Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

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Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

If you love deep coffee flavor, buttery caramel, and ultra-moist, gooey cakes, this dessert is a must-make. Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is rich, soft, slightly sticky in the center, and drenched in warm caramel that soaks into every bite. It’s cozy, indulgent, and perfect for coffee lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

  • Ultra-moist and gooey texture

  • Bold coffee flavor without bitterness

  • Homemade caramel sauce

  • Even better the next day

  • Perfect with ice cream or whipped cream

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes

  • Bake Time: 40–45 minutes

  • Cooling Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

Coffee Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1½ cups granulated sugar

  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder

  • ¾ cup hot water

  • ½ cup strong brewed coffee, warm

  • ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Gooey Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

  • ½ cup heavy cream, warm

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

  • Flaky sea salt

  • Whipped cream

  • Vanilla ice cream

  • Extra caramel sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a deep 9-inch square pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and instant coffee powder.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together hot water, brewed coffee, oil or melted butter, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs.

Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

Caramel Sauce Instructions

Step 1: Melt the Sugar

Heat sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and amber in color.

Step 2: Add Butter

Carefully add butter and stir until fully melted and smooth.

Step 3: Add Cream

Slowly pour in warm heavy cream while stirring. Let simmer 1–2 minutes until thick.

Step 4: Finish

Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.

Assembling the Cake

While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top using a skewer or fork. Pour half of the caramel sauce over the cake, letting it soak in. Cool for 20 minutes, then drizzle with remaining caramel before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream

  • Top with whipped cream

  • Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt

  • Enjoy with hot coffee or espresso

Tips for Extra Gooey Texture

  • Slightly underbake the center

  • Use dark brown sugar for richer flavor

  • Add chocolate chips or toffee bits to the batter

  • Warm slices before serving

Approximate Calories

Based on 12 servings: about 420–450 calories per slice.

Storage

  • Store covered at room temperature for 1 day

  • Refrigerate up to 5 days

  • Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds

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