As I lifted the cake from the oven, the enticing aroma of coffee and caramel wove through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to my favorite café. This Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a love letter to indulgence, featuring moist, coffee-infused layers enveloped in rich caramel buttercream. Not only is it the perfect centerpiece for your next celebration, but it also makes for a delightful afternoon treat alongside a steaming cup of coffee. With quick prep time and the ability to impress even the toughest food critics, this cake will surely become a staple in your baking repertoire. Ready to dig into a slice of this luxurious creation and elevate your dessert game?
Why is this cake a must-try?
Indulgence at Its Finest: This Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake indulges your senses with moist coffee layers and rich caramel frosting.
Easy to Create: With simple steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve café-style perfection!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for celebrations or afternoon tea, this cake impresses everyone with its delightful flavors.
Unique Flavor Fusion: The combination of sweet caramel and bitter coffee strikes a heavenly balance that keeps you coming back for more.
For a spin on decadence, don’t miss out on my Salted Caramel Kentucky cake or savor the creamy textures from the Sara Lee Experience.
Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Ingredients
• Dive into the delightful world of flavors with this Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake that will elevate your dessert experience!
For the Cake
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the perfect structure for the cake; swap for a gluten-free blend if desired.
- Baking Powder – Ensures the cake rises beautifully; check for freshness to get the best results.
- Baking Soda – Aids in browning and provides additional lift to the cake texture.
- Salt – Elevates the flavor; kosher salt is recommended for even distribution.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness; substitute with margarine or dairy-free butter if needed.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake while giving it a lovely texture; coconut sugar is a great alternative for a healthier option.
- Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture; for a vegan version, try flax eggs!
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; always opt for pure vanilla to get the best taste.
- Buttermilk – Contributes to moisture and tenderness; you can make a substitute using milk and vinegar or yogurt.
- Strong Brewed Coffee – Infuses a rich coffee flavor into the cake; espresso is your best bet for an intense taste.
For the Caramel Sauce
- Granulated Sugar – The sweet base for the luscious caramel sauce that adds depth; be attentive while melting.
- Unsalted Butter – Brings creaminess to the caramel; cut it into cold pieces for best blending.
- Heavy Cream – This creates a creamy texture for the caramel; coconut cream works wonders for a dairy-free option.
For the Buttercream Frosting
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting beautifully; adjust to taste for your perfect sweetness.
- Heavy Cream – Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting; feel free to substitute with whipped topping for a lighter frost.
Let your kitchen fill with warmth as you bring this comforting dessert to life!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake:
Step 1: Prepare Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry mixture with buttermilk and strong brewed coffee, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Divide the batter evenly into the pans, smoothing the tops before baking for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Make Caramel Sauce
While the cakes bake, prepare the luscious caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a golden amber color—this should take about 8-10 minutes. Once melted, add the cold unsalted butter and continue stirring until fully combined. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring to achieve a smooth consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance. Allow the caramel to cool while the cake layers finish baking.
Step 3: Prepare Buttercream Frosting
Once your cake layers have completely cooled, whip up the buttercream frosting. Begin by beating the softened unsalted butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Next, incorporate the heavy cream, cooled caramel sauce, and a splash of vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is wonderfully fluffy and smooth. This delicious frosting will perfectly complement the Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake, so ensure it is fully mixed before moving on to assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
With all components ready, it’s time to assemble your Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake. Place one layer of cooled cake on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of buttercream on top, smoothing it out to the edges. Lay the second cake layer on top and repeat the process. For the third and final layer, spread frosting on top and cover the sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream. Ensure the layers are even and neat for a professional finish.
Step 5: Drizzle with Caramel
To elevate your cake further, take the remaining caramel sauce and drizzle it over the top of the assembled cake, letting it cascade down the sides for a beautiful effect. You can make as much or as little as you prefer, depending on your love for caramel. After drizzling, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast that enhances the overall flavor of your Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the cake to set for about 30 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld. Slice into generous pieces and serve it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful experience. This indulgent Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake is set to be the star of your dessert table, inviting all to indulge in its rich flavors.
Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this cake to make it uniquely yours and delightful for every occasion!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and coconut cream for a top-notch dairy-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for an equally delicious treat that caters to gluten sensitivities.
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Mocha Madness: Layer chocolate ganache between the coffee cake layers for a decadent mocha twist that coffee lovers will adore.
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Cinnamon Kick: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cake batter for a warm spice that beautifully complements the coffee flavor.
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Nutty Goodness: Fold in crushed walnuts or almonds into the batter for a delightful crunch that provides texture and nutrition.
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Salted Caramel Drizzle: Top your cake with a sprinkling of sea salt before serving to intensify that sweet-salty contrast; it’s a game-changer!
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Hazelnut Cream: Swap out vanilla for hazelnut extract in the buttercream for a rich nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with coffee.
For those craving more sweet indulgences, check out my take on the Art Crafting Symphony or dive into the delightful layers of the Sara Lee Experience!
What to Serve with Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake
Indulging in a slice of creamy goodness calls for delightful companions to enhance this decadent experience.
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Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries contrast beautifully with the sweet cake, adding freshness with every bite. Their vibrant colors also elevate the presentation.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the rich flavors of the cake, balancing the sweetness and enhancing every mouthful with its cool, velvety texture.
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Espresso or Coffee: A bold espresso or cup of coffee accentuates the coffee notes in the cake, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors that coffee lovers will adore.
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Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: A rich chocolate ganache creates a decadent layering, adding another dimension of flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel and coffee elements.
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Toasted Nuts: Sprinkling crushed toasted walnuts or pecans adds delightful crunch and a savory contrast, further enriching each slice and inviting a variety of textures in your palate.
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Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling additional salted caramel over each slice intensifies the indulgence, bridging sweet and salty flavors to create a scrumptious treat that’s hard to resist!
Expert Tips for Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake
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Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baking powder and baking soda. Stale leavening agents can result in a dense cake instead of the light texture you desire.
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Room Temperature: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth batter, which is crucial for the ideal texture of your Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake.
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Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter after adding dry and wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to prevent a tough cake.
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Cool Completely: Let your cake layers cool completely before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and ensures a perfectly layered finish.
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Caramel Watch: Keep an eye on your caramel while cooking; it can transition from perfect to burnt in seconds. Stir constantly to maintain a beautiful golden color.
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Serve with Flair: Drizzle extra caramel on slices before serving for an eye-catching presentation that enhances the overall indulgence of your cake!
Make Ahead Options
This Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake is perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without compromising on flavor! You can prepare the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake them, cool completely, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap to keep them moist. The caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just reheat slightly before drizzling over your assembled cake. For the buttercream frosting, it can also be prepped up to 2 days ahead; store it in an airtight container and give it a quick whip to restore its fluffiness before use. When ready to serve, layer the cakes, add the frosting, and drizzle with caramel for the same delightful taste as if it were freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake
Room Temperature: Keep the cake in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
Fridge: To prolong freshness, store the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure it’s wrapped tightly or in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. For a warm slice, microwave it for 10-15 seconds, then drizzle with additional caramel if desired!
Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the perfect coffee for the cake?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using a strong brewed coffee or espresso. Look for a medium to dark roast, as it will deliver rich, bold coffee notes that complement the sweetness of the caramel beautifully. Freshly brewed coffee is always better than instant, but if that’s what you have, just go with it!
What’s the best way to store leftover cake?
Very good question! For room temperature storage, keep your cake in an airtight container where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for longer freshness—up to a week in a tightly wrapped container or covered with plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
Can I freeze the Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake?
Yes, you can! For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving hits! The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and if you’d like it warm, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if the caramel sauce hardens?
Don’t worry! If your caramel hardens, simply place it back over low heat in a saucepan. Add a splash of cream or water to help it melt again while stirring. This will restore that beautiful, silky texture we all love without compromising the flavor!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Certainly! If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily make this cake dairy-free by using vegan butter and coconut cream. For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure you check labels for potential allergens!
How can I make sure my cake layers come out even?
To achieve perfectly even layers, I highly recommend using a kitchen scale to measure your batter. Divide the total weight of the batter by the number of cake pans you have for the most even distribution. Also, smooth the tops of the batter before baking; that helps them rise evenly!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cream butter and sugar together for 3-5 minutes, then add eggs one at a time followed by vanilla. Alternate adding dry mixture with buttermilk and coffee, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Divide the batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- While the cakes bake, prepare the caramel sauce by melting sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until golden amber. Add butter until combined, then gradually pour in heavy cream while stirring. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Once cakes are cooled, whip the butter for frosting until creamy. Slowly mix in powdered sugar, then add heavy cream and cooled caramel sauce, mixing until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake by layering the cake with frosting between each layer and covering the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
- Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over the top of the cake and optionally add a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast.
- Let the cake set for 30 minutes at room temperature to meld flavors, then slice and serve with coffee or tea.
