Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe: A Decadent Dessert for Coffee Lovers 🎂☕🍮
Indulge in the perfect harmony of rich coffee, velvety caramel, and creamy buttercream with this show-stopping Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake. This dessert masterpiece combines moist coffee-infused layers with luscious caramel filling and a silky buttercream frosting that will leave your guests craving more. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake delivers an unforgettable flavor experience that coffee enthusiasts will adore.
The magic of this Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake lies in its balanced flavors – the boldness of espresso perfectly complements the sweetness of homemade caramel, while the buttercream frosting adds a luxurious finish. Each bite offers a symphony of textures, from the tender crumb of the cake to the smooth creaminess of the frosting. The golden caramel drizzle not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of decadence that makes this dessert truly irresistible.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of rich coffee, sweet caramel, and creamy buttercream creates a sophisticated dessert experience that’s not overly sweet.
- Texture: Moist cake layers contrast beautifully with smooth buttercream and gooey caramel filling for a delightful mouthfeel.
- Aroma: The enticing scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with buttery caramel notes that will fill your kitchen as you bake.
- Visual Appeal: Elegant layered cake with visible caramel drips and coffee-infused frosting makes for stunning presentation.
- Skill Level Needed: Requires basic cake decorating skills but includes detailed instructions for success.
- Special Equipment: Stand mixer or hand mixer recommended for best frosting texture, plus piping bags for decoration.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake is rated intermediate due to the layering and decorating techniques involved, but clear instructions make it achievable for motivated beginners.
- Category: Perfect as a celebration cake, dinner party dessert, or special occasion centerpiece.
- Cuisine: Modern American dessert with European influences from classic coffee cakes and buttercream techniques.
- Cost: Mid-range ingredients with potential for using pantry staples; homemade caramel keeps costs reasonable.
- Season: Excellent year-round but particularly comforting in cooler months when warm coffee flavors shine.
- Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, dinner parties, or as an impressive gift for coffee-loving friends.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake
The first bite of this Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake will transport you to your favorite coffee shop – but with even better flavors. The coffee-infused cake layers stay remarkably moist while providing just the right amount of caffeine kick. When paired with the homemade caramel sauce that oozes between layers, it creates a flavor combination that’s simply magical. The buttercream frosting, infused with espresso powder, ties everything together with its light yet rich texture that melts in your mouth.
Beyond its incredible taste, this cake offers practical advantages too. The components can be prepared in stages, making it manageable even for busy bakers. The caramel sauce can be made days in advance, and the cake layers freeze beautifully. This means you can tackle the recipe in manageable steps rather than needing a whole day dedicated to baking. The decorating techniques are straightforward enough for home bakers but yield professional-looking results that will impress your guests.
Nutritionally, this dessert offers more than just empty calories. The coffee provides antioxidants, while using quality butter and eggs means you’re getting some protein and healthy fats. Of course, it’s still a treat – but one where every calorie delivers maximum flavor satisfaction. The richness of the ingredients means smaller portions can be surprisingly satisfying, making it perfect for gatherings where people might want to sample multiple desserts.
Socially, this Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake becomes a conversation starter at any gathering. The dramatic layers and caramel drizzle make it Instagram-worthy, while the familiar yet elevated flavors appeal to a wide range of palates. It’s the kind of dessert that people remember and request again, making it perfect for establishing your reputation as an exceptional baker among friends and family.
From a cost perspective, this cake delivers tremendous value compared to bakery versions. While specialty coffee cakes can cost $50 or more at high-end bakeries, you can create this showstopper for a fraction of the price using quality ingredients. The recipe uses accessible components without requiring expensive specialty items, making it achievable for most home bakers while still delivering gourmet results.
The Recipe
Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 3 8-inch round cake pans
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Parchment paper
- Cooling racks
- Piping bags and tips (optional)
- Offset spatula
- Candy thermometer (for caramel)
Ingredients
For the Coffee Cake Layers:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
For the Coffee Buttercream:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Prepare the cake layers: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the caramel filling: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar, stirring occasionally until fully dissolved and amber-colored. Carefully whisk in butter until melted. Slowly drizzle in warm cream while whisking constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the coffee buttercream: Beat butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternating with heavy cream. Dissolve espresso powder in 1 tbsp hot water, then add to buttercream along with vanilla and salt. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with half the caramel, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Pipe or spread a ring of buttercream around the edge to contain caramel. Repeat with second layer. Top with final cake layer.
- Frost entire cake with remaining buttercream. Drizzle remaining caramel over top, allowing some to drip down sides. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.
Recipe Notes
- For stronger coffee flavor, add 1 additional tbsp espresso powder to the buttercream.
- Cake layers can be baked 1 day ahead – wrap tightly in plastic and store at room temperature.
- Caramel can be made 3 days ahead and refrigerated – gently reheat before using.
- For a nutty variation, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans between layers.
