Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the combination of coffee and caramel in a dessert. This Heavenly Coffee Caramel Cake brings together the robust flavors of brewed coffee, the sweet richness of homemade caramel sauce, and the creamy decadence of a coffee buttercream frosting. Perfect for birthdays, special gatherings, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, this cake will make any occasion unforgettable.

With a total preparation and baking time of approximately 2 hours, this recipe is straightforward yet rewarding. Follow along as we guide you through creating this show-stopping dessert.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 35 minutes
• Cooling & Assembling Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled

For the Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coffee Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk and cooled coffee. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly, until it turns a deep amber color.
2. Add Butter: Carefully stir in the butter, a few tablespoons at a time, until fully combined.
3. Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the sauce cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Coffee Buttercream

1. Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy and pale (about 2 minutes).
2. Add Sugar and Coffee: Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the brewed coffee. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust the consistency with more coffee or powdered sugar, if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the Cakes: If necessary, trim the tops of the cake layers to make them even.
2. Add Caramel Sauce: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of caramel sauce over the top.
3. Frost the Cake: Spread a layer of coffee buttercream over the caramel. Add the second cake layer and repeat the process, covering the sides and top with buttercream.
4. Decorate: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and garnish with optional decorations like coffee beans or chocolate curls.

This Heavenly Coffee Caramel Cake with Coffee Buttercream is a masterpiece of flavors and textures. The bold coffee, sweet caramel, and creamy buttercream create a dessert that’s both elegant and irresistible. Whether served with a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.

Enjoy the process, savor the results, and don’t forget to share this delightful recipe with fellow dessert enthusiasts!