Imagine a cake that captures the essence of your favorite coffee shop drink, transforming it into a decadent dessert that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Caramel Vanilla Latte Cake is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that combines the rich, bold flavors of coffee with the sweet, luxurious notes of caramel and vanilla. Whether you're a coffee lover, a dessert enthusiast, or someone looking to impress at your next gathering, this cake promises to be a show-stopping centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract, ensuring smooth incorporation.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour and baking powder to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the brewed coffee. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, drizzle generously with caramel sauce, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the cake.
- For best flavor, let the cake sit for 30 minutes after drizzling to allow the caramel to slightly set and infuse into the cake.
- Slice into 12 even portions and serve at room temperature. Optional: Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or additional caramel drizzle.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for the smoothest, most evenly mixed batter.
- Coffee Selection: Use a high-quality, freshly brewed coffee with a robust flavor to enhance the cake's depth. Espresso or a dark roast works best.
- Mixing Technique: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Caramel Drizzling Trick: Let the cake cool completely before adding caramel to prevent it from becoming too runny and losing its beautiful texture.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a light cream cheese frosting or serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld and intensify.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
