Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

Imagine sinking your fork into a decadent slice of Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, where warm coffee-infused layers meet ribbons of buttery caramel that stretch with each bite. This heavenly dessert combines the rich complexity of coffee with the sweet indulgence of caramel in a moist, tender cake that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something special, this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake delivers pure comfort in every slice. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of flavors and achieve that irresistible gooey texture that makes this cake absolutely unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is bound to become your new favorite dessert for so many reasons. The contrast between the soft, coffee-infused cake and the sticky, molten caramel creates a textural symphony that’s simply irresistible. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of bitter coffee notes and sweet caramel undertones that dance on your palate.

What sets this coffee caramel cake apart is its incredible moisture retention – even days after baking, it remains as tender as the moment it came out of the oven. The recipe is deceptively simple, requiring basic pantry ingredients but delivering bakery-quality results. The aroma alone will transform your kitchen into a gourmet café as the scent of freshly brewed coffee and caramelizing sugar fills the air.

Perhaps best of all, this cake boasts that coveted “wow factor” while being surprisingly forgiving for home bakers. The caramel self-sauces as it bakes, creating pockets of gooey goodness without requiring any special techniques or equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake promises stunning results every time.

Ingredients

For the Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, you’ll need these readily available ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder (or 3 tablespoons instant coffee)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

The instant espresso powder is crucial for delivering that authentic coffee flavor without adding excess liquid to the batter. Use high-quality vanilla extract to complement the coffee notes, and fresh brown sugar for the most flavorful caramel. The combination of cocoa powder and coffee creates an incredible depth that makes this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake truly special.

Pro Tips

Use Blooming Technique: For maximum coffee flavor in your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, dissolve the instant espresso powder in 2 tablespoons of hot water before adding to the batter. This “blooming” technique releases the coffee’s aromatic compounds and distributes the flavor more evenly throughout the cake. Let it cool slightly before incorporating to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely when mixed.

Perfect Caramel Consistency: The secret to achieving that ideal gooey texture lies in the caramel layer. Cook the caramel ingredients over medium-low heat until they just begin to thicken but are still pourable—about 3-4 minutes. Resist the urge to cook it longer, as the caramel will continue to thicken as it bakes. If it becomes too thick to pour, warm it gently while stirring constantly.

Room Temperature Ingredients: For a perfectly tender crumb, ensure all refrigerated ingredients (eggs, milk, butter) reach room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients don’t incorporate properly and can lead to a dense cake. If you’re short on time, place eggs in warm water for 5 minutes, microwave the milk for 10 seconds, and slice the butter into small pieces to speed up the warming process. This simple step makes all the difference in creating that irresistible texture in your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the middle. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, paying special attention to the corners. Gather all ingredients on your counter, measured and ready to go—this makes the process smooth and prevents forgetting any components of your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, dissolve the espresso powder in 2 tablespoons of hot water, then add milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk the wet mixture until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—about 40-50 strokes with your spatula. Don’t overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, espresso powder, and salt. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly until the butter melts and sugar dissolves completely. Once the mixture begins to simmer around the edges, remove from heat immediately. It should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slowly pour the warm caramel mixture over the batter. Don’t stir—the magic of this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake happens as it bakes! The caramel will partially sink and create pockets of gooey goodness. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the cake’s center is set but still slightly jiggly and a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the edge comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow your cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving—the caramel is extremely hot right out of the oven. As it cools, the Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake will settle, with the caramel creating that signature luscious layer. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent.

Variations

Mocha Caramel Cake: Transform your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake into a chocolate lover’s dream by increasing the cocoa powder to ½ cup and adding ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter. The chocolate intensifies the coffee flavor while adding delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout. Sprinkle an additional ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top of the caramel layer before baking for an extra decadent finish.

Salted Coffee Caramel Cake: For those who appreciate the sophisticated contrast of sweet and salty, increase the sea salt in the caramel to 1 teaspoon and sprinkle an additional ½ teaspoon of flaky sea salt on top of the cake immediately after removing it from the oven. The salt crystals enhance the complex coffee notes and cut through the sweetness of the caramel, creating a more balanced dessert experience with your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake.

Gluten-Free Option: This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake can be easily adapted for gluten-free diets by substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it to help maintain the cake’s structure and prevent it from becoming crumbly. The result is equally delicious with the same irresistible gooey texture.

Storage and Serving

Your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake can be stored at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, though the texture becomes denser when chilled. To revive refrigerated cake, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds to restore that wonderful gooey consistency.

For an elegant dessert presentation, serve warm slices of Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream infused with a teaspoon of espresso powder. The cream slowly melts into the warm cake, creating an even more luscious experience. For a simple but impressive dinner party dessert, dust each serving with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder and garnish with a few coffee beans.

This cake also pairs beautifully with after-dinner drinks. Serve alongside a shot of espresso for coffee enthusiasts, or with a small glass of amaretto or coffee liqueur to complement the caramel notes. For a family-friendly option, a glass of cold milk creates the perfect balance to the rich, sweet flavors of this indulgent dessert.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without espresso powder?
Yes, you can substitute the espresso powder with 3 tablespoons of instant coffee granules. If you prefer to avoid coffee altogether, you can omit it, but you’ll lose the signature flavor that makes this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake special. Consider adding 1 teaspoon of cinnamon instead for a different but complementary flavor profile.

Why did my caramel layer completely sink to the bottom?
This happens when the caramel mixture is too hot when poured over the batter. Allow your caramel to cool for about 5 minutes before pouring it over the cake batter. Also, check that your batter isn’t too thin – it should be thick enough to support the caramel layer.

Can I make this cake ahead of time for a special occasion?
Absolutely! The Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake actually develops deeper flavors overnight. Prepare it a day ahead, cover tightly once cooled, and store at room temperature. Warm individual slices before serving to restore the gooey texture.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil, the milk with almond or oat milk, and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but the result will still be a delicious Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake.

My cake seems too gooey in the center. Is it undercooked?
This cake is meant to have a gooey center thanks to the caramel layer. It’s done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the edge comes out with moist crumbs. The center will still be quite soft and will continue to set as it cools. If the top is browning too quickly but the center is very loose, cover with foil and continue baking.

Conclusion

This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is comfort food at its finest — a remarkable blend of aromatic coffee and luscious caramel that creates something far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the kind of dessert that transforms ordinary moments into special occasions and leaves everyone asking for your secret recipe. The contrasting textures of tender cake and molten caramel make each bite an experience to savor slowly, preferably in good company. Whether served as the grand finale to a dinner party or enjoyed with your afternoon coffee, this indulgent treat proves that sometimes the most memorable desserts are the ones that aren’t afraid to get a little gooey.

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