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Coffee Caramel Cake: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Guide

  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 10-12 servings 1x

Description

Moist coffee cake layers with homemade caramel sauce and creamy coffee buttercream frosting. Perfect for coffee lovers!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Espresso beans
  • Sea salt flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or use baking spray with flour). Line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper rounds for extra insurance against sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the coffee and buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
  9. Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. Watch carefully, as it can burn easily. You can gently swirl the pan if needed to ensure even cooking.
  10. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour in the warmed heavy cream. Be careful, as it will bubble vigorously! Stir in the butter and salt until smooth.
  11. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using. It will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can gently warm it up again.
  12. In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream the softened butter until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
  13. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  14. Beat in the cooled coffee, vanilla extract, and salt.
  15. Continue to beat the frosting until it is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more coffee, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
  16. If the cakes have domed on top, use a serrated knife to level them.
  17. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
  18. Spread a generous layer of coffee buttercream frosting over the first cake layer. Drizzle about half of the caramel sauce over the frosting.
  19. Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
  20. Frost the entire cake with the remaining coffee buttercream frosting. You can create a smooth finish or a textured finish, depending on your preference.
  21. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the cake. Garnish with espresso beans and sea salt flakes, if desired.
  22. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the frosting to set and make the cake easier to slice.

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, is crucial for creating a smooth and emulsified batter. This helps to create a tender and evenly baked cake.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cake batter develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
  • Cool Completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter or the frosting.
  • Coffee Strength: The strength of the coffee you use will affect the flavor of the cake and frosting. Use a strong brewed coffee for the best results.
  • Caramel Consistency: The caramel sauce will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can gently warm it up again.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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Find it online: https://recipesrefreshing.com/coffee-caramel-cake/