Chocolate Caramel Coffee Cake Recipe

Irresistible Chocolate Caramel Coffee Cake Recipe for Cozy Days

Rich chocolate caramel coffee cake promises a decadent escape from ordinary desserts.

Layers of deep, complex flavors await you in this indulgent treat.

Sweet caramel ribbons weave through moist chocolate crumb, creating irresistible texture.

Robust coffee essence adds sophisticated depth to each delectable bite.

Warm aromas will drift through your kitchen, beckoning everyone near.

Bold and comforting, this cake delivers pure culinary magic.

Grab a fork and savor every incredible moment of deliciousness.

Reasons Chocolate Caramel Coffee Cake Deserves The Spotlight

  • Savor Quick Coffee Comfort: Whip up this delightful chocolate caramel coffee cake in just over an hour, perfect for busy bakers craving a rich, indulgent treat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Blend the deep richness of chocolate, bold coffee notes, and sweet caramel drizzle that creates an irresistible taste experience everyone will love.
  • Effortless Baking Adventure: Mix ingredients in two simple steps, requiring basic kitchen skills and minimal prep time, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Enjoy as a breakfast companion, afternoon pick-me-up, or elegant dessert that transitions beautifully between casual and special occasions.

Chocolate Caramel Coffee Cake Components

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and base for the cake, all-purpose works best.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake's texture, granulated white sugar recommended.
  • Cocoa Powder: Gives rich chocolate flavor, unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa preferred.
  • Baking Powder: Creates lightness and helps cake rise, fresh and unexpired.
  • Baking Soda: Helps with browning and additional leavening, ensure it's not expired.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor, regular table salt works well.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk, Eggs: Provide moisture and bind ingredients together, room temperature best.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake's moistness and tender crumb, neutral flavored oil recommended.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances chocolate flavor, pure extract preferred.
  • Dissolved Coffee: Intensifies chocolate taste, instant or strong brewed coffee works.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds chocolate texture and extra flavor, semi-sweet or dark chocolate recommended.
  • Caramel Sauce: Provides luxurious topping and extra sweetness, store-bought or homemade acceptable.

Chocolate Caramel Coffee Cake Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a loaf pan and give it a light coating of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Rich cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together:
  • Creamy buttermilk
  • Smooth vegetable oil
  • Fresh eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Strong dissolved coffee

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Create Magical Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently fold everything together until just combined.

Toss in chocolate chips and give a quick mix.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Down

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Step 7: Drizzle with Decadence

Once cooled, generously drizzle caramel sauce over the top, creating a luxurious finishing touch.

Coffee Cake Tips With Chocolate Caramel Layers

  • Dissolve instant coffee in hot water for a richer, more intense coffee taste that penetrates the entire cake.
  • Toss chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
  • Use the toothpick test at multiple points in the cake to ensure even baking, especially in a dense chocolate cake like this.
  • Warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to create smoother, more elegant lines that coat the cake beautifully.
  • Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Coffee Cake Stays Soft and Ready to Serve

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if served within a short period. Place in a cake container or cover with a cake dome.
  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and bring out the rich caramel and chocolate flavors.

Bold Bites For Coffee Cake

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Pairing: Select a bold espresso or rich medium-dark roast coffee to complement the cake's deep chocolate and caramel notes, enhancing the dessert's intense flavor profile.
  • Enhance Flavor Contrast: Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which provides a creamy, cool counterpoint to the warm, rich chocolate and caramel textures.
  • Explore Wine Matching: Choose a sweet dessert wine like Pedro Ximénez sherry or a ruby port, whose sweet and slightly nutty characteristics beautifully balance the cake's decadent chocolate and caramel layers.
  • Create Beverage Harmony: Serve a chilled glass of Irish cream liqueur alongside the cake, as its smooth, creamy texture and sweet undertones will elegantly complement the dessert's complex flavors.

Other Ways to Make Chocolate Caramel Coffee Cake

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Coffee Cake: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same moist texture and rich flavor.
  • Vegan Caramel Mocha Cake: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap dairy caramel with coconut milk caramel sauce for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Coffee Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Dairy-Free Coffee Cake: Replace buttermilk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a lactose-free version of the classic recipe.

FAQs

  • What makes the coffee in this cake unique?

The recipe uses dissolved coffee, which intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the cake’s overall taste profile.

  • Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk provides a tangy richness, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and lemon juice or vinegar to achieve a similar texture and flavor.

  • How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The baking time is typically 55-60 minutes at 350°F.

  • Are chocolate chips necessary for this recipe?

The chocolate chips are optional but recommended. They add extra chocolatey pockets and create a more indulgent texture throughout the cake.

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Chocolate Caramel Coffee Cake Recipe

Chocolate Caramel Coffee Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich chocolate caramel coffee cake delivers layers of indulgent flavor that dance between deep cocoa notes and sweet caramel whispers. Pastry enthusiasts will savor each moist crumb, experiencing a delightful dessert that promises pure culinary comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water

Toppings and Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup (170 grams) chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coating a loaf pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by whisking flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl until uniformly integrated.
  3. Craft a liquid mixture by blending buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and dissolved coffee in a separate container, ensuring smooth incorporation of all components.
  4. Merge the dry and wet ingredients gently, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture. Carefully fold chocolate chips throughout the batter for even distribution.
  5. Transfer the mixed batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface to create an even layer for consistent baking.
  6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
  7. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling it to set and stabilize before carefully removing and placing on a wire cooling rack.
  8. Once the cake has completely cooled to room temperature, artfully drizzle caramel sauce across the top, creating an elegant and indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

  • Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie option.
  • Toast chocolate chips before folding into batter to enhance their rich, nutty flavor profile.
  • Use a parchment paper sling when baking to ensure easy cake removal and prevent sticking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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