SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

If you’re looking for a dessert that will wow your friends and family, you’ve come to the right place! This SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, indulgent, and perfectly balanced with a touch of saltiness that enhances the chocolate flavor. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a cozy family dinner, or just a sweet treat after a long week, this cake will make any occasion feel special.

What makes this cake even better? It’s surprisingly simple to whip up! You don’t need to be a baking pro to create this masterpiece. With its layers of moist chocolate cake and velvety salted caramel fudge frosting, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of chocolate and salted caramel creates an explosion of flavors that everyone loves.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s birthdays or just a weekday treat, this cake fits right in.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to bake something so decadent.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Bake ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It gets even better as the flavors meld!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds (and thirds)!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. Don’t worry; you likely have many of these already in your kitchen!

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (260g), sifted
• 1.5 tsp baking powder
• 1.5 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• ⅔ cup light brown sugar (135g)
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs, ideally room temp
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil (133g)
• ⅓ cup buttermilk (80g) – mix ⅓ cup whole milk (80g) + 1 teaspoon vinegar to make your own
• 1 cup sour cream (240g), ideally room temp
• ¾ cup cocoa powder, Dutch Processed preferred (75g)
• 2 tsp instant coffee
• ¾ cup boiling water (180g)

For the Frosting

• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter (70g)
• ½ cup heavy cream, warmed up (120g)
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla
• 200g dark chocolate (70%)

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temp (226g)
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder (33g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (100g)
• ½ cup salted caramel sauce from above
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold (240g)

Variations

This SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.
• Try Different Fillings: Swap salted caramel for raspberry or strawberry jam between the layers for a fruity twist.
• Make It Vegan: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and replace dairy products with plant-based alternatives.

How to Make SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that everything is evenly distributed before we add the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk mixture, sour cream, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and boiling water into your dry ingredients. Stir until everything is combined smoothly. The boiling water helps melt any cocoa lumps while making the batter super moist!

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between two greased round cake pans. Bake them for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely on wire racks before assembling.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and cook until it melts into an amber-colored liquid. Remove from heat immediately and whisk in butter followed by warmed heavy cream and salt. Let it cool slightly before using it between layers and in frosting.

Step 5: Whip Up the Frosting

In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and cocoa powder until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing well until creamy. Fold in whipped heavy cream gently until fully combined – this will give your frosting that light texture!

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Place one layer of chocolate cake on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of salted caramel sauce followed by half of your frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and repeat with more caramel sauce and frosting on top.

And there you have it! A stunning SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE that’s bound to be loved by everyone who tries it! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will ensure your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake turns out absolutely divine!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream helps create a smooth batter that traps air better, leading to a lighter and fluffier cake.

• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, cocoa powder, and leavening agents together not only removes lumps but also aerates them. This results in a more tender crumb and an evenly mixed batter.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the moist, fudgy texture you’re aiming for.

• Prepare Your Pans Properly: Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal after baking, preventing any heart-wrenching moments when the cake sticks to the pan.

• Let It Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks. Frosting a warm cake can lead to melting frosting and a big mess!

How to Serve SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

This decadent cake deserves to be presented beautifully! Here are some ideas on how to serve it in style.

Garnishes

• Sea Salt Flakes: A sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top enhances the caramel flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate Shavings: Finely shaved dark chocolate on top creates an elegant finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries like raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream complements the chocolate fudge perfectly, offering a delightful temperature contrast.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a non-dairy option, whipped coconut cream is light yet creamy, making it an excellent pairing with this indulgent dessert.
• Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso not only balances the sweetness of the cake but also enhances its rich chocolate flavors.

With these serving suggestions in mind, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with your beautiful creation! Enjoy every bite of this luscious Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• For longer storage, you can freeze the cake.
• Wrap slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
• Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind while preparing this delicious cake!

Can I use a different type of flour for this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just ensure it’s a blend suitable for baking.

How should I store my Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake?

Store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to extend freshness.

Can I make this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is great for making ahead; just follow the storage instructions above to keep it fresh.

What can I substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?

You can easily make your own buttermilk by mixing ⅓ cup of whole milk with a teaspoon of vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake! It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and delightful textures. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every moment of baking and tasting, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with loved ones!