Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe

If you are craving something indulgent yet charmingly sophisticated, the Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This luscious cake combines the smooth warmth of coffee with the rich sweetness of caramel, layered between moist vanilla cake rounds and enveloped in a cloud-like coffee buttercream. Each bite tells a story of comfort and luxury, making it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings or a special treat to savor on a cozy afternoon. Prepare to impress everyone with this showstopping dessert that perfectly balances bold coffee flavors with buttery caramel goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the wonderful texture, depth of flavor, and beautiful appearance of the Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe. From the creamy butter to the robust brewed coffee, each element works together to deliver a cake that’s truly unforgettable.

• Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to keep the cake tender and soft.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s structure, ensuring a light but sturdy crumb.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Provides the creamy base for the cake and the buttercream, giving it sumptuous flavor and texture.
• Caramel sauce: Brings deep, buttery sweetness and that signature caramel charm in layers and frosting.
• Baking powder: Lifts the cake for a fluffy, airy bite.
• Baking soda: Balances the acidity and enhances the cake’s rise and tenderness.
• Salt: Amplifies all the flavors, especially sweetness, giving the cake depth.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light texture when creamed with butter.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses note that complements caramel beautifully.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness and structure.
• Vanilla extract: Lifts the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Strong brewed coffee, cooled: Infuses the cake and frosting with that unmistakable coffee essence, bringing the latte vibe to life.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for smooth and fluffy buttercream texture.

How to Make Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and lightly flour them to prevent sticking. This simple first step sets the stage for perfectly baked layers with beautiful edges.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients evenly ensures your cake layers rise uniformly and have perfect texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This process traps air that helps give the cake its tender crumb and slight springiness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, add the eggs to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and cohesive. Then mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with that warm, inviting classic flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the flour mixture and liquids—whole milk and cooled strong brewed coffee—to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined to keep the batter light without overworking it.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Coffee Buttercream

Beat softened butter until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add the cooled brewed coffee, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract, beating the frosting until it’s airy and fluffy. This buttercream is creamy but not too sweet, perfectly matching the cake layers’ flavors.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread about one third of the caramel sauce evenly on top. Repeat with the second layer, then top with the final cake layer. Cover the entire cake with the coffee buttercream, smoothing it over the sides and top for a luscious finish.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish by drizzling extra caramel sauce over the cake just before serving, giving it a shiny, irresistible appeal. This adds a final touch of sweetness and gorgeous visual contrast.

How to Serve Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, consider sprinkling a pinch of coarse sea salt or crushed caramel popcorn atop the cake. These little touches add texture and enhance the caramel notes wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a contrasting bite, serve with fresh berries or a rich, creamy espresso for an extra coffee kick.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing individual portions into elegant squares and layering them on dessert plates with drizzles of chocolate sauce or additional caramel. You could also serve cake pops made from leftover crumbs mixed with buttercream for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to five days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers separately by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and assembling the cake.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow refrigerated slices to sit out for 20-30 minutes before eating to soften the buttercream and enhance flavors.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Absolutely! Dissolving instant coffee granules in a small amount of hot water works well and imparts a strong coffee flavor without adding extra liquid.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of similar weight, but be mindful that the texture might vary slightly.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Make sure not to overbake the layers and store the cake properly wrapped or in an airtight container to maintain moisture.

Can I prepare the buttercream ahead of time?

Definitely! Buttercream can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature and re-whip before frosting for the best consistency.

What if my caramel sauce is too thick or too runny?

If your caramel is too thick, gently warm it to loosen. If too runny, simmer it a bit longer to thicken. The perfect texture is pourable but not overly drippy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe—whether it’s the rich layers, the beautifully balanced coffee and caramel flavors, or the creamy frosting that ties it all together. This cake is a wonderful way to treat yourself or wow your loved ones, crafting memories with every slice. So pull out those mixing bowls and give yourself the gift of a spectacular homemade dessert that’s as comforting as it is decadent!

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