Easy Caramel Macchiato Cake
Whether you’re a coffee shop lover or just someone who enjoys a great cake, this Easy Caramel Macchiato Cake will be a favorite Starbucks-inspired treat for years to come!
Easy Caramel Macchiato Cake – A Rich & Decadent Dessert for Coffee Lovers (and Non-Coffee Drinkers Alike!)
If you’re a fan of classic espresso drinks like a caramel macchiato, this cake is about to become one of your favorite flavors. But even if you’re not a coffee drinker, trust me—this rich coffee-laced cake is something you’ll love. A friend recently told me she wasn’t sure she’d like this since she doesn’t drink coffee, but I assured her she would. The flavor is too good not to love. And my youngest son? He called it one of the best desserts I’ve ever made!
The deep coffee flavor combined creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. It’s like enjoying an iced caramel macchiato in dessert form. Plus, this caramel macchiato coffee cake is incredibly easy to make thanks to my favorite baking hack—starting with a cake mix!
How to Store & Serve
This cool cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. If freezing, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Let it thaw overnight before serving.
For an extra indulgence, serve slices with a scoop of ice cream cake or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Cake Even If You Don’t Drink Coffee
This caramel macchiato cheesecake-inspired cake has a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the caramel and vanilla syrup notes. Even those who don’t drink Starbucks trademarks will enjoy the rich brown sugar coffee cake taste. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Shop My Favorite Baking Tools
Finally f you want to make this Caramel Macchiato Coffee Cake at home, here are some of my must-have baking tools and ingredients:
- Nespresso Machine – Perfect for brewing a deep espresso roast for the best coffee drink flavor. I love this set of Nespresso pods.
- Instant Coffee or Espresso – Offers a delicious alternative to brewed espresso if you don’t have an espresso machine.
- Bundt Pan – Ideal for baking and easy cake removal.
- Stand Mixer – Makes mixing cake batter a breeze.
Click here to shop my favorite baking tools on Amazon!
How to Make Caramel Macchiato Coffee Cake
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Easy Caramel Macchiato Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Cake:
- Baking spray with flour
- 1 (15.25-oz.) box yellow cake mix
- 1 (3.4-oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (not “Cook and Serve”)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee*
- 1 cup melted butter
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
Frosting:
- 3/4 cup (6 oz.) salted or unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp. espresso, at room temperature
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Heat Oven & Prepare the Cake Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a springform pan or Bundt pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, brown sugar, espresso, melted butter, and eggs. Use an electric mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat for about 3-5 minutes, until the batter is well blended.
3: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the top of the cake comes out clean. The cake should have a deep amber color and a slight roasty edge. Let the cake cool on a cooling rack for 10 to 15 minutes, then invert onto the rack and let cool completely for about 2 hours.
4: Whip the Butter
In a medium bowl, beat the butter on high speed until it’s pale and soft (about 3-5 minutes).
5: Add Powdered Sugar & Espresso
Reduce speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Then, add chilled espresso and vanilla extract. Increase speed to medium-high heat and beat until light and fluffy.
6: Frost the Cake
Use a piping bag or offset spatula to spread the frosting over the whole cake. If desired, drizzle with caramel buttercream or dulce de leche for an extra caramel taste.
Notes
*For the best coffee drink flavor, I use a Nespresso machine with a blonde espresso roast. You can also use instant coffee. Starbucks has a deep rich roaste and International Delight has some cool flavors. Whatever you choose, aim for something that’s going to give a deep roasty edge to the cake.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dietitian Insights: The Health Perks of Coffee
Coffee isn’t just a beloved morning ritual—it also packs some impressive health benefits! As a dietitian, I love that coffee is rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and support overall wellness. Studies have linked moderate coffee consumption to:
- Improved brain function – Thanks to caffeine, coffee can boost alertness, focus, and even memory.
- Heart health support – Research suggests coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of certain heart conditions.
- Metabolism boost – Caffeine naturally enhances metabolism and can support fat oxidation.
- Liver protection – Coffee consumption has been associated with a lower risk of liver disease.
The best part? You don’t have to drink coffee to enjoy its benefits—you can bake with it, too! This Caramel Macchiato Coffee Cake is a delicious way to get those antioxidants while indulging in something sweet.
Next Time You Bake…
Try experimenting with different coffee flavors! Swap in your favorite flavored coffee, or try a cream cheese frosting adding in a tablespoon of espresso. (Accordingly, increase powdered sugar if icing is too thin.) Next time, you might even want to turn this into caramel macchiato cupcakes by using cupcake tins and a cupcake liner. The options are endless!
So, whether you’re a coffee shop lover or just someone who enjoys a great cake, this Caramel Macchiato Coffee Cake will be a favorite Starbucks-inspired treat for years to come!
Other Delicious Coffee-Inspired Desserts You’ll Love
No-Bake Coffee Cheesecake
Easy Espresso Brownies
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