It’s the salting of the caramel that makes this rich, salty-sweet entree so appealing with a cup of coffee or tea. Guys…your next meal party needs this homemade caramel coffee cake. For real though, any (and every) occasion calls for caramel coffee cake but especially brunches!
Who doesn’t love the delicious smell that fills your kitchen while it’s baking or its warm, buttery taste that brings a sense of home to mind.
So for us folks who have no confidence in our cake-decorating skills but refuse to accept that, it’s perfect, because you can do everything on a lazy-bakery day while reading and sitting around.
This cake’s light crumb and sweet/salty caramel topping is a favorite for every meeting that requires an indulgence, whether it’s the slice you eat after dinner or as a mid-afternoon snack.
Why You Will
Love this Caramel Coffee Cake Recipe?
Crumb Topping: This buttery, crunchy crumb topping with cinnamon enriches the moist cake by providing a delicious contrast.
Salted Caramel: The rich, salty, and sweet flavors of the salted caramel that is drizzled over it give it a gourmet feel.
Ease of Preparation: This recipe is easy to make with basic ingredients and simple processes, so you can enjoy it whenever you want.
Caramel Coffee Cake Recipe
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Course: breakfast, dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 9 pieces
Equipment to Make this Caramel Coffee Cake
- 8 x 8 metal baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- A kitchen scale or measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Parchment paper
Ingredients to Make This Caramel Coffee Cake
For crumb topping:
- Eight teaspoons (113 grams). If salted butter is not available, add ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt to the melted salted butter.
- ½ cup (100 grams) dark brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- Two tsp cinnamon
- 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
For the cake:
- Eight tablespoons, or 113 grams, of room temperature unsalted butter
- One-half cup (100 grams) Granulated sugar
- One large egg at ambient temperature
- ⅓ cup room-temperature sour cream
- ¼ cup of whole milk
- Two teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 180 grams, or 1 ½ cups, All-purpose flour
- Half a teaspoon of baking powder
- Half a teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions to Make this Caramel Coffee Cake
- Set the oven's temperature to 325°F. Use parchment paper to line an 8 x 8 metal baking pan.
- Combine the sugars, cinnamon, and ¾ cup of flour in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and stir thoroughly. It'll crumble. Mix in the rest of the flour until it crumbles and has big chunks. Place aside.
For the cake:
- Beat the sugar and butter together for approximately three minutes, or until light and fluffy, using a stand or handheld mixer.
- Add the egg and stir to incorporate. Mix for 30 seconds after adding the sour cream, milk, and vanilla. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Mix the baking soda, baking powder, flour, and salt with a whisk. In two batches, add it and stir to blend. Don't mix too much.
- Pour the batter into the pan and distribute it evenly.
- Evenly distribute the crumble on top (split it up if necessary). To guarantee consistent baking, place it on the middle rack of the oven rather than too near the top or bottom. A toothpick put into the center should come out clean after 40 minutes of baking. Cover the cake loosely with foil if it starts to brown before the 40-minute mark.
- Let cool before adding caramel on top.
- Once cooled, drizzle with salted caramel.
Storing Caramel Coffee Cake
Refrigerator: The cake should not be kept in the
refrigerator, in my opinion. Baked items are dried out when they are
refrigerated.
Freezer: Keep the chilled can in the freezer
for up to two months in an airtight container. Ideally, you should freeze
without the caramel sauce.
Tips to Keep in Mind When Making Caramel Coffee Cake
Use Ingredients at Room Temperature:
Allowing your dairy and eggs to reach room temperature promotes even mixing and a
smoother batter.
Don’t Skip the Salt or Vanilla Extract: Because vanilla is the primary flavor in the cake, it is imperative that you use both salt and vanilla extract to improve the flavor.
Serving
Suggestions with this Caramel Coffee Cake
How do I serve this caramel coffee cake?
Here are a few ideas:
- Enjoy a warm slice for breakfast with your coffee or latte.
- Served with vanilla ice cream
- Top with whipped cream and caramel for guests
- Perfect for a brunch spread, Christmas breakfast, or coffee break
As for drinks, these are the best ones for pairing with caramel coffee cake:
- Cappuccino or macchiato for creaminess counterpoint
- Espresso for a strong contrast
- Cold brew or iced coffee for summer mornings.
Delicious
Variations of Caramel Coffee Cake
The very best thing about caramel coffee cake, let’s face it, is its flexibility. And once you’ve got the basics, there’s loads of room for experimentation with different flavors, fillings, and toppings to create your own signature recipe.
There are so many delicious variations of the classic caramel coffee cake, and I have gathered some of the best you can try yourself:
- Salted Caramel Coffee Cake
- Caramel Cream Cheese Streusel Coffee Cake
- Pecan Caramel Coffee Cake
- Apple Caramel Coffee Cake
- Chocolate Caramel Coffee Cake
- Mini Caramel Coffee Cakes
- Gluten-Free Caramel Coffee Cake
Real-World Applications
and Inspiration
This sweet, buttery treat has
made its way into cafés, bakeries, and even corporate events. Whether you’re a
baker, café owner, or simply someone who enjoys experimenting with desserts,
there are countless ways to use and showcase this caramel coffee cake.
Here are a few real-world
ideas and inspirations for putting your soft caramel coffee cake to delicious
use:
Café and
Bakery Menus
Caramel coffee cake is a classic favorite around the world in, every coffee shops. It works great in espressos drinks as well. Additional a la carte seasonal specials to include in the line-up are salted caramel coffee cake slice. Sell mini caramel coffee cakes or muffins for grab-and-go orders. Offer local butter, brown sugar or cream to tout it as a homemade-style treat.
Dessert
Tables and Events
Having a brunch, wedding, or baby shower?
A caramel coffee cake can hold its own on a dessert table. Presented in tiny squares on tiered trays with shot glasses of coffee or mini cappuccinos. Give the top a fancy finish with toppings such as caramel drizzle, crushed nuts or edible gold dust. For updated dessert bars, make caramel coffee cake cups piled high with cream and drizzle on caramel.
Gift Boxes
and Homemade Presents
Everyone loves to get homemade treats. Bake it in mini loaf pans and tie up with parchment and twine for a rustic effect. Toss in a jar of homemade caramel sauce and a little coffee packet, now you’ve got yourself a “Coffee & Cake Gift Set. Gift for holidays, housewarmings, or thank-you gifts.
Seasonal and
Holiday Twists
Caramel tones are, of course warm, and festive, making this lovely cake perfect to customize with flavors of the season. Come fall, adapt with apple caramel coffee cake with cinnamon. In cooler seasons, drizzle white chocolate or sprinkle crushed peppermint for a festive touch.
Mini heart-shaped caramel coffee cakes with salted caramel glaze are a sweet treat to give as gifts around Valentine’s Day.
Combining It with Other Desserts
Look beyond cake. Your caramel coffee cake is a muse for creative fusion desserts:
Caramel Coffee Cake Parfait: Alternate layers of crumbled cake with whipped cream and caramel.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Cut thin rounds of cake and sandwich them between vanilla or espresso ice cream.
Trifles: Place cubes of cake into clear jars and layer with caramel sauce and cream cheese frosting.
FAQs About Best Caramel Coffee Cake Recipe
Is this caramel coffee cake freezer friendly?
Indeed! The cake without the caramel sauce on top can be frozen. Thaw on the counter at room temperature before serving it, covered in caramel.
Can this be easily doubled?
Indeed! If you double the recipe, a 9×13 pan will work but it will take longer to bake; check after 35 minutes. I do recommend that you use a metal baking pan, though.
Is it possible to use a round cake pan for this?
Indeed! And be careful to grease the pan and line it with parchment paper.
Can I use purchased caramel sauce?
Yes! And, if you’re short on time, commercially made caramel is just fine. Give it a slight re-warm-up and then drizzle for better flow.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Replace the caramel coffee cake with gluten-free flour (a 1:1 gluten free baking blend) instead of regular flour. Add an extra tablespoon of yogurt to bind the batter.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes. Bake it a day ahead, cool it completely, and wrap if tightly. (Reheat gently before serving, and drizzle with more caramel if you like.)
Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Experiment by using cinnamon or a teaspoon of espresso powder in the batter for a more intense flavor.
Conclusion: Best Caramel Coffee Cake Recipe
If you asked me, making your best caramel coffee cake from scratch in the morning is a lot of fun, whether it’s watching that caramel bubble, smelling that buttery scent, or finally taking the first bite.
Make this at home instead of going to the bakery next time you crave something special. It’s sure to be a family favorite for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
If you enjoyed this caramel coffee cake, make sure to check out our other coffee cake recipes.
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