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Rich & Velvety Coffee Caramel Cake You’ll Crave

Rich & Velvety Coffee Caramel Cake You’ll Crave

A rich and velvety coffee caramel cake combining bold coffee flavor with luscious caramel sweetness. Featuring moist cake layers infused with instant coffee and layered with creamy caramel frosting, this cake offers a decadent, smooth texture and indulgent taste perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour mix for gluten-free option)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk or cream (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free option)
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup caramel sauce (prepared or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes and Variations

  • Toasted pecans or walnuts (for nut infusion)
  • Cocoa powder (for mocha twist)
  • Flaky sea salt (for salted caramel topping)
  • Coffee beans (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and instant coffee powder. Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk into the wet mix, combining gently and avoiding overmixing to keep the batter moist and tender.
  2. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide batter evenly between two greased and lined 8 or 9-inch cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
  3. Make the Caramel Frosting: Whip softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar while mixing continuously. Slowly drizzle in caramel sauce, beating until creamy and spreadable. Adjust sweetness and consistency as desired by adding more powdered sugar or caramel sauce.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of caramel frosting evenly on top. Add the second cake layer and coat the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Optionally drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and garnish with coffee beans or chopped nuts.

Notes

  • Use fresh instant coffee powder for maximum flavor without bitterness.
  • Bring butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature before mixing for a smooth batter and even baking.
  • Sift flour and baking powder to avoid lumps and ensure airy cake layers.
  • Cool cake layers completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • For homemade caramel sauce, cook sugar slowly until golden for a rich buttery flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: coffee cake, caramel cake, coffee caramel cake, dessert, moist cake, caramel frosting, easy cake recipe