Introduction
Transform everyday ingredients into a decadent coffee caramel cake that’s surprisingly quick and easy to make! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unbelievably simple yet stunning dessert!
Why This Works
This recipe strikes the perfect balance of rich coffee flavor, luscious caramel sweetness, and moist, tender cake. The simple method ensures a foolproof result every time, even for beginner bakers. Plus, it uses readily available ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Key Ingredients
- ☕️ 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup buttermilk
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 🥄 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 🌾 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🧂 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🍬 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- 🌰 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures even baking and easy removal.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is key for a tender crumb.
3️⃣ Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and cooled coffee, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
6️⃣ Stir in the unwrapped caramel candies and pecans (if using).
7️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8️⃣ Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting (see frosting suggestions below – or simply dust with powdered sugar!).
Handy Tips
- For extra intense coffee flavor, use freshly brewed espresso instead of coffee.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Room temperature ingredients ensure even mixing and a smoother batter.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the cake bakes evenly without burning. Overbaking will result in a dry cake, so start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Crunch Factor
The optional pecans add a delightful crunch to the cake’s moist texture, providing a pleasing contrast of textures in every bite. Even without pecans, the caramel candies offer a delightful textural element.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a faster cleanup, line your baking pan with parchment paper before greasing and flouring.
- To make a super-rich caramel, use a high-quality caramel sauce instead of unwrapped candies.
- A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and coffee adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Cut the cake into squares and package them individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Alternatively, slice the cake and place slices in decorative boxes.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Salted Caramel: Add a pinch of sea salt to the batter and drizzle salted caramel sauce over the finished cake.
🌟 Chocolate Coffee Caramel: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
🌟 Espresso Swirl: Make half the batter with espresso instead of coffee and swirl it into the other batter before baking.
🌟 Coconut Caramel: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness earlier.
- Cake is gummy: You may have underbaked it. Bake for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
- Cake is unevenly cooked: Make sure your oven is preheated properly and that the baking pan is placed in the center of the oven.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pan? A round 9-inch cake pan will also work, but the baking time might need adjusting.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the baked cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- What kind of caramel candies should I use? Any brand of unwrapped caramel candies will work.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, bake the cake a day or two ahead of time. Store it properly and frost it just before serving.
Conclusion
This Coffee Caramel Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Its ease of preparation, delicious flavor, and beautiful presentation make it perfect for any occasion. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy every delightful bite!
30-Minute Coffee Caramel Cake: Busy Baker's Dream
A quick and delicious coffee caramel cake that satisfies your sweet tooth in just 30 minutes of prep time, perfect for busy bakers.
Ingredients
- 1 u00bd cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- u00bd cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- u00bd teaspoon baking powder
- u00bd teaspoon baking soda
- u00bc teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- u00bd cup milk
- u00bd cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- u00bd cup caramel sauce
- u00bd cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, instant coffee, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the cake and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
Tips
- For an extra kick, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.