Salted Caramel Coffee Cake | Easy & Moist Homemade Recipe

A top view of a salted caramel coffee cake with a caramel glaze. One slice is cut out. Overlay text reads: "Salted Caramel Coffee Cake Recipe."
If you are looking for a cake that hits just the right notes of sweet and salty, and buttery, salted caramel coffee cake will be your next baking addiction. If you're looking for an easy salted caramel coffee cake recipe from scratch, look no further! This guide walks you through every delicious step!!!

This cake is joy made better with caramel in every bite of it, be it as a dessert or as an accompaniment to your morning coffee!

Why You Will Love This Salted Caramel Coffee Cake?

A slice of a salted caramel coffee cake sits on a decorative plate. Sunlight casts a soft shadow, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The fragrant smell of coffee, the moist salty caramel flavor that melts in your mouth, and gets stuck into every bit. You’ll love it because:

  • It’s beginner-friendly.
  • There’s an unbeatable sweet-salty balance.
  • It’s great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
  • You can also have it ready before the time for big family events or get-togethers.

Tender cake, sweet caramel drizzle, and buttery crumb you fall in love with.

Salted Caramel Coffee Cake Recipe

A top view of a salted caramel coffee cake with a slice missing, placed on a white surface. The tone is indulgent and sweet.
Coffee and salted caramel are one of the greatest flavor combos to get cozy for fall. For those who enjoy coffee, this is for you! Here is one of the simplest and most delicious cakes you will ever make.

Delicious coffee fills this extremely moist cake, which is topped with mascarpone frosting and creamy salted caramel.

Who said cake isn't for breakfast?

This delectable cake is perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients to Make This Salted Caramel Coffee Cake

Here’s what you’ll need for this homemade salted caramel coffee cake:

For the cake:

  • 115 milliliters of vegetable oil
  • 110 grams of brown sugar
  • Greek yogurt, 120 ml
  • One tablespoon of vanilla extract or bean paste
  • Three eggs
  • A pinch of salt
  • 200 grams of flour
  • 4 tablespoons of instant coffee
  • Two tablespoons of hot water
  • One and a half teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1 tsp and 1/2 of espresso grounds (optional)

For the icing:

  • Mascarpone cheese, 180 grams
  • One teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • Two tablespoons of cream
  • 50 grams of icing sugar
  • To taste, salted caramel

Method to Make Salted Caramel Coffee Cake

  • Set the oven temperature to 170 degrees Celsius.
  • Combine the instant coffee and boiling water in a small bowl, then let it cool.
  • Combine the brown sugar and the vegetable oil in a large bowl. The Greek yogurt should then be added.
  • One by one, beat the eggs into the mixture as you add them. After that, blend once more after adding the vanilla extract.
  • Add the coffee and stir again once the eggs and vanilla have been combined.
  • Now add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and espresso grounds) and stir just until combined, being careful not to stir too much.
  • Pour the batter into an 18–20 cm springform baking dish that has been oiled. A skewer put into the center should come out clean after 40 to 45 minutes of cooking.
  • After it has cooled fully, apply the icing. Just use a bread knife to cut your cake evenly if it has a slight dome.
  • Once the cake has cooled, combine the mascarpone, icing sugar, vanilla, and double cream in a bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth. Put the salted caramel aside for the time being.
  • Put the cake with frosting, then use a spatula to put about 6–8 dollops of salted caramel on top; you can add more if you'd like. Savor it!

Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake

A round salted caramel coffee cake with a slice removed sits on a white plate, drizzled with caramel. Bowls of caramel and brown sugar, a white mug, and a fork are nearby.

  • Don’t overmix the batter.

  • Soften the ingredients to room temperature for a smooth and ideal blend.
  • Allow the caramel to cool slightly before drizzling over.
  • Sprinkle with flaky sea salt on top for added flavor contrast.
  • To create an even richer cake, fold in toffee bits or chocolate chips.

Storage Tips

A square slice of a salted caramel coffee cake sits on a plate. Next to it, similar coffee cake slices are neatly arranged in a plastic container with a lid.

Keep at room temperature for 2 days in an airtight container. (refrigerate up to 5 days — microwave slices for 10–15 seconds before eating) To freeze, wrap well with cling film and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving to bring it back to that soft, buttery feel.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Plated dessert with a salted caramel coffee cake slice, caramel drizzle, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and caramel cubes. Coffee cup in the background.

A slice of salted caramel coffee cake is pretty nice. Here’s how to serve and enjoy this indulgent cake.

Best Coffee Pairings

This coffee cake was made to be enjoyed with coffee.

Caramel Latte: The caramel notes in the latte complement the cake’s rich flavor perfectly.

Espresso or Americano: The bitterness balances the sweetness of the caramel.

Cappuccino or Mocha: Creamy and frothy options pair well with the buttery texture of the cake.

For non-coffee drinkers, try it with black tea, chai latte, or hot chocolate.

Creative Presentation Ideas

A slice of salted caramel coffee cake drizzled with caramel sits on a plate. Nearby are a jar of caramel sauce and a cup of coffee, creating a warm, inviting scene.
Toss with extra salted caramel sauce right before serving. Simply top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate it Dessert-style. Top with crushed nuts (try pecans or almonds), for a crunchy difference. Blow on each spoonful to enjoy the buttery scent and caramel swirls that will melt in your mouth.

Seasonal Variations

You can easily adapt your salted caramel coffee cake for different seasons or occasions:

Fall/Winter: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or apple slices for a seasonal touch.

Spring: Serve with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Holiday Gatherings: Turn it into mini loaves or cupcakes for easy gifting and serving.

Pair with Savory Brunch Items

Balance the sweetness with savory sides:

  • Scrambled eggs or omelets with herbs
  • Smoked salmon or cheese platters
  • Fresh fruit salad

This cake is ideal for:

  • Weekend brunches
  • Afternoon coffee breaks
  • Dessert tables
  • Holiday celebrations

Nutrition and Dietary Alternatives

A salted caramel coffee cake slice on a plate, surrounded by bowls of walnuts, caramel sauce, cream, a cup of tea, and a rice cake, creating a cozy dessert setting.
You can enjoy salted caramel coffee cake by understanding its nutritional profile and exploring a few healthier or dietary-friendly alternatives.

Basic Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

(Values may change based on ingredients and serving size.)

Calories

~350–420 kcal

Total Fat

18–22 g

Saturated Fat

10–12 g

Carbohydrates

45–55 g

Sugars

28–35 g

Protein

4–6 g

Sodium

220–280 mg

Healthier Ingredient Swaps

Swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream, which has more protein and fewer calories. Swap some of the sugar for naturally sweet ingredients. A natural sweetener alternative for frosting could be using coconut sugar, which has a caramel-like, slightly more subdued sweetness than white refined sugar. 

You can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or almond flour for more fiber. Remember to use unsalted butter, and you can decide how much salt goes into the caramel layer.

Gluten-Free Option

To make your Salted Caramel Coffee Cake gluten-free:

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend (sold at many grocery stores). Make sure your baking powder, caramel sauce, and flavorings are all gluten-free.

The result?

A moist, tender cake that’s every bit as good as the classic.

Vegan-Friendly Version

Try replacing regular eggs with flaxseed or chia eggs (1 tbsp flaxseeds + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg). Use vegan margarine or coconut oil instead of butter. Try plant milk such as almond, oat or soy milk. Homemade vegan salted caramel sauce made with coconut cream, brown sugar and salt.

Lower-Sugar and Keto-Friendly Variation

For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, consider these alterations:

Use almond flour or coconut instead of wheat. Substitute sugar with erythritol or stevia sweeteners. Create keto caramel sauce with butter, heavy whipping cream, and erythritol. The texture will be ever so slightly denser, but it’s still moist and just as flavorful.

Real-World Uses and Occasions

A slice of salted caramel coffee cake topped with caramel drizzle sits on a plate with a fork. A full cake and coffee cup are blurred in the background.

Salted caramel coffee cake is very versatile. It is a treat that fits seamlessly into everyday and special occasions. This cake can be the center of any time.

Perfect for Brunch and Breakfast Tables

Pair it with hot cups of coffee or lattes for a café-style breakfast from your own kitchen. It goes great with fruit salad, croissants, or hearty egg dishes. Gently heat each slice before serving to bring out the caramel fragrance and buttery consistency.

Ideal for Café Menus and Bakeries

When those familiar and beloved flavors are then mixed on the palate in their signature way, between that heathy dose of sweet caramel with just a touch of sea salt, customers will never forget the flavor. 

It is perfect for display counters — it looks good, smells great, and naturally loves hanging out with coffee-based drinks. You can even offer filone in that style, selling it as a single slice, or as mini-loaves or muffin-sized portions for convenience.

A Dessert for Every Celebration

Birthdays to holidays, Salted Caramel Coffee Cake:

Birthdays & Anniversaries: Dress it up with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or edible gold dust.

Holiday Season: Include nuts, cinnamon, or chocolate chips to give it the holiday kick.

Dinner Parties: As a warm dessert with ice cream or custard.

A Thoughtful Homemade Gift

There’s nothing better than homemade baked goods. Not too difficult to make, either, in two parts — the cake can be made a day ahead. Wrap it up in some parchment, tie with ribbon, and include a little pot of caramel sauce for garnish. 

It’s a great option to gift for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or make it into a Mother’s Day Gift. You can also bake it in mini tins or loaf pans — because what is Christmas if not gift giving?

But of course, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to treat yourself. Salted caramel coffee cake with your afternoon coffee (or after-dinner tea) is just right.

FAQs: Salted Caramel Coffee Cake

Can I double this recipe if I’m having a party?

Absolutely. Double or triple all ingredients, though bake in two pans for a consistent baking time.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Including sour cream or yogurt has the benefit of also keeping the cake moist and lending it a soft crumb.

What’s the best caramel to use for this recipe?

A “doctored” salted caramel coffee cake with a glaze tastes better than store-bought sauces.

Conclusion: Salted Caramel Coffee Cake

And there you have it — the best salted caramel coffee cake. This is an impressive dessert. Bake it once, and it will be a weekend staple for family breakfasts or cozy evenings with coffee.

Give it a go today and check out more coffee cakes that take their cue from caramel at Crumbleo - home of easy bakes and coffee time treats.

Read Also:

Original Betty Crocker Coffee Cake Recipes

Apple Coffee Cake and Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe

Apple Streusel Coffee Cake Recipes

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