Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of coffee with a luscious caramel sauce, creating a moist and decadent cake. Topped with a creamy coffee frosting and drizzled with more caramel, this cake is perfect for coffee lovers and makes a stunning centerpiece for any occasion!

Ingredients List

For the Coffee Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Gooey Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

For the Coffee Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
• 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish (Optional):

• Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
• Chocolate shavings or espresso beans

Timing

Preparing Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of baking time. Total time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, plus cooling time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Make the Coffee Cake

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Incorporate Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water until well combined (the batter will be thin).
4. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Gooey Caramel Filling

1. Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
2. Add Butter: Once melted, carefully add the butter and stir until melted and combined.
3. Incorporate Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring (the mixture will bubble up). Continue stirring until smooth.
4. Add Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Allow to cool slightly before using.

Step 4: Make the Coffee Frosting

1. Dissolve Coffee Granules: In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in 2 tablespoons of hot water.
2. Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
3. Add Sugar and Coffee: Gradually add the powdered sugar and the dissolved coffee, mixing until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cakes: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Poke holes in the top with a skewer or fork, then pour half of the gooey caramel filling over the top.
2. Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process, pouring the remaining caramel filling over the top.
3. Frost the Cake: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the coffee frosting.
4. Garnish: Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or espresso beans if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake (per slice, assuming 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Slice
Calories	450
Protein	4g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	60g
Fiber	1g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make this dish a bit healthier, consider these modifications:

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for some of the butter in the frosting.
• Reduce the sugar in both the cake and frosting by using a sugar substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake pairs well with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
• A cup of strong coffee or espresso for the perfect pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking the Cake: Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent the cake from becoming dry.
2. Not Cooling Completely: Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
3. Rushing the Caramel: Be patient when making the caramel; stirring too quickly can cause it to crystallize.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

In about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you can create a delicious Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake that is rich, indulgent, and bursting with flavor. This cake is perfect for coffee lovers and is sure to impress your guests!

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to assemble.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different frostings, such as a chocolate ganache or whipped cream.

What can I do if I have leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I customize the recipe?

Definitely! You can add nuts, different flavored chocolate chips, or even layer in some fruit for added flavor.