If you adore the rich, comforting flavors of coffee combined with luscious caramel, you are in for a treat with this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe. This cake is a beautiful celebration of deep coffee notes and sticky, sweet caramel, wrapped in a moist and tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Every forkful offers a perfect harmony of bold and sweet, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion or just a cozy afternoon indulgence with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending moisture, flavor, or that soft, fluffy texture. The blend of common pantry essentials and a few special touches guarantees a cake that tastes far from ordinary.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and light crumb essential for a perfect cake.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Offers the rise and fluffiness that create a soft texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances bitterness from the coffee and adds sweetness without overwhelming.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and tenderness to the cake’s crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and create stability in the batter.
- 1 cup brewed strong coffee: Adds bold flavor and moisture, making this cake uniquely energizing.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Essential for that deep, caramelized sweetness in the topping.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the underlying flavors with a warm, fragrant touch.
- 1/2 cup coconut cream: Key to the creamy, luscious caramel topping that’s both dairy-free and dreamy.
- 1 tbsp agar-agar powder: Natural thickener that helps the caramel topping hold its velvety texture perfectly.
How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan thoroughly to make sure the cake comes out cleanly and keeps its perfect shape.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar. This ensures even distribution of rising agents and sweetness throughout the cake.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, eggs, freshly brewed strong coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth and cohesive. This mixture brings moisture and intense flavor to the batter.
Step 4: Gently Bring It All Together
Combine the wet and dry ingredients carefully, stirring until just mixed. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so aim for a tender, fluffy result.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Step 6: Create the Caramel Topping
While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel by heating coconut cream and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth, then mix in agar-agar powder and cook until it thickens beautifully.
Step 7: Finish with the Gooey Caramel
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the luxurious caramel topping over the surface. The warmth of the caramel combined with the moist coffee cake makes this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of finely ground coffee beans or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate the caramel richness and balance sweetness. Fresh whipped cream or a few chocolate shavings also add a decadent final touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a creamy dollop of mascarpone. For a simple, elegant accompaniment, serve alongside a hot espresso or latte to enhance the coffee flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving slices in clear glass cups layered with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for an elegant twist. Or cut into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter for easy sharing at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, which is perfect when you want to savor a slice the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cake without the caramel topping to maintain texture. Wrap the cooled cake in foil and then plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer for up to two months. Add fresh caramel after thawing.
Reheating
Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to revive that just-out-of-the-oven feeling. Add a fresh drizzle of warmed caramel to recapture the gooey magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream instead of coconut cream for the caramel topping?
Yes, you can substitute regular heavy cream if you prefer a dairy-based caramel. The texture will be similar, but coconut cream adds a subtle tropical richness that complements the coffee wonderfully.
Is agar-agar powder necessary in this recipe?
Agar-agar helps thicken and stabilize the caramel topping, especially since coconut cream is used. Without it, the caramel might be too runny and not hold its shape as nicely on the cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results to mimic the structure and tenderness of the original cake.
What type of coffee works best for this cake?
Strong brewed coffee is key to maximizing the flavor. You can use espresso or a bold dark roast brewed fresh. Instant coffee won’t provide the same depth, so fresh brewed is the way to go.
How long should the cake cool before adding the caramel topping?
Let the cake cool completely, about 1 to 1.5 hours, before pouring the caramel. This prevents the topping from melting into the cake and ensures a perfect gooey layer on top.
Final Thoughts
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe is one of those rare desserts that manages to feel both indulgent and comforting all at once. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or simply treating yourself after a busy day. Grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every delightful bite of this magnificent cake!
Print
Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake featuring a strong coffee-infused batter topped with a luscious coconut cream caramel glaze. Perfect for coffee lovers seeking a decadent dessert with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brewed strong coffee
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Caramel Topping
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1 tbsp agar-agar powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, eggs, brewed strong coffee, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to ensure a tender cake crumb without overworking the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Caramel Topping: While the cake bakes, heat the coconut cream and brown sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until smooth. Add in the agar-agar powder and continue stirring until the mixture thickens suitably to form the caramel glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the coconut caramel topping generously over the cake before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the coffee is strong and freshly brewed for the best flavor impact.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- Allow the cake to cool fully to let the caramel set properly on top.
- Agar-agar is used as a vegan-friendly substitute for gelatin to thicken the caramel.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
