10 Sweet Reasons To Love This Butter Cake With Coffee Cream And Caramel

Some recipes are just desserts. Others feel like home on a plate. For me, Butter Cake with Coffee Cream and Caramel is one of those unforgettable, melt-in-your-mouth kind of cakes that brings back warm memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, the gentle clink of her spoon against the metal mixing bowl, and the rich scent of browned butter wafting through the air.

This isn’t just an easy homemade recipe for butter cake. It’s a family heirloom in cake form — layers of tender, buttery sponge slathered with a smooth coffee cream that whispers rather than shouts, all finished with a sultry caramel drizzle that ties every bite together like a perfect love note.

And now, I get to share it with you.

Where the Story Begins: Sunday Afternoons and Grandma’s Oven

Growing up, Sundays were always about slowing down and baking. While my friends went to the mall, I sat at the kitchen table peeling parchment from freshly baked cakes. My grandmother believed in making cakes with heart — no shortcuts, no rushed icing, just love in every creamed swirl of butter and sugar.

Now, every time I make this cake, I channel her calm joy, her patience, and her absolute faith that a good dessert can fix just about anything.

This particular butter cake with coffee cream and caramel was one of her signature bakes. I remember watching her pour hot caramel over the layers with such care, as if she were painting a masterpiece. And in a way, she was.

Why This Butter Cake with Coffee Cream and Caramel is Pure Nostalgia

There are thousands of butter cake recipes online, I know. But here’s why this one stands out:

• The cake is ridiculously moist, thanks to a small trick: a spoonful of sour cream in the batter.
  
• The coffee cream isn’t overpowering — it’s a delicate contrast to the richness of the cake.
  
• The caramel topping? Buttery, smooth, and just slightly salted to keep the whole thing from veering into too-sweet territory.
  
• It’s easy enough for a beginner but impressive enough to make people think you spent hours in the kitchen.
  

And let’s be real — there’s something irresistible about the way coffee and caramel play with butter. It’s a flavor trio that just works.

If you’re in the mood for something fruity and vibrant instead, try our Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake Recipe. 🍓
It’s a colorful, nostalgic dessert that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat — and another one of our most-loved easy homemade recipes!

Gathering the Ingredients – Choices That Make a Difference

I like to keep things classic, but I also believe in being flexible. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

For the Butter Cake

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – You want quality butter here, especially for a butter cake with coffee cream and caramel, where each ingredient truly shines.
  
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Classic white sugar makes for a clean sweetness.
  
• 4 large eggs – Room temperature is key! They help the cake rise evenly.
  
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level to avoid a dense cake.
  
• 1 tbsp baking powder
  
• ½ tsp salt
  
• 1 cup whole milk – Adds moistness and richness.
  
• 2 tbsp sour cream – This is the moisture magic. Don’t skip it.
  
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  

For the Coffee Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  
• 2 tbsp instant espresso powder – Dissolve in a teaspoon of warm water to avoid grittiness.
  
• ¼ cup powdered sugar – You can adjust this to taste.
  
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
  

For the Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar
  
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  
• ½ cup heavy cream
  
• ½ tsp sea salt – Optional, but highly recommended.
  

Making the Cake – Step-by-Step and From the Heart

Let’s bake this beauty together, one step at a time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. It makes removing the cakes a breeze and keeps everything intact.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 4–5 minutes with a hand mixer on medium-high speed. Don’t skimp — this is what gives your cake that light, airy texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs, One at a Time

Beat in the eggs one by one, scraping down the sides after each addition. Each egg should fully incorporate before the next goes in. You’re building structure here.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture.

Step 5: Flavor It Up

Stir in the vanilla extract. Your batter should be creamy and smooth, with a soft golden hue. Try not to overmix at this stage — fold gently if needed.

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Whipping Up the Coffee Cream – Smooth and Dreamy

Step 7: Chill Everything

Before whipping, chill your bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. Cold tools make whipped cream whip faster and hold better.

Step 8: Whip to Peaks

In the chilled bowl, combine cream, espresso (dissolved), sugar, and vanilla. Beat until soft peaks form. Don’t go too far — you want it spreadable, not stiff.

This cream is like a whisper of coffee rather than a full punch, which lets the caramel and butter flavors still shine.

Caramel Time – Don’t Be Scared, You Got This

Step 9: Melt and Swirl

Heat the sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes a thick, amber liquid. It will clump before it melts — that’s okay. Just keep stirring.

Step 10: Add Butter

Carefully stir in the butter (it will bubble like mad). Once melted, slowly pour in the cream while stirring. Finish with a pinch of sea salt. Let cool slightly before using.

This is the final touch that makes this butter cake with coffee cream and caramel truly unforgettable, or chill it slightly for a thicker layer.

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