If you’re a fan of rich caramel, smooth coffee, and decadent desserts, this Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream is the perfect treat for you. Layers of moist coffee-flavored cake, a luscious caramel center, and velvety coffee buttercream come together in an irresistible, elegant dessert. Ideal for special occasions or a sweet indulgence, this cake is a must-try for any coffee lover.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 cup whole milk
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Coffee Buttercream:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled
1/4 cup caramel sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
1 cup caramel sauce
Directions:
Prep the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake layers come out easily.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This will give the cake a soft and airy texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and cooled coffee. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to over-mix to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Bake the Cakes:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Coffee Buttercream:
For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Then, add the cooled coffee, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract, beating until light, fluffy, and well combined.
Assemble the Cake:
Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread 1/3 cup caramel sauce over the top, then repeat with the second layer. Place the third layer on top and frost the entire cake with the coffee buttercream. Be sure to coat the sides as well for a smooth, even finish.
Garnish and Serve:
Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for an added touch of indulgence before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips:
Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. The buttercream will be smoother and the cake more tender.
Pair with a Coffee Beverage: Enhance the coffee flavor by serving a cup of freshly brewed coffee, espresso, or a latte alongside the cake for a perfect pairing.
Garnish for Extra Flair: You can garnish each slice with a light drizzle of extra caramel sauce, a sprinkle of ground coffee, or even chocolate shavings for a touch of elegance.
Perfect for Special Occasions: This cake is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or coffee-themed parties. Serve it as a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cool temperature will help preserve the freshness of the buttercream.
Avoid Freezing the Buttercream: While the cake itself can be frozen, the buttercream may not freeze well. If you plan to freeze, store the cake layers separately without the frosting, and frost them after thawing.
Thawing: If the cake is frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to consume the cake within a day or two, it can be stored at room temperature, covered loosely with plastic wrap or under a cake dome to prevent it from drying out.
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FAQs:
Can I make this Caramel Latte Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake layers and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days before frosting. You can also bake the cake layers and freeze them for up to 1 month. Just make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer. Frost the cake after thawing.
Can I use a different type of coffee for this recipe?
Absolutely! While strong brewed coffee is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute it with espresso or any strong coffee of your choice. For a less intense coffee flavor, you can reduce the amount of coffee used in the recipe.
Can I make the coffee buttercream dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter in the coffee buttercream with a dairy-free butter alternative and use dairy-free caramel sauce. For the powdered sugar, make sure it’s labeled as vegan if you’re looking to make the recipe fully dairy-free.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the cake or frosting?
If you prefer a less sweet cake or frosting, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the cake batter and the buttercream. Start by cutting the sugar by 1/4 cup, taste-testing as you go. Keep in mind that reducing sugar may affect the texture and structure of the cake slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re preparing for a birthday celebration or simply craving something indulgent, this Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream is the perfect dessert to impress your guests or treat yourself. The combination of coffee, caramel, and soft cake layers creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Don’t forget to drizzle extra caramel sauce on top to enhance the flavor even more!
📖 Recipe:
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Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, luxurious flavors of this Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream. This decadent dessert features layers of moist coffee-flavored cake with a luscious caramel center, topped with a creamy coffee buttercream. Perfect for special occasions, this cake is a must-try for coffee and caramel lovers alike. Easy to make and visually stunning, it’s sure to impress guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup whole milk
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Coffee Buttercream:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled
1/4 cup caramel sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and beat until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk and cooled coffee. Begin and end with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Coffee Buttercream: Beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix. Add cooled coffee, caramel sauce, and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a plate, spread 1/3 cup caramel sauce, then repeat with the second layer. Top with the third layer and frost the entire cake with coffee buttercream.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top before slicing and serving.
Notes
You can use any type of strong coffee or espresso for the best flavor.
For a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup in both the cake and buttercream.
The cake layers can be baked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake, Special Occasion
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 620 kcal
