If you’re a coffee lover with a sweet tooth, this homemade coffee cake topped with buttery caramel sauce and a smooth coffee glaze will be your new go-to dessert. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, this crowd-pleasing treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy evening indulgence.
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Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake
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Made with real brewed coffee for an authentic flavor boost
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Topped with homemade caramel sauce and a simple coffee drizzle
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Moist and tender texture thanks to buttermilk and butter
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Perfect as a dessert, afternoon snack, or breakfast treat
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Great for coffee-themed parties, brunch spreads, and holidays
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Cake:
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All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): The foundation of the cake, giving it structure and a soft crumb.
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Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake while helping with moisture and texture.
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Baking Powder (1 tsp) & Baking Soda (½ tsp): Work together to give the cake lift and tenderness.
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Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
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Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and creates a fluffy texture when creamed with the egg.
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Egg (1 large): Binds ingredients and adds structure.
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Brewed Coffee (½ cup, cooled): Infuses the cake with bold, aromatic coffee flavor.
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Buttermilk (½ cup): Reacts with baking soda for a light texture and adds a tangy note.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with a hint of warmth.
For the Caramel Sauce:
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Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Gives the sauce a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
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Unsalted Butter (½ cup): The rich base for the caramel.
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Heavy Cream (¼ cup): Adds creaminess and helps thicken the sauce.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Complements the caramel with warm, aromatic notes.
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Pinch of Salt: Enhances the flavor and gives that irresistible salty-sweet edge.
For the Coffee Drizzle:
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Brewed Coffee and Powdered Sugar: A simple glaze that adds extra coffee flavor and a sweet finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
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Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
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Don’t overmix—this keeps the cake light and tender.
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For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso or cold brew instead of regular brewed coffee.
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Want a crunch? Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before drizzling with caramel.
Variations and Customizations
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Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice note.
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Swap the caramel sauce with a chocolate ganache for a mocha twist.
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Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Pairing Suggestions
This cake is excellent with:
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A hot cup of latte or cappuccino
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Vanilla bean ice cream for dessert
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A dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon
Storage Instructions
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days when covered.
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Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant coffee?
Yes! Mix 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules with ½ cup hot water and let it cool before using.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the cake a day in advance and add the toppings just before serving for best results.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time to 35–40 minutes.
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Coffee Cake with Caramel Sauce Coffee Drizzle
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
Coffee Cake with Caramel Sauce – A moist, coffee-infused cake spiced and topped with warm buttery caramel and a coffee-sugar drizzle. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet coffee lover’s treat!
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 large egg
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½ cup brewed coffee, cooled
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½ cup buttermilk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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½ cup unsalted butter
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¼ cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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2 tablespoons brewed coffee
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½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and egg until fluffy and well combined.
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Add brewed coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth.
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Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce
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In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat.
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Stir constantly until it begins to simmer.
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Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
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Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let cool slightly before using.
Step 5: Prepare the Coffee Drizzle
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In a small bowl, whisk together the brewed coffee and powdered sugar.
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Stir until smooth and pourable. Add more sugar for a thicker glaze or more coffee to thin it.
Notes
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Allow the cake to cool before adding sauces to prevent them from soaking in too quickly.
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For a neater finish, drizzle the sauces with a spoon or piping bag.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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