Name: Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled; ½ cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free); 4 large eggs; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free); ¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp brewed coffee, cooled; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Cocoa powder for dusting

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that combines deep, rich flavors and a texture that’s pure heaven, this Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe is what you need. Imagine moist layers of coffee-infused cake paired with a luscious caramel coffee buttercream that is both buttery and silky. It strikes the perfect balance of sweet and bold, with hints of caramel and espresso that invite you to savor slice after slice. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just craving something special to brighten your day, this cake is sure to become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.

Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may look simple, but each one is a star player that brings unique taste, texture, or color to your cake. From the richness of butter to the bright, aromatic hit of brewed coffee, every element works in harmony to create a flavor profile that’s truly unforgettable.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake’s soft and tender crumb.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Adds necessary sweetness and helps with browning.
½ cup brown sugar: Introduces subtle molasses notes for depth.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives moisture and richness with creamy smoothness.
1 cup brewed coffee, cooled: Imparts warm espresso flavor without overpowering the cake.
½ cup whole milk: Adds moisture and smooth texture; easily swapped with almond or oat milk for dairy-free.
4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and lift the cake for perfect fluffiness.
2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise to light perfection.
1 tsp baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients for tenderness.
½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds sweetness and warmth to brighten the coffee notes.
For the Caramel Coffee Buttercream: 1 cup unsalted butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup caramel sauce, 2 tbsp brewed coffee, 1 tsp vanilla extract — each ingredient combines for a dreamy, luscious frosting that ties the whole cake together.
Cocoa powder for dusting: A finishing flourish that brings a gentle bitterness and elegance.

How to Make Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Properly greasing and flouring three 8-inch round cake pans ensures your beautifully baked cakes will lift right out without sticking. This small prep step will save you from frustrations later and keep your cake layers perfectly shaped and smooth.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Getting the texture just right starts here. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — this aerates the batter, lending the cake remarkable tenderness. Add the eggs one by one to fully incorporate, then mix in the vanilla extract for that aromatic lift. In a separate bowl, sift and combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternately add these dry ingredients with the cooled brewed coffee and milk, starting and ending with the dry mixture, and mix until just combined. Overmixing can make your cake tough, so a gentle hand is key.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Evenly divide the batter into your three prepared pans, smoothing the tops gently with a spatula. Slide them into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely — this step stops the cooking process and makes frosting time easier.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Coffee Buttercream

While your cakes cool, whip up the star of the show: the caramel coffee buttercream. Beat softened butter until creamy and smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar to avoid mess and achieve the perfect fluffy consistency. Mix in caramel sauce, brewed coffee, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the buttercream is light, creamy, and perfectly flavored to complement your cake layers.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Once your cake layers are completely cool, it’s assembly time. Start with one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of that divine buttercream on top. Repeat with the next layers, then finish by frosting the entire cake with the remaining buttercream. The silky frosting holding the layers together is what makes this Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 6: Garnish

For that finishing touch, lightly dust the top with cocoa powder. It adds a subtle bitter contrast and a touch of visual elegance that will impress everyone lucky enough to taste your creation.

How to Serve Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of cocoa powder is classic, but you can also sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for extra flair. Adding small edible gold leaf accents elevates the presentation for special occasions. Each of these options complements the rich coffee and buttery caramel without overshadowing the smooth buttercream.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries. The creaminess of ice cream balances the cake’s sweetness while berries provide a refreshing tartness. For an adult twist, serve alongside a glass of coffee liqueur or a robust espresso to amplify the coffee notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your cake on a rustic wooden board for a cozy feel or an elegant porcelain platter for formal presentations. Slice the cake into small squares for a dessert buffet or wrap individual slices in parchment paper to share as a thoughtful homemade gift. No matter how you present it, this Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe always makes a memorable impression.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the buttercream fresh and the cake moist. Properly covered, it will stay delicious for up to 4 days, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy every last bite.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap the uncut cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Freezing won’t affect the decadent taste of this Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe, making it perfect to prep ahead for celebrations.

Reheating

If you want to serve the cake slightly warm, let refrigerated or thawed slices sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can melt the buttercream unevenly. Enjoying the buttercream and cake layers at room temperature provides the best texture and flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Absolutely! Dissolving instant coffee powder in the amount of warm water specified will give you a similar depth of flavor. Just be sure the coffee is fully cooled before adding it to your batter or buttercream.

How can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the buttercream. For the caramel sauce, opt for a vegan version or make your own with coconut milk and sugar.

What’s the best way to prevent crumbs mixing into the frosting?

Chilling your cake layers in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before frosting is a great way to firm them up and minimize crumb fallout. Also, use an offset spatula to apply the buttercream gently and evenly.

Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?

Definitely! Homemade caramel adds a wonderful depth and freshness to the buttercream. Just melt sugar carefully until golden, then stir in cream and butter. Let it cool before mixing into the frosting.

How long does this cake keep at room temperature?

Because of the buttercream, it’s best to keep the cake refrigerated. Leaving it at room temperature for more than a couple of hours can cause the frosting to soften too much or spoil, especially in warm weather.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe will surely become one of the highlights of your baking adventures. Its beautifully balanced flavors and comforting yet refined texture make it a cake to treasure and share. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this marvelous creation — you won’t regret a single bite!

Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Irresistible Caramel Coffee Buttercream Cake combines the rich flavors of coffee and caramel with a moist, tender cake and a creamy, fluffy buttercream frosting. Perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts, this cake features three layers of coffee-infused sponge cake, generously filled and frosted with a luscious caramel coffee buttercream, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant touch.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with brewed coffee and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake Layers: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Caramel Coffee Buttercream: Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed to avoid dust clouds, then increase to medium-high and beat until fluffy. Add the caramel sauce, brewed coffee, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined and light.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of buttercream over it. Repeat with the remaining layers. Use remaining buttercream to frost the top and sides evenly.
Garnish: Lightly dust the top of the assembled cake with cocoa powder for a beautiful and elegant finish.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and milk should be at room temperature to ensure smooth blending and even baking.
Homemade caramel sauce: For a more personalized flavor, make your own caramel sauce to use in the buttercream.
Chill your cake layers: Refrigerate the cake layers for 15-20 minutes before frosting to help the buttercream adhere better and reduce crumbs in the frosting.
Evenly spread the buttercream: An offset spatula makes it easier to apply a smooth and uniform layer of buttercream between and on top of the layers.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American