The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Showstopper 🍫✨
Hey Kitchies! 💛
If there’s one dessert that can steal the show at any gathering — it’s this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake. Picture this: rich, moist chocolate cake layers, silky salted caramel filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache dripping down the sides. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone at the table pause, take a bite… and then ask for seconds.
What I love most about this cake is how the sweet caramel + salty finish + deep chocolate layers all balance each other perfectly. It’s indulgent without being too sweet, and honestly? It looks like something straight out of a bakery window — but you can totally pull this off at home.
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake
✅ Bakery-style, but totally do-able at home
✅ Rich + moist chocolate cake layers
✅ Gooey salted caramel filling
✅ Glossy chocolate ganache
✅ Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you need to impress
The Story Behind This Cake 💕
I made this cake for my husband’s birthday last year, and I swear — I’ve never seen him go back for thirds before! Ever since, it’s been our go-to celebration cake. The salty caramel drizzle on top always makes everyone ooh and ahh — but the secret is… it’s actually super simple to make.
Why This Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake Is So Special
- Deep, fudgy chocolate layers
- Creamy homemade salted caramel sauce
- Make-ahead friendly
- No fancy equipment needed
Tips for Cake Perfection
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture
- Chill the caramel before assembling to avoid drips
- Sprinkle sea salt right before serving for that Instagram-worthy finish
Substitutions & Variations
| Ingredient | Swap For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk | Greek Yogurt | For a tangy, moist crumb |
| Coffee | Hot Water | If you’re not a coffee fan |
| Semi-Sweet Chocolate | Dark Chocolate | For an extra rich flavor |
Make It Healthier 🌿
✅ Swap sugar for coconut sugar
✅ Use almond flour for gluten-free
✅ Substitute caramel with date caramel sauce
How to Store + Freeze
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Freeze unassembled cake layers for up to 2 months
FAQs
Can I make this cake without coffee?
Absolutely! Just swap the coffee for hot water or milk.
How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?
Let it cool at room temperature — not in the fridge!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers + caramel the day before and assemble when ready.
What’s the best salt to use for salted caramel?
Flaky Maldon sea salt gives the best crunch!
And there you have it!
This Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is everything a dessert should be — rich, decadent, and just the right amount of salty-sweet magic. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake will steal the spotlight every single time.
If you make this cake, tag @KitchiesKitchen — I’d love to see your sweet creations!
Craving More Decadent Desserts?
- Cookie Dough Delight Cake
- No Bake S’mores Bark
- Homemade Butterscotch Ice Cream
Categories:
Dessert | Cake | Chocolate
Tags:
#SaltedCaramelCake #ChocolateDessert #EasyBaking
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Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake
Description
If there’s one dessert that can steal the show at any gathering — it’s this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake. Picture this: rich, moist chocolate cake layers, silky salted caramel filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache dripping down the sides.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 ¾ cups |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | ¾ cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
| Baking Soda | 2 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Granulated Sugar | 2 cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Vegetable Oil | ½ cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 tsp |
| Hot Coffee | 1 cup (yes, coffee makes the chocolate flavor pop) |
Salted Caramel Filling
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Unsalted Butter | 6 tbsp (cubed) |
| Heavy Cream | ½ cup |
| Sea Salt | ½ tsp |
Chocolate Ganache
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | ½ cup |
| Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | 1 cup |
| Sea Salt | For garnish |
Instructions
1. Bake the Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla — then mix until combined. Pour in hot coffee and stir until the batter is thin and smooth.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before assembling.
2. Make the Salted Caramel
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until golden brown — stirring constantly.
Add butter cubes and stir until melted. Slowly pour in cream (careful — it will bubble!). Simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Sprinkle with sea salt and let cool.
3. Make the Chocolate Ganache
Heat heavy cream in the microwave until hot (about 45 seconds). Pour over chocolate chips and stir until smooth and glossy.
4. Assemble the Cake
- Spread salted caramel between each cake layer
- Pour ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that signature salted caramel finish
