SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! The SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is one of those special treats that can brighten any day. This cake is moist, rich, and absolutely indulgent, with layers of chocolate goodness and a drizzle of salted caramel that takes every bite to the next level. It’s perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or even just when you need a little pick-me-up after a long week.

What makes this recipe particularly dear to my heart is how easy it is to whip up despite its fancy appearance. You can impress your friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen! So grab your apron and get ready to bake something truly extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of chocolate and salted caramel creates an unforgettable flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a quiet dinner at home, this cake fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake it in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just add the frosting before indulging!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore this sweet treat—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that make up the magic of this cake.

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)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed up (120g)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 200g dark chocolate (70%)

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temp (226g)
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder (33g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (100g)
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce from above
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold (240g)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste.

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and flavor dimension.
• Change the Chocolate: Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter frosting.
• Fruit Twist: Layer in some fresh raspberries or strawberries between the cake layers for a fruity surprise.
• Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and cream to adapt this recipe for vegan diets.

How to Make SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugars, salt, cocoa powder, and instant coffee. Mixing them well ensures an even rise in your cake.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, sour cream, and boiling water until smooth. It’s important to use room temperature ingredients; they help create a fluffy texture in your cake.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently fold them together until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth out the tops.

Step 4: Bake Your Cakes

Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely on wire racks before frosting—this step keeps your frosting from melting away!

Step 5: Make Salted Caramel Sauce

While your cakes cool down, it’s time to make that luscious salted caramel sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until it becomes amber-colored. Add butter carefully followed by warming heavy cream while stirring constantly until smooth. Stir in salt and let cool slightly before using.

Step 6: Prepare Frosting

For your decadent frosting, melt dark chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy; add melted chocolate gradually along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

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

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Once assembled, chill briefly if needed before slicing into this rich masterpiece! Serve with extra caramel drizzled on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Baking this SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is more than just following steps; it’s about creating memories around delicious food with loved ones. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake can be a delightful journey, and with a few pro tips, you’ll ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk to room temperature helps them combine more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake texture.

• Sift dry ingredients together: Sifting your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda not only removes lumps but also aerates them. This leads to a fluffier cake that rises beautifully in the oven.

• 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 each bite even more indulgent.

• Cool layers completely: Allowing your cake layers to cool completely before frosting prevents melting and ensures that the frosting stays put. This way, you get those gorgeous layers visible when you slice into the cake.

• Chill the frosting: If your chocolate caramel fudge frosting seems too soft to spread, pop it in the fridge for a bit. Chilling will thicken it up and make it easier to work with while decorating.

How to Serve SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Presenting your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake beautifully can elevate any occasion! Whether it’s for a birthday party or a cozy family dinner, these serving suggestions will impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light touch that balances the richness of the cake.
• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch that enhances its chocolatey goodness.
• Sea salt flakes: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the salted caramel drizzle brings out all those sweet and salty flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm slices of this rich cake, creating a delightful contrast.
• Fresh berries: A side of fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a burst of freshness that complements the decadent flavors.
• Coffee or tea: Serving this cake with a cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a comforting dessert experience; plus, it helps balance out the sweetness.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dense richness of your cake.

Now you’re ready to create an unforgettable dessert experience with your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is perfect for meal prep and can easily be made ahead of time. Whether you’re preparing for a celebration or simply want a delicious dessert on hand, storing this cake correctly will ensure it stays fresh and delightful.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake, where it can last up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the cooled cake into individual portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.
• To thaw, simply place slices in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries about the Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe.

Can I make this salted caramel chocolate fudge cake recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How long does the salted caramel chocolate fudge cake keep?

When stored properly, this salted caramel chocolate fudge cake can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated.

Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate gives it a rich flavor, you can use semi-sweet or even milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste. Just remember that different chocolates may affect the overall sweetness of your cake.

What can I use instead of buttermilk in this recipe?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by mixing regular milk with vinegar. Use 1 cup of whole milk and add one teaspoon of vinegar; let it sit for about five minutes before using.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is truly something special! With its moist layers and luscious frosting, it’s bound to impress friends and family alike. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you’ll enjoy eating it. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own twists on this recipe—I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!