffee, topped with a luscious drizzle of caramel and a splash of heavy cream. My first experience making this cake was during a rainy afternoon, and the delightful aroma that filled my kitchen instantly transformed the mood. This cake is perfect for celebrating special moments or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, making it a must-try for any dessert lover.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake isn’t just any dessert; it’s the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich, robust notes of coffee with the sumptuous sweetness of caramel. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or indulge yourself on a quiet weekend, this cake fits the bill. It’s quick to whip up, budget-friendly, and thoroughly satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser!
“This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a game-changer! The coffee flavor is just right, and the caramel topping is heavenly. My family couldn’t get enough!”
The Cooking Process Explained
Making this cake is a straightforward process that even novice bakers can navigate with ease. It’s divided into simple steps, allowing you to focus on combining the flavors and creating something special. Get ready to enjoy a delightful dessert that promises ooey-gooey goodness in every slice!
What You’ll Need
To bring this dessert to life, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Feel free to substitute the brewed coffee with decaf for a more relaxed dessert experience, or replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative if you’re accommodating dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the brewed coffee and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just blended to avoid overworking the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, generously drizzle the caramel sauce over the cake and pour the heavy cream on top.
- Slice, serve, and savor the delightful combination of coffee and caramel!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This cake shines on its own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few creative ideas! Consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Fresh berries can also provide a lovely contrast in flavor and color, making your dessert plate visually appealing.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider keeping it in the fridge, where it will last about a week. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the cake—just make sure to wrap individual slices well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.
- Measuring your ingredients accurately can greatly impact the texture of your cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling with caramel, as warm cake can cause the sauce to slide off too quickly.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? You can swap out the cocoa powder for a chocolate cake mix if you’re short on time. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel for a delightful salted caramel twist. For an extra flavor boost, consider incorporating chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture.
Your Questions Answered
Q: How long does it take to make this cake?
A: Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking takes 30 to 35 minutes, so you can have a delicious cake ready in under an hour!
Q: Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
A: Yes, you can dissolve a tablespoon of instant coffee in a cup of hot water to achieve a similar flavor.
Q: How do I store leftover cake properly?
A: It’s best to keep your leftover cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to maintain freshness.
Q: Can I omit the caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely! The cake is delicious on its own, or you can substitute it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.
Enjoy this decadent Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, and let each bite transport you to a world of rich flavors and fond memories!
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed coffee Can be substituted with decaf.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure butter is at room temperature.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder Can be swapped for chocolate cake mix.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 1 cup caramel sauce Generously drizzle over cooled cake.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with a dairy-free alternative.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the brewed coffee and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just blended to avoid overworking the batter.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Topping and Serving
- Once cooled, generously drizzle the caramel sauce over the cake and pour the heavy cream on top.
- Slice, serve, and savor the delightful combination of coffee and caramel!
