Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake

 Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake:

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water

For the Caramel Filling:

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

3/4 cup heavy cream, warm

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Gooey Topping:

1/2 cup caramel sauce (from filling)

1/4 cup brewed coffee

2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).

4. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

6. Mix the dissolved coffee into the batter until well combined.

7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Caramel Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Stop stirring and cook until the sugar turns a deep amber color (be careful not to burn it).

2. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in warm cream (it will bubble vigorously).

3. Stir in butter until smooth. Let it cool slightly. Reserve 1/2 cup of the caramel for the gooey topping.

3. Prepare the Gooey Topping

1. In a small bowl, whisk the reserved caramel with brewed coffee.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, whisking until smooth and pourable.

4. Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of caramel filling on top.

2. Place the second cake layer on top and pour the gooey caramel coffee topping over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.

5. Decorate and Serve

Optional: Garnish with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or chocol

ate shavings.

Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your decadent Gooey Coffee Caramel Cake!