Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

by Lily hanna

Published on:

Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Slice

Ever wished your favorite café latte came in dessert form?
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake delivers that dream in every warm, buttery bite. With deep roasted coffee notes and a ribbon of luscious caramel, this cake brings café vibes right into your kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping for a bake sale, or just craving something cozy, this recipe is a winner — rich in flavor, simple to make, and even better the next day.

A Little Backstory

This recipe was inspired by a sleepy Sunday morning at a local coffee shop where the aroma of fresh espresso mingled with warm baked goods. I thought, “Why not put all that into a cake?” After a few tweaks and taste tests, this gooey beauty was born. It’s now a go-to favorite in my kitchen — and soon, yours too.

What Is Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake?

It’s a hybrid of classic American coffee cake and a buttery caramel dessert.
Moist, sweet, and bold, the batter is infused with espresso powder and swirled with gooey caramel that seeps into every bite. Optional nuts on top add crunch, but the star is always the caramel-coffee combo.

Think: Coffee cake meets sticky toffee pudding, with no frosting needed.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Bold + Sweet Flavor Fusion – Deep coffee notes balance the richness of caramel
  • Fuss-Free – One bowl, one pan, one heavenly result
  • Make-Ahead Magic – Tastes even better the next day
  • Coffee-Lover Approved – Pairs perfectly with espresso or a cold brew

Key Ingredients for Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake with Nuts

One bowl. One saucepan. Pure comfort.

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp instant coffee or espresso powder
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

Easy Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake in Pan
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add wet ingredients: melted butter, eggs, and milk. Stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
  4. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  5. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and gently swirl with a knife.
  6. Sprinkle with nuts if using.
  7. Bake for 28–32 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
  8. Let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temp. Double drizzle if you’re feelin’ fancy.

What to Serve With It

Pair like a pro:

  • Strong espresso, cappuccino, or cold brew
  • Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
  • Fresh berries for tart contrast
  • Candied or spiced nuts
  • A drizzle of dark chocolate ganache for drama

Tips for a Perfect Bake

  • Use espresso powder for richer depth
  • Don’t overmix – keeps the crumb tender
  • Salted caramel adds contrast to sweetness
  • Make it eggless with flax eggs or applesauce
  • Save some caramel for warming and pouring on top before serving
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Dessert Plate

Storing & Reheating

  • Fridge: Airtight container up to 5 days
  • Freezer: Wrap individual slices, freeze up to 3 months
  • Reheat: Microwave a slice for 20–30 sec to bring back the gooey magic

FAQs about Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

Why is it called a coffee cake if it has coffee?

Most coffee cakes don’t include coffee — they’re just meant to be eaten with it. This version flips the script and puts coffee in the batter!

What makes it “gooey”?

The caramel swirl sinks into the warm cake during baking, creating pockets of sweet, sticky indulgence.

Can I use decaf espresso powder?

Absolutely. You’ll still get the rich flavor minus the buzz.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes — bittersweet or dark chocolate pairs beautifully.

What makes this different from regular caramel cake?

The addition of coffee balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of flavor. It’s a next-level twist.

What makes coffee cake unique?

Coffee cakes are usually topping-heavy — think crumb, glaze, or nuts — and don’t require frosting. This gooey version adds caramel for bonus drama.

What is the real name for coffee cake?

There’s no formal name — “coffee cake” is the go-to label, even when it doesn’t contain coffee. Ours does, though. No false advertising here.

This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is the perfect blend of rich espresso flavor and buttery caramel, baked into a moist, tender crumb. Easy to make, impossible to resist, and even better the next day!

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