When you take a bite of Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake, you’re not just tasting cake; you’re diving into a world of rich flavors and creamy textures. The moment that buttery frosting melts on your tongue, and the coffee notes swirl through your senses, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy café in Paris, with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. This cake is the kind of dessert that makes you want to throw confetti and dance around the kitchen in joy.
I remember the first time I made this cake for my sister’s birthday. She took one bite and her eyes widened in disbelief as if I had just revealed a family secret. It was an occasion filled with laughter, hugs, and enough sugar to fuel a small army. Whether it’s for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply a Tuesday that needs some sprucing up, this cake promises an unforgettable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake combines ease of preparation with a flavor profile that’s irresistibly decadent
- Its visual appeal makes it perfect for celebrations while being versatile enough for everyday enjoyment
- You can easily adjust sweetness levels to suit your taste preferences
I once served this cake at a family gathering, and let me tell you—the delighted squeals from my niece were louder than the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cake Flour: This gives the cake its light texture; use high-quality flour for best results.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly; consider using superfine sugar for quicker dissolving.
Baking Powder: Essential for leavening; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise.
Unsalted Butter: For rich flavor; always soften before mixing to achieve a smooth batter.
Eggs: Use large eggs for consistency; they help bind everything together.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation.
Coffee Brewed Strongly: The star flavor! Use your favorite blend to enhance the cake’s coffee notes.
Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess to the buttercream; make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing.
Powdered Sugar: For sweetness in the buttercream; sift it beforehand to avoid lumps.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle on top or mix into frosting; homemade or store-bought works well!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake
First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans with nonstick spray and set them aside while you gather your ingredients.
Create the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract followed by strong brewed coffee until fully incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together cake flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined—don’t overmix!
Bake Your Cakes: Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.
Prepare the Buttercream: While cakes are cooling, beat softened cream cheese with unsalted butter until smooth in a separate bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy—this should be sweet perfection! Mix in caramel sauce and adjust sweetness as desired.
Assemble Your Cake: Once cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of caramel coffee buttercream on top before adding the second layer of cake. Finish by generously frosting the top and sides with remaining buttercream.
Now take a moment to admire your masterpiece! Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top if you’re feeling adventurous (which I highly recommend). Slice yourself a generous piece—go ahead, no one’s judging!
This Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake is more than just dessert—it’s an experience filled with delightful flavors that will leave everyone wanting more!
You Must Know
- The Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake will delight your taste buds with its rich flavors
- This cake is perfect for coffee lovers, adding a sweet and creamy touch to your dessert table
- Enjoy the aroma of caramel blending seamlessly with buttercream for an unforgettable treat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake layers first, then prepare the buttery caramel coffee frosting while they cool. This ensures efficiency and prevents any last-minute scrambling in the kitchen.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular coffee for espresso for an extra kick. Adding a pinch of sea salt to the frosting can enhance the flavor balance beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave for a few seconds to regain its softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter; this helps create a fluffy cake texture
- Don’t skip cooling layers completely before frosting; warm layers can melt your beautiful buttercream
- Always taste your frosting before using; adjust sweetness if necessary for personal preference
The first time I made this Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake, my friends devoured it within minutes! Their praise was so overwhelming that I almost considered starting a bakery right then and there.
FAQ
Can I use decaf coffee for the frosting?
Absolutely! Decaf coffee works great if you want to avoid caffeine but still enjoy that flavor.
How long does the caramel last?
Homemade caramel can be stored in the fridge for about two weeks if kept sealed properly.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers individually wrapped for up to three months for later enjoyment.
Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake
Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake is an indulgent dessert that marries rich coffee flavors with creamy caramel and velvety buttercream frosting. Each bite transports you to a cozy café, delighting your senses with a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Ideal for birthdays or any special occasion, this cake is not just a treat but a celebration in itself.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans.
- 2. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and coffee.
- 3. In another bowl, whisk flour and baking powder. Gradually add to wet ingredients on low speed until just combined.
- 4. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- 5. For the buttercream, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; gradually mix in powdered sugar and caramel sauce.
- 6. Once cakes are cooled, assemble by layering with buttercream between layers and frosting the top and sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: For a stronger flavor, substitute espresso for regular coffee. Add a pinch of sea salt to the frosting for enhanced taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
