Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the scent of brewing coffee wafts through the kitchen, I can’t help but smile at the memories of cozy afternoons spent enjoying sweet treats with loved ones. Enter my Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake—a delightful fusion of rich, coffee-infused sponge and luscious homemade caramel. This cake not only elevates your dessert game but also provides a comforting, delightful experience perfect for gatherings or quiet moments with a cup of coffee. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, it’s a dream come true for any passionate home chef craving something indulgent yet achievable. Plus, you can easily make it ahead to share (or enjoy solo) later! Are you ready to stir up some magic in your kitchen? Why Is This Cake So Irresistible? Irresistible Flavor: This cake boasts a perfect blend of deep coffee and rich caramel that will leave your taste buds dancing. Effortless Baking: Made with pantry staples, you’re just moments away from dessert bliss! Make-Ahead Magic: Bake the layers in advance, making entertaining hassle-free. Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a festive celebration or a cozy afternoon, this cake fits right in. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee, reminiscent of a cafe delight! Crowd-Pleasing Delight: It’s a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to impress friends and family, just like my other favorites, Coconut Cream Pancakes or Biscoff Cheesecake. Indulge in this luxurious experience; you won’t regret it! Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Ingredients For the Cake • All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of your cake for that perfect structure. • Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture with a deeper flavor profile. • Baking Powder – Ensures your cake rises to fluffy perfection, so check its freshness! • Salt – A dash balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors. • Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. • Eggs – Essential for structure and moisture; room temperature eggs mix better. • Vanilla Extract – Boosts flavor; opt for real vanilla for a delightful depth. • Milk – Adds moisture for a tender texture; non-dairy options work too! • Instant Coffee Granules – Elevates the coffee flavor; strong brewed coffee can be a substitute. For the Buttercream • Powdered Sugar – Sweetness and smooth texture are what you need for that dreamy frosting. • Espresso Powder – Packs a robust coffee punch; if you don’t have it, use more instant coffee! For the Caramel Drizzle • Homemade Caramel Sauce – Infuses a rich flavor—homemade is always best for this decadent cake. Feel free to gather your ingredients and indulge in the delightful experience of creating this Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Step 1: Preheat and Prep Pans Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter or non-stick spray and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This will ensure your beautiful Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake releases easily after baking. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agent, ensuring that your cake rises uniformly. Set this mixture aside, allowing the dry ingredients to blend while you work on the wet components. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to cream them together for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates the rich base for your Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake, enhancing its texture and flavor. Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla Next, add the room temperature eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow this by incorporating the vanilla extract, blending until smooth. This step ensures that the cake mix is cohesive, contributing to the delightful flavors in each bite. Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. The batter should be smooth and lightly thickened, ready to embrace the coffee flavor. Step 6: Stir in Coffee Dissolve the instant coffee granules in a small amount of hot water or additional milk, then stir this coffee mixture into the batter until evenly incorporated. This step amplifies that delicious coffee flavor throughout your Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake, making it truly irresistible. Step 7: Bake the Cake Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and spring back when gently pressed. Once baked, allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Step 8: Cool and Remove Cakes Carefully turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to ensure that your layers are perfectly cool before frosting. Allowing them to cool fully helps prevent melting your buttercream when you start to assemble your Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake. Step 9: Prepare the Buttercream While the cakes cool, prepare the espresso buttercream. In a large bowl, whip together softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the espresso powder, mixing well to achieve a light and creamy consistency that complements the cake’s richness beautifully. Step 10: Assemble the Cake Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the espresso buttercream onto the top and drizzle with homemade caramel sauce. Carefully place the second layer on top and repeat the process, finishing with a final layer of buttercream on top and a decorative caramel drizzle. Step 11: Serve and Enjoy Slice your decadent Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake and serve it to family and friends, or enjoy a slice with your afternoon coffee. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Expert Tips for Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a lighter texture in your cake. Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which we want to avoid for our Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake. Proper Cooling: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect layered look. Homemade vs. Store-Bought Caramel: If you opt for store-bought caramel, check its thickness. A too-thin caramel may not create the desired drizzle effect. Butter Consistency: Use soft but not melted butter for your buttercream to achieve that silky smooth texture everyone loves. What to Serve with Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake When you’re ready to create a delightful spread, think of these mouthwatering accompaniments that perfectly elevate your cake experience. Steamed Vanilla Custard: The creamy sweetness of custard complements the cake’s rich flavors, creating a velvety contrast that melts in your mouth. Fresh Berries: Bright, tart flavors from strawberries or raspberries refresh the palate and add a lovely burst of color to your dessert table. Espresso or Coffee: A warm cup enhances the coffee notes in the cake, inviting you to savor each bite in a cozy coffeehouse atmosphere. Whipped Cream with a Twist: Lightly sweetened and flavored with vanilla or espresso, this airy topping adds a delightful texture that pairs beautifully with the dense cake. Chocolate Ice Cream: The creamy, decadent chocolate offers a rich counterpoint to the caramel coffee layers, perfect for a chocolate lover’s dream dessert. Toasted Almonds: Lightly toasted almonds contribute a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, beautifully complementing the cake’s sweet and savory notes. Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: A rich chocolate drizzle brings an indulgent element to the cake, making it extra special for celebrations or cozy gatherings. Caramel Macchiato: Serve a delicious latte with notes of caramel and vanilla to create a delightful pairing that mirrors the dessert’s flavor. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy, sweet coconut treats offer a lovely contrast in texture while enhancing the cake’s sweetness without overwhelming it. Aged Scotch or Bourbon: For adults, a glass of fine whiskey complements the flavors of coffee and caramel, rounding out the dessert experience beautifully. How to Store and Freeze Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Room Temperature: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cakes moist and flavorful without drying out. Fridge: If you need to store the cake for longer, refrigerate it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to a week. Bring it back to room temperature before serving for best taste. Freezer: You can freeze the assembled cake, wrapped well, for up to 2 months. For best results, slice the cake before freezing, and use parchment paper to separate layers, preventing sticking. Reheating: Simply thaw the cake in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Enjoy the cake as is, or warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enhance that rich caramel flavor. Make Ahead Options These Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake layers are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can bake the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance; simply allow them to cool completely, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them at room temperature. For the buttercream, make it ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days—just bring it to room temperature and re-whip before using to maintain that silky texture. When you’re ready to assemble, layer the buttercream and drizzle with homemade caramel, and your cake will be just as delightful as if it were freshly made! Enjoy stress-free baking and a delicious dessert! Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful twists on your cake masterpiece! Chocolate Drizzle: Replace the caramel with a rich chocolate ganache for a decadent touch. Just melt chocolate with cream and drizzle generously! Cocoa Infusion: Substitute instant coffee granules with cocoa powder to create a luscious chocolate coffee cake. It’s an indulgent way to satisfy both cravings. Nuts & Crunch: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a delightful texture. You can also sprinkle them on top for added crunch. Flavored Extracts: Experiment with unique extracts like hazelnut or almond to enhance the flavor profile. A little goes a long way in adding depth! Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy note. It perfectly complements the coffee and caramel. Layered Celebration: Incorporate fresh cream and berries between layers for a refreshing contrast against the rich cake. Think of how heavenly it would be with ripe strawberries! Vegan Option: Use non-dairy milk and plant-based butter in the cake and buttercream for a dairy-free version. It’s just as scrumptious! Espresso Cream: Add whipped cream mixed with espresso powder as a filling between the layers for an extra boost of caffeine flavor. It’s a coffee lover’s dream! Why not take the plunge and try one of these variations? After all, baking should be just as fun as it is delicious! And if you’re looking for more scrumptious cakes to whip up, don’t miss out on my favorites like Cookie Butter Cake and Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake. Happy baking! Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right coffee granules for the cake? For the best flavor, use high-quality instant coffee granules specifically labeled for baking. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, you might even prefer strong brewed coffee instead. Just remember to ensure it’s cooled down before incorporating it into your batter to maintain the dough’s consistency! How should I store leftover cake? Absolutely! Store your Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and flavorful. If you need to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature before indulging for the best taste. Can I freeze the cake? How? Yes, you can definitely freeze the Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake! To do so, first, slice the cake and place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. This way, it’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, thaw it overnight in the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. What can I do if the batter turns out too thick? If your batter seems too thick, don’t worry! It might be that not enough liquid was added or that it was overmixed. To fix it, simply add a bit more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Just be careful not to overmix after adding the liquid, as this can affect the cake’s texture. Is there any concern for dietary restrictions? If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour and non-dairy milk for those avoiding lactose. Plus, make sure to check the caramel sauce ingredients if there are any allergies related to nuts or dairy, especially if you’re using store-bought varieties. Decadent Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake for Your Sweet Cravings This Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake combines rich coffee and luscious caramel for a delightful dessert experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: CakesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake2 cups All-Purpose Flour The backbone of your cake for that perfect structure.1 cup Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and moisture with a deeper flavor profile.1 tbsp Baking Powder Ensures your cake rises to fluffy perfection; check its freshness!1 tsp Salt Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.1 cup Unsalted Butter Provides richness and moisture; softened for easy mixing.3 large Eggs Essential for structure and moisture; room temperature mixes better.2 tsp Vanilla Extract Boosts flavor; opt for real vanilla for delightful depth.1 cup Milk Adds moisture for a tender texture; non-dairy options work too!2 tbsp Instant Coffee Granules Elevates the coffee flavor; strong brewed coffee can be a substitute.For the Buttercream3 cups Powdered Sugar Sweetness and smooth texture for that dreamy frosting.2 tbsp Espresso Powder Packs a robust coffee punch; substitute with more instant coffee.For the Caramel Drizzle1 cup Homemade Caramel Sauce Infuses a rich flavor—homemade is best for this decadent cake. Equipment 8-inch round cake pansMixing bowlsHand mixer or stand mixerwire rack Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Caramel Coffee Buttercream CakePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing with butter or non-stick spray and lining with parchment paper.In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.Add the room temperature eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.Dissolve the instant coffee granules in hot water or additional milk, then stir into the batter until incorporated.Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.Prepare the espresso buttercream by whipping together softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, then mix in the espresso powder.Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving plate, spreading with buttercream, drizzling with caramel, adding the second layer, and finishing with more buttercream and caramel drizzle.Slice and enjoy your decadent Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake with family or friends. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a lighter texture. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream. If using store-bought caramel, check for thickness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
