Caramel Macchiato Cake Recipe

For coffee lovers, few things compare to the indulgence of a caramel macchiato—a harmonious blend of espresso, steamed milk, and caramel drizzle. But what if you could savor this flavor experience in cake form? The Caramel Macchiato Cake combines rich coffee flavors with creamy caramel for a dessert that’s as irresistible as your favorite café treat. This recipe will guide you through creating a moist, flavorful cake layered with caramel buttercream and topped with a coffee-infused drizzle.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in ¼ cup hot water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup caramel sauce
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Coffee Drizzle

• 2 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water
• ¼ cup caramel sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the dissolved coffee and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

1. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Buttercream

1. Beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix in the caramel sauce, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of caramel buttercream on top.
2. Add the second layer of cake and repeat. Top with the final layer of cake.
3. Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.

Step 5: Add the Coffee Drizzle

1. Combine the dissolved coffee and caramel sauce to create the coffee drizzle.
2. Drizzle the mixture over the cake, letting it cascade down the sides for a beautiful finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. For added flair, garnish the cake with caramel drizzle, coffee beans, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
2. Slice and serve your Caramel Macchiato Cake with a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate treat!

Baking Tips

1. Use High-Quality Coffee: Opt for a rich, robust instant coffee or espresso powder to enhance the coffee flavor.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
3. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined.
4. Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of caramel sauce in the buttercream to suit your sweetness preference.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Flavor Fusion: The cake perfectly balances the bitterness of coffee with the sweetness of caramel.
• Moist Texture: The cake layers are tender and moist, thanks to the milk and butter.
• Eye-Catching Design: The caramel coffee drizzle adds a visually stunning touch.
• Versatile Recipe: Perfect for birthdays, coffee-themed gatherings, or any special occasion.