Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups sugar; 3/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Savor the rich, decadent layers of this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake, featuring luscious chocolate cake soaked in creamy salted caramel ganache. This dessert is perfect for celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to impress family and friends. Topped with a smooth buttercream frosting and drizzled with homemade caramel, it's the ultimate chocolate lover's dream come true!

Created by

Cassidy Moore

Last updated on 2025-11-29T04:41:22.793Z

This dessert is a labor of love, bringing together the richness of chocolate and the sweetness of caramel.

        Why You'll Love It
        Decadent layers of chocolate and caramel
Perfect for any celebration or gathering
Homemade caramel drizzle adds a special touch

      

The Perfect Indulgence

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience that combines rich flavors and textures, designed to delight your palate. Each bite reveals the lusciousness of the moist chocolate cake, perfectly complemented by the creamy salted caramel ganache. This cake is an indulgent treat that stands out at any occasion, whether it's a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or a simple family dinner.

The harmonious blend of chocolate and caramel creates a unique flavor profile that balances sweetness with a hint of saltiness. This balance is what makes this cake irresistible, and it's sure to impress both chocolate lovers and casual dessert enthusiasts alike. You’ll find that the salty sweetness of the caramel enhances the richness of the chocolate, making every slice a heavenly delight.

Easy to Bake

Despite its impressive appearance, this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is surprisingly simple to make. With common ingredients typically found in your pantry, you'll be able to whip this cake up with minimal effort. The step-by-step instructions ensure that bakers of all skill levels can successfully recreate this masterpiece. Plus, the recipe can be segmented, allowing you to make the cake layers one day and assemble it the next.

Don't be intimidated by the idea of homemade caramel! The salted caramel ganache ingredient list is straightforward, and the process is easy to follow. The warm fragrance of bubbling sugar and cream infuses your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere. You’ll see how satisfying it is to make such a delicious addition from scratch.

Versatile for Any Occasion

One of the most appealing aspects of this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is its versatility. It's suitable for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to formal celebrations. You can easily personalize it with different decorations, such as sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or even edible glitter, making it suit any theme or event. It's a foolproof centerpiece that guarantees to draw attention and spark conversation.

If you're looking to simplify your baking routine, consider using this cake as a base for other desserts. You can layer it with fresh fruits, chocolate mousse, or even use the leftover cake in trifle recipes. Whatever path you choose, this cake is sure to be a favorite, leaving guests wanting more.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start baking!

Cake Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Salted Caramel Ganache Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to prep your ingredients accordingly!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your masterpiece!

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until well combined. Gradually stir in boiling water until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

Prepare the Salted Caramel Ganache

In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, butter, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until desired consistency is reached. Mix in vanilla.

Assemble the Cake

Layer the cooled cake with salted caramel ganache between each layer. Frost the outside with buttercream and drizzle with remaining ganache.

Let the cake sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly, start by accurately measuring your ingredients. Baking is a science, and precision is key to achieving the desired texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy when measuring flour and sugar, as this will prevent the cake from becoming dense or dry.

Another helpful tip is to allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This will prevent the buttercream from melting and ensure a smooth finish. Moreover, chilling the salted caramel ganache can make it easier to spread between the layers and on the outside of the cake.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

After preparing your Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake, you may want to store any leftovers properly to preserve their freshness. Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you choose to refrigerate, be mindful that the buttercream may harden slightly, so allow it to sit at room temperature before serving.

This cake can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. This ensures that you can enjoy this delicious dessert anytime without the hassle of baking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and assemble when ready to serve.

→ How should I store the leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.