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Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

Decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake for Sweet Celebrations

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is the ultimate celebration cake, featuring rich layers, gooey salted caramel, and glossy ganache.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free version
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder consider Dutch-process cocoa for enhanced depth
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ensure freshness for optimal rise
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda ensure freshness for optimal rise
  • 1 teaspoon salt no substitutions are recommended
  • 2 cups sugar brown sugar can offer a richer flavor
  • 4 large eggs ensure they are at room temperature
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee use warm, not boiling
  • 1 cup unsalted butter for a dairy-free version, use unsweetened applesauce or dairy-free butter substitute
For the Ganache
  • 1 cup heavy cream coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free option
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate dark chocolate can provide a deeper flavor
For the Filling
  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce purchase pre-made or follow a simple homemade recipe

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • spatula
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to incorporate air and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Gradually pour in the hot coffee and vanilla extract. Mix until well-combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined; no visible dry flour should remain.
  6. Divide the cake batter equally among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then flip them onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it simmers. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  9. Place one cake layer on a plate and spread salted caramel sauce over it. Repeat with the second layer, then top with the final layer. Frost the entire cake with ganache.
  10. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 5gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the ganache. Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache and salted caramel sauce.

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