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To make the Coffee Caramel Gooey Cake, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for topping) These ingredients come together to create a rich and gooey cake. The mix of coffee and caramel flavors makes it special. You can swap some items for different flavors or dietary needs. Here are some ideas: - Use coconut oil or margarine instead of butter. - Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a slight caramel taste. - Try almond milk or oat milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter version. - For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. These swaps let you enjoy the cake while fitting your diet or taste. Selecting the right ingredients can enhance your cake's taste. Keep these tips in mind: - Choose fresh eggs. They should feel heavy and not have cracks. - Use real vanilla extract, not imitation, for better flavor. - For the coffee, choose a strong brew. Using fresh ground beans will make a big difference. - Look for heavy cream with a higher fat content. This makes the caramel richer. Quality ingredients lead to a better tasting cake. Don’t rush this step! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional for topping) Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Now, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in the cooled coffee and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not over-mix, or your cake will be tough. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and heavy cream. Mix until well combined. Gently pour this mixture over the batter in the pan. Do not mix! This creates the gooey layer. If you like, sprinkle chocolate chips on top for extra flavor. Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should set, but the center must stay gooey. Use a toothpick to check; it should come out slightly sticky. Once baked, take the cake out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps the gooey center firm up a bit. After cooling, cut the cake into squares. For a special touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or whipped cream. Serve warm for the best gooey texture. Enjoy every bite! To get that perfect gooey texture, follow these tips: - Use fresh ingredients. Old eggs or flour can affect the cake. - Do not over-mix the batter. Mixing too much makes the cake dense. - Bake until the edges are set. The center should still look wet. - A toothpick test is key. If it comes out slightly sticky, it's perfect. Here are some common mistakes you should steer clear of: - Forgetting to preheat the oven can change baking time and texture. - Not greasing the pan well can lead to sticking. - Adding the brown sugar mix too early. Pour it over the batter, don’t mix! - Opening the oven door too soon can cause the cake to sink. Want to make your cake even better? Try these ideas: - Use espresso instead of regular coffee for a bolder flavor. - Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. - Top with whipped cream or extra caramel sauce for sweetness. - Mix in chocolate chips for a rich, sweet surprise. Pro Tips Use Fresh Coffee: For the best flavor, use freshly brewed coffee. The stronger the brew, the more pronounced the coffee taste will be in the cake. Check for Gooeyness: The cake should be slightly underbaked to achieve that gooey texture. A toothpick should come out with some moist crumbs. Cooling Time is Key: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving to help it set and maintain its gooey center. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips for a personal touch. Caramel sauce or whipped cream also elevate the dessert. {{image_2}} You can change the texture of your coffee caramel gooey cake by adding nuts or fruits. Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. If you love fruit, try adding diced apples or ripe bananas. Just mix them in with the batter before baking. This adds flavor and a bit of moisture. Always remember to chop the nuts or fruit small for even baking. Frosting or toppings can change the whole look of your cake. You might want to try a cream cheese frosting or a simple whipped cream. Both pair well with the gooey cake. You can also drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce on top. A sprinkle of sea salt can make the flavors pop! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings. If you need gluten-free options, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture. For a vegan version, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Use coconut oil in place of butter. These swaps still give you a delicious cake with a gooey center. To keep your Coffee Caramel Gooey Cake fresh, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into squares. Place the squares in an airtight container. This container should go in the fridge. Your cake will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to eat leftover cake, take it out of the fridge. Place a square on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This will warm it up nicely. For a gooey texture, avoid overheating. You want it warm, not hot. To freeze your cake, cut it into squares first. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped squares in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. Your cake will stay tasty for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as needed for that gooey goodness! To get that perfect gooey center, watch your baking time. Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the center must look soft. Use a toothpick to check; it should come out sticky, not clean. If you bake it too long, you will lose that gooey magic. Yes, you can use decaf coffee for this recipe. The flavor will still shine through. Just make sure it is strong brewed. The coffee adds depth to the cake and enhances the caramel taste. You can use any chocolate chips that you like. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste. Milk chocolate offers a sweeter option. White chocolate can add a fun twist too. Just sprinkle the chocolate chips on top before baking for a delightful finish. You learned how to pick great ingredients and bake delicious treats. From choosing quality items to expert baking steps, this guide gave you clear tips. Remember to avoid common mistakes for that perfect gooey bite. You can also try fun variations and find the best ways to store your treats. With these insights, you can bake with confidence. Enjoy your delicious creations and share them with friends!

Coffee Caramel Gooey Cake

A deliciously gooey cake with a rich coffee flavor and caramel topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 2 large eggs
  • 1 2 unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 2 cup chocolate chips (optional for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9-inch baking pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the brewed coffee and vanilla extract.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not over-mix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and heavy cream until combined. Gently pour this mixture over the batter in the pan (do not stir it in).
  • Optionally, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the cake batter for added flavor.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still gooey. A toothpick should come out slightly sticky.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cut the cake into squares and drizzle with additional caramel sauce or whipped cream. Serve warm for a gooey texture.
Keyword cake, caramel, coffee, dessert