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This Coffee Caramel Cake masterfully combines rich coffee flavors with smooth, buttery caramel in every bite. The elegant dessert brings together the sophisticated taste of a French café with the comfort of homestyle baking.
This cake has converted even the most coffee-hesitant tasters with its perfectly balanced flavors and delicate sweetness.
Essential Ingredients Guide
- Cake Flour - Creates a light, delicate texture. Always sift to remove lumps
- Butter - Use high-quality unsalted butter, softened but not melted
- Instant Coffee - Choose premium arabica for complex flavor without bitterness
- Caramel - Homemade provides best texture control, but quality store-bought works
- Eggs - Room temperature for optimal incorporation
- Vanilla Extract - Pure extract enhances coffee and caramel notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Preparation
- * Bring ingredients to room temperature
* Sift flour with leavening agents
* Grease and flour cake pan thoroughly
* Organize workspace and tools - 2. Making the Batter
- * Cream butter and sugar until light, about 5 minutes
* Add eggs one at a time, beating well
* Dissolve coffee in hot water to intensify flavor
* Alternate flour and milk additions - 3. Baking Process
- * Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) with fan
* Pour batter carefully to avoid air bubbles
* Smooth surface gently
* Tap pan to release air pockets
* Place in middle rack - 4. Caramel Topping
- * Cool cake completely before topping
* Warm caramel slightly for easy spreading
* Pour in spiral pattern
* Allow to naturally drip down sides
This cake has become our Sunday afternoon tradition. Adding a pinch of salt to the caramel enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Unmolding Tips
Let cake rest 10 minutes after baking. Run knife around edges and invert onto cooling rack.
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Selecting Coffee
Coffee strength significantly impacts the final taste. Too mild disappears behind caramel, while too strong overwhelms.
Storage Guidelines
Store under cake dome at room temperature for up to 3 days. Caramel helps maintain moisture.
Recipe Variations
Add chopped nuts to batter or topping for crunch. Serve with vanilla ice cream in summer.
These tips come from extensive testing and collaboration with experienced pastry chefs.
This Coffee Caramel Cake represents perfect harmony between sophistication and simplicity. Each slice tells a story of afternoon coffee breaks and family gatherings. The magic happens when warm caramel meets tender cake crumb, creating an unforgettable taste experience.
Simple ingredients and careful attention to technique create a truly memorable dessert that proves elegant baking needn't be complicated.
Recipe Tips
- → What type of coffee works best?
- Go for good-quality instant coffee for a full-bodied taste. A medium roast is highly recommended.
- → Can this cake be frozen?
- Absolutely! Freeze it without the caramel topping for up to a month. Let it thaw at room temperature before adding the caramel.
- → How do I make the cake softer?
- Avoid overmixing the batter, and take it out of the oven when a skewer comes out almost clean. Leave it in the pan to cool completely.
- → What tweaks can I try?
- Switch the caramel for melted chocolate, toss in some nuts, or sprinkle on some roasted coffee bits for crunch.
- → How should I store the cake?
- Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.