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This Coffee Caramel Cake combines rich coffee flavor with smooth caramel in a delightfully tender cake. The subtle bitterness of coffee perfectly balances the sweet caramel coating, creating an elegant dessert reminiscent of Parisian café culture.
This cake consistently impresses guests - even those who typically avoid coffee desserts end up asking for seconds.
Essential Ingredients Guide
- Cake Flour - Creates a light, airy texture. Always sift to prevent lumps
- Butter - Use high-quality unsalted butter, softened but not melted
- Instant Coffee - Choose quality arabica for complex flavor without harsh bitterness
- Caramel - Homemade provides best texture control, but store-bought works
- Eggs - Room temperature for smooth incorporation
- Vanilla Extract - Pure vanilla enhances coffee and caramel notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Preparation
- * Bring ingredients to room temperature
* Sift flour and leavening together
* Prepare pan with butter and flour coating
* Arrange tools within easy reach - 2. Making the Batter
- * Cream butter and sugar for 5 minutes until fluffy
* Add eggs one at a time, beating well
* Dissolve coffee in hot water to enhance flavor
* Alternate flour and milk additions - 3. Baking Technique
- * Preheat oven to 350°F 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
* Warm caramel slightly
* Pour in spiral pattern
* Let caramel naturally drip down sides
This recipe has become our family's signature dessert for Sunday gatherings. Adding a pinch of salt to the caramel enhances all the flavors.
Unmolding Tips
Let cake rest 10 minutes after baking. Run knife around edges and invert onto cooling rack.
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Choosing Coffee
Coffee strength significantly impacts flavor. Too weak disappears behind caramel, too strong overwhelms.
Storage Instructions
Store under cake dome at room temperature 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 techniques come from extensive testing and collaboration with skilled pastry chefs.
This Coffee Caramel Cake exemplifies sophisticated simplicity in baking. It brings together classic flavors in an elegant way that creates memorable moments around the table.
Quality ingredients and attention to technique are what make this seemingly simple dessert truly exceptional.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of coffee works best for this dessert?
- Pick a high-quality instant coffee for a strong flavor. Medium roast is a great choice to keep the taste balanced.
- → Can this cake be stored in the freezer?
- Absolutely! Freeze it without the caramel for up to a month. Let it thaw at room temperature, then pour on fresh caramel before serving.
- → How can I make the cake extra soft?
- Avoid overmixing the batter, and take it out of the oven when a toothpick comes out almost clean. Cool it in the pan for the best texture.
- → What variations can I try?
- You can swap the caramel for melted chocolate, mix in some chopped nuts, or sprinkle on roasted coffee chips for a crunch.
- → How should I store this cake?
- Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for as long as a week.