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 not just any cake; it’s a celebration of chocolate and caramel that will make every occasion feel special. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, celebrating an anniversary, or simply want to indulge on a cozy weekend, this cake delivers every time.

What makes this cake truly special is its moist texture and rich flavor, thanks to layers of decadent chocolate cake paired with an irresistible salted caramel fudge frosting. It’s perfect for both seasoned bakers and those who are just starting their baking journey. Trust me, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Rich Flavor: The combination of deep chocolate and salted caramel creates a heavenly taste that everyone will adore.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, even beginner bakers can master this cake.
• Perfect for Sharing: Makes 12-14 generous servings, making it ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
• Flexible Recipe: Customize it with your favorite ingredients or toppings to make it your own!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The cake can be baked in advance and stored, allowing you to enjoy stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating this marvelous cake! You’ll find these simple and wholesome items in most grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

One of the best things about this SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your personal preferences:

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped nuts into the batter or as a topping for extra crunch.
• Swap the Chocolate: Use white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter twist on flavor.
• Incorporate Fruit: Layer in some fresh berries between the cake layers for a fruity surprise.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based options for dairy ingredients.

How to Make SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients together. Prepping in advance helps ensure you have everything you need right at hand, making the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt. Mix well before adding in the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, sour cream, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and boiling water. It’s crucial not to skip the boiling water; it helps bloom the cocoa powder for maximum flavor! Pour this luscious batter into greased cake pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

While your cakes are baking, let’s whip up that divine salted caramel sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar until it turns golden brown. Carefully add butter and warm heavy cream while stirring constantly until smooth. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt—this is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

Once your cakes are cooled completely, it’s time for frosting! In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese with cocoa powder and powdered sugar until creamy. Add in chilled heavy cream gradually until it forms soft peaks. Now layer this delicious mix between your cooled cakes along with drizzles of salted caramel.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Place one layer of cake on your serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top followed by some salted caramel sauce. Top with the second layer of cake and repeat with frosting and caramel. Finish off by spreading frosting around the sides and top of the cake for that stunning finish!

And there you have it—your very own SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE! Enjoy every gooey bite while sharing stories around the table with loved ones.

Pro Tips for Making SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Baking this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a masterpiece!

• Use room temperature ingredients – When your eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream are at room temperature, they blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture and better rise during baking.

• Sift the cocoa powder – Sifting helps eliminate any lumps in your cocoa powder, ensuring that your cake has a uniform chocolate flavor and a silky texture throughout.

• Don’t skip the coffee – Adding instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee. It deepens the richness of the chocolate and makes every bite even more delicious.

• Let the cake cool completely before frosting – A warm cake can cause your frosting to melt and slide off. Allowing your cake to cool ensures that you get those beautiful layers and that the frosting stays put for a stunning presentation.

• Make extra salted caramel sauce – Having some leftover salted caramel sauce on hand not only adds to the aesthetics but also allows you to drizzle more on top or serve alongside slices for an indulgent treat.

How to Serve SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Presenting this luscious cake is just as enjoyable as baking it! Here are some ideas to make your dessert display as mouthwatering as the cake itself.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream – A dollop of whipped cream adds a lightness that balances out the rich flavors of the cake and fudge.
• Chocolate shavings – Sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings over the top for an elegant touch that enhances both flavor and visual appeal.
• Sea salt flakes – A few flakes of sea salt on top of each slice will amplify the salted caramel goodness while giving an eye-catching sparkle.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with rich chocolate cake, providing a delightful contrast in flavors.
• Fresh berries – Raspberries or strawberries add a tartness that complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully, brightening up each bite.
• Coffee or espresso – Serving a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso alongside your cake can elevate the dessert experience, enhancing its richness while adding warmth.
• Fruit salad – A light fruit salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to this decadent dessert, cleansing the palate with its natural sweetness and juiciness.

Enjoy crafting this luxurious Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake and impressing everyone at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is not only a showstopper but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it, ensuring you have a delightful dessert ready to impress your family or guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For optimal taste, let the cake come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds, checking to ensure they don’t overheat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe that might help clarify any doubts!

Can I use a different type of chocolate in this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe?

Yes! While dark chocolate adds richness, you can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile.

How do I ensure my Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake turns out moist?

To keep the cake moist, be sure not to overbake it and use room temperature ingredients. The inclusion of sour cream also helps maintain moisture.

What can I substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?

You can easily make your own buttermilk by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. It will work perfectly in this recipe!

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, your cake is ready!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake brings you as much joy as it has brought me! Its rich layers and indulgent frosting make it truly special. Don’t be afraid to try making it; I’m sure you’ll impress everyone who gets a bite! Happy baking and enjoy every delicious moment!