Best Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe – Easy and Flavorful
Are you craving a dessert that combines the richness of coffee with the sweet indulgence of caramel? Look no further than this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe! Perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike, this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe features a moist coffee-infused base topped with a luscious caramel sauce that creates an irresistibly gooey texture. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe will impress everyone who takes a bite. This delicious Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe is straightforward to follow and delivers exceptional results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
- Ready in under 60 minutes – perfect for last-minute dessert cravings!
- This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe combines two beloved flavors: rich coffee and sweet caramel
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort
- Perfect balance of moistness and gooey texture
- Great make-ahead dessert option for entertaining
- This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe is easily customizable with different toppings
- No special equipment needed – just basic baking tools!
Ingredients for Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
For the Coffee Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk (substitute with almond milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons strong coffee or espresso, cooled
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Gooey Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup heavy cream (substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
How to Make Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe works best in a square pan for even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the brown sugar.
Step 3: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in the strong brewed coffee, stirring until completely dissolved.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, coffee mixture, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Make the Cake Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are okay.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. The cake should be set but still slightly soft in the center.
Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Topping
While the cake is baking, make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Step 8: Finish the Caramel
Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the caramel thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the coffee liqueur (if using) and sea salt.
Step 9: Add the Gooey Factor
When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately poke holes all over the top using a fork or wooden skewer. Pour about ⅔ of the warm caramel sauce over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Let the cake cool for 15 minutes, then slice and serve warm with the remaining caramel sauce drizzled on top.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
- For the most intense coffee flavor in this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe, use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee
- The cake is done when it’s slightly underbaked in the center – this contributes to the gooey texture
- For an extra rich caramel in your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar
- Allow the caramel to cool slightly before pouring over the cake to prevent it from being completely absorbed
- If your caramel sauce becomes too thick, gently reheat it with a splash of cream
- The flavor of this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe deepens overnight, making it perfect for preparing a day ahead
Best Ways to Serve Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For a simple yet elegant presentation, serve slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey cake and cold cream or ice cream creates a delightful temperature play.
For coffee enthusiasts, pair with a shot of espresso or a cappuccino for the ultimate coffee experience. The cake also pairs beautifully with a glass of dessert wine or a coffee liqueur for an adult dessert option.
For special occasions, dress it up with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of espresso powder. You can also add some fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the cake.
Nutritional Information for Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 40g
Note: This nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed. Values may vary depending on specific products used and serving size.
Storage & Leftovers
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake stores beautifully, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. To store leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For the best texture when enjoying leftovers, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This will restore the gooey texture of the caramel topping.
You can also freeze this cake for longer storage. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake well in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

FAQs for Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
Can I make this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe without coffee?
Yes, you can omit the coffee for a pure caramel cake. Simply replace the brewed coffee with milk and skip the instant coffee granules. The cake will still be delicious with just the caramel flavor.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly soft. Remember that this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe is meant to be a gooey cake, so you don’t want to overbake it.
Can I make this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe actually improves in flavor after sitting for a day, making it perfect for preparing ahead. Bake the cake and add the caramel as directed, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.
What can I use instead of coffee liqueur in the caramel sauce?
If you prefer not to use alcohol in this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe, you can substitute the coffee liqueur with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of strong brewed coffee. This will maintain the flavor profile without the alcohol content.
Related Recipes
If you love this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake, try our Espresso Chocolate Lava Cakes for another coffee-infused dessert experience!
Fans of caramel desserts should also check out our Salted Caramel Apple Crisp – perfect for fall gatherings!
For a lighter option with similar flavors, our Coffee-Infused Panna Cotta with Caramel Drizzle offers an elegant alternative.
Love the gooey texture? Our Ultimate Sticky Toffee Pudding delivers that same satisfying experience with a British twist!
Conclusion
Now you have mastered how to make the best Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe at home! This decadent dessert combines the sophisticated flavor of coffee with the sweet indulgence of caramel in a way that’s sure to impress family and friends. The beauty of this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity – despite its gourmet appearance and taste, it requires only basic ingredients and straightforward techniques.
What makes this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe truly special is its versatility. Whether served warm from the oven with ice cream for a casual family dessert or dressed up with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a dinner party finale, it’s guaranteed to delight everyone who tastes it.
Have you tried making this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow coffee and caramel lovers.
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15 Tips for the Best Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe combines the rich flavor of coffee with sweet caramel for an irresistible dessert. Perfect for coffee lovers, this cake features a moist coffee-infused base topped with a luscious caramel sauce that creates a delightfully gooey texture. Whether for a dinner party or special treat, this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe will impress everyone!
Ingredients
For the Coffee Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons strong coffee or espresso, cooled
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Gooey Caramel Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe works best in a square pan for even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the brown sugar.
Step 3: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in the strong brewed coffee, stirring until completely dissolved.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, coffee mixture, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Make the Cake Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are okay.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. The cake should be set but still slightly soft in the center.
Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Topping
While the cake is baking, make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Step 8: Finish the Caramel
Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the caramel thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the coffee liqueur (if using) and sea salt.
Step 9: Add the Gooey Factor
When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately poke holes all over the top using a fork or wooden skewer. Pour about ⅔ of the warm caramel sauce over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Let the cake cool for 15 minutes, then slice and serve warm with the remaining caramel sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making the Best Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe:
- For the most intense coffee flavor in this Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe, use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee
- The cake is done when it’s slightly underbaked in the center – this contributes to the gooey texture
- For an extra rich caramel in your Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar
- Allow the caramel to cool slightly before pouring over the cake to prevent it from being completely absorbed
- If your caramel sauce becomes too thick, gently reheat it with a splash of cream
- This Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake Recipe can be made 1-2 days ahead and tastes even better as the flavors meld
Storage & Leftovers:
Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture when enjoying leftovers, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: gooey coffee caramel cake recipe, coffee cake, caramel dessert, coffee dessert, moist coffee cake, homemade caramel sauce, easy dessert recipe