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 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp sea salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is a showstopper that blends rich chocolatey goodness with a luscious salted caramel drizzle. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any sweet craving, this cake is layered to perfection, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. Elevate your dessert game with this irresistible combination of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Created by

Cassidy Moore

Last updated on 2025-12-02T08:55:45.819Z

This cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for the taste buds. The combination of rich chocolate cake layers with salted caramel creates a perfect harmony of flavors, making it a favorite among dessert lovers.

The Perfect Cake for Any Occasion

A Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors that brings joy to every gathering. Whether it's a birthday bash, an anniversary party, or just a cozy dinner with friends, this cake is sure to delight your guests. The rich chocolate base pairs beautifully with the indulgent salted caramel, creating a taste experience that will leave everyone raving about it.

The visual appeal of this cake is equally impressive, with its elegant layers and glossy caramel drizzle. It's a dessert that draws everyone in, making it an ideal centerpiece for your table. When you serve this cake, you're not just offering a treat; you're creating memories and building connections over shared enjoyment.

Tips for Baking Success

For the best outcome, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This will help create a smooth batter that rises evenly. When measuring your flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid compacting it in the measuring cup, which can lead to a dense cake.

Baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on your cakes as they near the end of the recommended baking time. A toothpick test is a reliable way to ensure they're done; if it comes out dry with a few crumbs, they're perfect. Letting the cakes cool properly is crucial, as it helps with easier assembly and better flavor development.

Serving and Storing Your Cake

Once assembled, your Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, it can be placed in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re planning to serve it at a later date, freezing the layers individually is a great option; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer.

To serve, slice with a sharp knife for clean cuts, and consider a garnish of fresh whipped cream or extra salted caramel for a touch of elegance. This cake is perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself—no special occasion necessary!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for this mouthwatering cake!

For the Cake

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

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp sea salt

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure everything is at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your decadent cake.

Prepare the Cake Layers

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla and mix until smooth. Gradually stir in the boiling water until well combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake the Cakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it caramelizes to a golden brown. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until combined. Stir in the sea salt and let it cool.

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the heavy cream and vanilla, beating until the frosting is fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top and drizzle with salted caramel. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Drizzle with additional salted caramel for garnish.

Let the cake set for a bit before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Why Salted Caramel?

Salted caramel is a flavor that has taken the dessert world by storm, and for good reason. The balance of sweet and salty creates a complexity that enhances the richness of chocolate, making it more than just a traditional cake. The salt elevates the flavors, bringing out the best in the ingredients.

Using high-quality sea salt in your caramel sauce ensures that the flavors remain clean and distinct. This not only enhances the taste experience but also adds a gourmet touch to your baking. It's an ingredient that should never be overlooked, as it truly transforms the dessert.

Making the Most of Your Ingredients

When preparing your Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake, using the best quality chocolate and butter will yield a richer flavor. Invest in premium cocoa powder and unsalted butter for frosting to create a dessert that stands out. The small details matter when baking, and quality ingredients make a significant difference in the final result.

For those who love customization, feel free to experiment with different types of cocoa powder or even add a hint of espresso to your cake batter. These small tweaks can introduce new depth and make the cake even more special, catering to your unique taste preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

→ What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with milk, but the frosting may be less rich.