Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the ultimate dessert with this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake that's rich, moist, and perfectly balanced with sweet and salty flavors. Layers of decadent chocolate cake are generously filled with creamy salted caramel and frosted with a luscious chocolate ganache, creating a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake will leave everyone craving more!

Hallie Foster

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2025-12-02T07:58:42.323Z

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors! The combination of rich chocolate and the subtle hit of salt makes every bite heavenly.

Indulge in Decadence

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is more than just a dessert; it's an experience. The combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy salted caramel creates a dessert that tantalizes your taste buds. Each bite is an explosion of flavor, with the sweetness of the chocolate perfectly offset by the salty richness of the caramel. As you savor this cake, you'll understand why it's become a favorite for celebrations and gatherings alike.

The moist layers of chocolate cake are expertly paired with a luscious salted caramel filling, making this cake not just visually appealing but also exceptionally delicious. Whether you're a fan of chocolate or caramel, this cake brings the best of both worlds together, ensuring that every slice is a delightful treat.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is the perfect choice. Its impressive appearance makes it a show-stopping centerpiece for any dessert table. Friends and family will be enamored by its layers and the decadent flavors it holds.

Not only is it delightful to look at, but the cake is also easy to make, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With a combination of accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll find baking this cake to be a rewarding experience that yields heavenly results.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best texture for your chocolate cake, be sure to sift your dry ingredients. This not only helps to eliminate any lumps but also aerates the flour, which can result in a lighter cake. Additionally, allowing the cake layers to cool completely before assembling is crucial for preventing the ganache from melting and sliding off.

When it comes to making the salted caramel, patience is key. Heat the sugar slowly, stirring gently to avoid crystallization. As it melts, keep a close eye on the color; you want that perfect golden hue to ensure maximum flavor. Adding the heavy cream will create a beautiful contrast between hot sugar and cold cream, leading to a sumptuous salted caramel that's hard to resist.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Salted Caramel

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Chocolate Ganache

  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

Instructions

Make the Chocolate Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix well, then stir in the boiling water. Pour the batter into the cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Prepare the Salted Caramel

In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until melted and golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted, then gradually add heavy cream and salt, stirring until smooth.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

Heat cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for a couple of minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of salted caramel, then top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides with the chocolate ganache.

Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Storing Your Cake

To ensure the freshness of your Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to consume it within a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

If you wish to keep the cake for an extended period, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for a delightful treat.

Variations to Try

While the classic salted caramel and chocolate combination is divine, feel free to get creative with flavors. You can incorporate espresso powder into the cake batter for a mocha twist or add a hint of orange zest to the salted caramel for a citrusy brightness. Each variation can add an exciting new dimension to the cake.

You might also consider adding layers of whipped cream or fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries between the cake layers for a refreshing contrast. These adaptations will not only enhance the flavor but also add visual appeal, making your cake even more alluring.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

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

→ What should I do if my caramel hardens?

You can gently heat the caramel on the stove with a bit of cream to soften it again.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

Experience the ultimate dessert with this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake that's rich, moist, and perfectly balanced with sweet and salty flavors. Layers of decadent chocolate cake are generously filled with creamy salted caramel and frosted with a luscious chocolate ganache, creating a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake will leave everyone craving more!

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time1 hour 15 minutes

Created by: Hallie Foster

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chocolate Cake

  1. 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 ¾ cups sugar
  3. ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  5. 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  6. 1 teaspoon salt
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1 cup whole milk
  9. ½ cup vegetable oil
  10. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  11. 1 cup boiling water

For the Salted Caramel

  1. 1 cup sugar
  2. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  3. ½ cup heavy cream
  4. 1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Chocolate Ganache

  1. 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
  2. 1 cup heavy cream

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 the dry ingredients together. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix well, then stir in the boiling water. Pour the batter into the cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Step 02

In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until melted and golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted, then gradually add heavy cream and salt, stirring until smooth.

Step 03

Heat cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for a couple of minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 04

Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of salted caramel, then top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides with the chocolate ganache.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Sugars: 45g
  • Protein: 6g