Luscious Silky Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe for Beginners

Decadent desserts often spark joy in the most unexpected moments, and this silky caramel coffee buttercream cake recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Sweet enthusiasts will fall head over heels for the rich layers of flavor dancing across each delectable slice.

The smooth caramel coffee buttercream creates an irresistible blend of deep, robust notes and luxurious sweetness.

Creamy textures meld perfectly with delicate cake layers that promise to elevate any gathering.

Each bite promises a sophisticated balance between bold coffee undertones and luscious caramel hints.

Bakers seeking an impressive centerpiece dessert will adore this elegant creation that transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary indulgence.

Prepare to embark on a delightful baking adventure that will leave everyone craving another slice.

Presenting Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake with Style

• Coffee Lover's Dream: Serve this cake alongside a steaming mug of freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino to enhance the rich coffee flavors.
• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Accompany the slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to balance the intense caramel and coffee notes.
• Elegant Presentation Tip: Garnish individual plates with a light dusting of cocoa powder or crushed coffee beans to add a sophisticated touch and extra flavor depth.
• Sweet Occasion Suggestion: Perfect for afternoon tea parties, birthday celebrations, or as a luxurious dessert after a dinner gathering with close friends and family.

Save Every Slice of Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Wrap individual cake layers or the entire assembled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before serving to allow buttercream to soften and flavors to develop fully, creating a more enjoyable dessert experience.
• Keep extra caramel sauce in a sealed glass jar within the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, gently reheating when needed by warming in short microwave intervals or using a warm water bath.

FAQs

• What coffee works best for this recipe?

Strong espresso or instant coffee dissolved in hot water are ideal. Use a rich, robust coffee to enhance the cake’s flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers 1-2 days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. The buttercream and caramel sauce can also be prepared a day before assembling.

• How do I prevent my caramel from burning?

Watch the sugar closely and stir constantly. Use medium heat and remove from the stove immediately when it turns a golden amber color. The process takes about 5-8 minutes, so patience is key.

• Is this cake suitable for coffee lovers?

Absolutely! The recipe incorporates coffee in multiple layers – the cake batter, buttercream, and can be garnished with coffee beans, making it a perfect dessert for coffee enthusiasts.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 12

Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Ingredients You’ll Love

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the cake, choose unbleached flour for better flavor.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and become light, ensure they are fresh for maximum leavening.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create tender crumb, look for fine, pure cane sugar.

• Butter: Creates tender, rich cake texture, use high-quality unsalted butter at room temperature.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness, select fresh, large eggs.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create soft cake, choose full-fat version for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor profile, opt for pure extract over artificial.

• Instant Coffee Powder: Infuses deep coffee flavor, select high-quality, finely ground powder.

• Granulated Sugar: Primary caramelization ingredient, use pure cane sugar.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, rich caramel texture, select full-fat cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds complexity to caramel, use pure extract.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet frosting, sift to remove lumps.
• Milk: Adjusts buttercream consistency, use whole milk for richness.

Baking Tools for Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating eggs, and mixing buttercream smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cake pans (two 9-inch round): Needed for baking the cake layers.
• Saucepan: Required for making the caramel sauce.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing caramel and combining dry ingredients.
• Wire rack: Perfect for cooling cake layers completely.
• Large mixing bowls: Necessary for preparing cake batter and buttercream.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading buttercream and smoothing cake layers.
• Toothpick: Used to test cake doneness.

How to Assemble Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F. Grab two cake pans and give them a quick butter and flour massage to prevent sticking.

• Mix the Cake Base

Whip together butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Crack in eggs one by one, stirring after each arrival. Splash in vanilla for extra.

• Create the Cake Batter

Gently fold dry ingredients into the buttery mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Swirl in dissolved coffee for a rich, deep flavor. Pour batter into prepared pans and smooth the tops.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide pans into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

• Craft Caramel Sauce

Melt sugar in a pan, watching it turn golden. Add butter and cream, creating a luscious amber waterfall. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt. Let cool to room temperature.

• Whip Up Coffee Buttercream

Beat butter until creamy. Gradually fold in powdered sugar. Mix in coffee, milk, vanilla, and salt until the frosting becomes cloud-like and irresistible.

• Build Your Masterpiece

Place first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread buttercream and drizzle caramel sauce. Top with second layer, repeating the creamy, sweet process. Finish with decorative caramel swirls and optional coffee bean garnish.

Recipe Tweaks for Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Excellence

• Keep ingredients at room temperature for seamless mixing and better texture.
• Adjust coffee strength by using espresso powder or cold brew concentrate to customize flavor depth.
• Caramel sauce and cake layers can be prepared one day in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to save time.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, or use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives for vegan adaptation.
• Create elegant drip effect by slightly warming caramel sauce and using a spoon to strategically drizzle over cake's edges for professional bakery-style presentation.

Silky Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Silky caramel coffee buttercream cake blends rich espresso notes with luxurious caramel undertones. Passionate bakers can craft this elegant dessert that promises a memorable culinary experience you’ll savor with each delightful slice.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) buttermilk
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp instant coffee granules, dissolved in ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) hot water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsps instant coffee granules, dissolved in 3 tbsps heavy cream
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• ½ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) water
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) water
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
• Caramel drizzle
• Chocolate shavings
• Coffee beans

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease cake pans thoroughly with butter and flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent adhesion.
2. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour mixture to create a uniform, lump-free base for a smooth cake texture.
3. Butter Mixture: Cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, voluminous consistency that appears ethereal.
4. Egg Integration: Add eggs methodically, allowing each to blend completely and create a silky, homogeneous batter.
5. Batter Composition: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk to maintain delicate balance and prevent overmixing; infuse with dissolved coffee for rich, aromatic flavor.
6. Baking Process: Pour batter evenly into prepared pans, smoothing surfaces; bake in preheated oven until a testing skewer emerges clean, indicating perfect doneness.
7. Cooling Stage: Rest cakes briefly in pans before transferring to cooling rack, preserving moisture and preventing structural collapse.
8. Caramel Creation: Melt sugar carefully, watching intently to achieve deep amber hue without burning; whisk in butter and cream vigorously to create a smooth, glossy sauce.
9. Caramel Refinement: Enhance sauce with vanilla and salt, developing a complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert.
10. Buttercream Development: Whip butter until creamy, gradually incorporating powdered sugar to create a velvety frosting; blend coffee, milk, and additional flavorings for balanced sweetness and depth.
11. Cake Assembly: Layer first cake round, generously spreading buttercream and caramel sauce; position second layer, repeating lavish frosting technique.
12. Final Presentation: Embellish with artistic buttercream swirls and decadent caramel cascade; optionally garnish with coffee beans or chocolate shavings for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

Monitor Sugar Caramelization: Watch carefully during caramel sauce preparation to prevent burning, as sugar can quickly transform from golden to bitter in seconds.

Prevent Buttercream Separation: Ensure butter is at room temperature and add powdered sugar gradually to maintain a smooth, lump-free frosting consistency.

Control Coffee Intensity: Adjust coffee concentration by using espresso powder or strong brewed coffee to fine-tune the flavor depth without overwhelming the cake’s sweetness.

Achieve Optimal Cake Texture: Avoid overmixing batter to prevent a dense, tough cake, mixing just until ingredients are incorporated for a light, tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Drinks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 58 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg