Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe

This **Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe** is a delightful celebration of rich, comforting flavors that perfectly marry the bold notes of coffee with luscious caramel and buttery cake. Every bite feels like a cozy coffee shop treat brought right into your own kitchen, where moist layers of coffee-infused cake are offset by silky coffee buttercream and a drizzle of sweet caramel sauce. Whether you’re sharing this with friends or indulging as a special dessert, this cake is sure to become a beloved favorite that brightens any occasion with its perfectly balanced, indulgent taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the milk that keeps the cake tender to the coffee that infuses it with that unmistakable latte flavor. The blend of sugars and butter creates depth and moisture, while the caramel and coffee buttercream frosting tie everything together in sweet, luscious harmony.

• Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to keep the cake soft and tender.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake structure, ensuring a perfect crumb.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Provides creaminess and a rich flavor both in the cake and frosting.
• Caramel sauce: Offers irresistible sweetness and helps create that signature caramel latte taste.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Give the cake its lift and light texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Combine for perfect sweetness and add moistness.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Amplifies the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.
• Strong brewed coffee (cooled): The star ingredient that delivers the authentic latte flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Used in the buttercream for a smooth, sweet finish.

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). While it warms up, grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. This ensures the cakes come out cleanly without sticking, making for a smooth assembly later on.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients prepares a uniform base and helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the cake batter for consistent rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Into a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is essential for the cake’s tender texture and makes the sugar dissolve properly for even sweetness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to keep the batter smooth and emulsified. Stir in the vanilla extract, which enhances the depth and warmth of the flavors, setting the stage for the coffee and caramel notes.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now carefully alternate adding the flour mixture with the milk and cooled brewed coffee to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to a denser cake than you want. The coffee infuses that unmistakable latte essence right into the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into 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. This cooling stage prevents the frosting from melting during assembly.

Step 7: Prepare the Coffee Buttercream

While the cakes cool, beat softened butter in a clean bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the cooled brewed coffee, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and light. This luscious frosting perfectly complements the coffee-laced cake layers.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread about one-third cup of caramel sauce across the top for an extra burst of sweetness. Repeat this with the second layer. Top with the third cake layer and frost the entire cake generously with your coffee buttercream, smoothing the edges for a polished look.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of your cake to add a stunning glossy finish and amplify the caramel flavor with every slice. Now you have a show-stopping centerpiece that tastes just as amazing as it looks!

How to Serve Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cocoa powder to add texture and visual appeal. For a festive touch, a few coffee beans scattered on top can nod to the latte-inspired flavor while looking elegant.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience. If you prefer something lighter, a simple fruit salad with berries can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a small ramekin of warm caramel sauce on the side for guests to drizzle themselves. You could also layer this cake in a trifle dish with mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers for a lovely twist on the classic dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. The cake will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, perfect for sweetening your week ahead.

Freezing

You can freeze the Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe either before or after frosting. Wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting or serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy a slice warm, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature first. Then heat gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften the buttercream slightly without melting it completely.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, you can substitute strong brewed coffee with instant coffee dissolved in hot water. Just make sure the coffee flavor is strong to maintain that authentic latte taste in the cake and frosting.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavors will still be rich and delightful.

How do I prevent the buttercream from being too runny?

Ensure your butter is well softened but not melted. Gradually add the powdered sugar and coffee, mixing thoroughly in between. If it still seems too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken the frosting to your desired consistency.

Can I prepare this cake a day in advance?

Yes, this cake benefits from resting overnight in the refrigerator. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just store it covered to protect the frosting and drizzle.

What’s the best way to slice this rich cake?

Use a sharp serrated knife, warming the blade slightly with hot water and wiping it dry before slicing. This prevents the frosting from smearing and keeps the cake layers neat and tidy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels as comforting as your favorite coffeehouse treat, this Decadent Caramel Latte Cake with Coffee Buttercream Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its moist layers and luscious coffee buttercream perfectly marry sweet caramel and bold espresso flavors, making every bite a moment of pure joy. Trust me, once you make this cake, it will be your go-to showstopper for celebrations or just because. So grab your apron and get baking — you’ll thank yourself later!

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