Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience a decadent delight with this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake that layers rich chocolate cake with luscious salted caramel frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat, this cake is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors, making it a standout dessert for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

Lacey Montgomery

Created by

Lacey Montgomery

Last updated on 2025-12-02T10:53:23.497Z

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion, it’s simple yet impressive.

A Truly Decadent Experience

Indulging in this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s an experience that captivates the senses. The rich, velvety chocolate cake perfectly complements the creamy salted caramel frosting, creating a culinary masterpiece that is both elegant and indulgent. This cake is ideal for special occasions, but it can also be enjoyed as an everyday treat, turning any moment into a celebration.

Each slice unveils a delightful combination of textures and flavors that is hard to resist. The balance of sweetness and a subtle hint of salt elevates the cake's profile, making it more than just a dessert—it's a gastronomic delight that brings joy to every bite. Whether you're serving it at a birthday party or enjoying a quiet afternoon with coffee, this cake promises to leave a lasting impression.

Perfect for Any Occasion

No matter the occasion, this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is a versatile choice. It shines as the centerpiece of birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, or even weddings, thanks to its visually appealing layers and delectable taste. The cake’s rich chocolate flavor and luxurious frosting will impress your guests, making them feel special on an important day.

For casual gatherings, this cake transforms a simple get-together into a memorable event. Its robust flavors can easily please a crowd, while its inventive fusion of sweet and salty will intrigue culinary adventurers as well. Plus, it’s paired perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special dessert experience.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even slight deviations can affect the outcome. Utilizing room-temperature eggs and properly sifting your dry ingredients can lead to a lighter, fluffier texture in your cake layers. Additionally, make sure to preheat your oven thoroughly for even baking.

Another helpful tip is to let the cakes cool completely before frosting them. This ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt and run off, giving you a beautifully layered cake. You can even chill the cakes slightly in the refrigerator for a firmer texture if needed. These little steps will help you achieve a show-stopping dessert that is as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened 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

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

For Garnish

  • Extra salted caramel sauce
  • Sea salt flakes

Instructions:

Steps to Make

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick in the center.

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. If too thick, add cream to achieve the desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake

Once cakes are cool, spread frosting between layers, and cover the entire cake. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top.

Garnish

Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top for an added touch.

Let the cake set for about 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Storing Your Cake

To preserve the freshness of your Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake, it’s essential to store it correctly. If you have leftovers, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to three days. If the weather is particularly warm or humid, you may want to refrigerate it to prevent any melting of the frosting.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy a slice, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds. This method ensures that none of the delightful flavors or textures are sacrificed, allowing you to relive that decadent experience later.

Variations and Customizations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it also lends itself well to exciting variations. For a twist, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers or incorporating nuts for an added crunch. Other flavors, such as hazelnut or mocha, can be introduced by using flavored extracts or adding espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-infused treat.

You could also experiment with different frostings, such as a chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting. The versatility of this cake allows you to adapt it to suit your tastes and those of your guests, ensuring that it remains a staple dessert that you can reinvent time and time again.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch?

Yes, you can substitute with a chocolate cake mix for a quicker option.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

Experience a decadent delight with this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake that layers rich chocolate cake with luscious salted caramel frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat, this cake is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors, making it a standout dessert for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time1 hour 15 minutes

Created by: Lacey Montgomery

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  3. 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  5. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  6. 1 teaspoon salt
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1 cup whole milk
  9. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  10. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  11. 1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 3 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
  4. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  5. 2 tablespoons heavy cream

For Garnish

  1. Extra salted caramel sauce
  2. Sea salt flakes

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water.

Step 02

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick in the center.

Step 03

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. If too thick, add cream to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 04

Once cakes are cool, spread frosting between layers, and cover the entire cake. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top.

Step 05

Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top for an added touch.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Protein: 4 g