SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

If you’re looking for an indulgent treat that will impress anyone who takes a bite, then this SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is exactly what you need! This cake has a rich and moist texture, paired beautifully with layers of chocolate caramel fudge frosting and luscious salted caramel. It’s perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or even just a cozy night in with a good movie. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll find any excuse to bake this delightful dessert!

What makes this cake truly special is the blend of flavors and the decadent experience it provides. Each slice is a little piece of heaven, and the best part? It’s easier to make than you might think! So gather your ingredients and let’s get started on creating this unforgettable dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent flavor: The combination of chocolate and salted caramel creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone craving more.
• Easy preparation: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, anyone can whip up this cake without feeling overwhelmed.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this cake, making it a hit at any gathering or celebration.
• Make-ahead option: Bake in advance and store in the fridge for easy entertaining or last-minute desserts!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual weekend treat, this cake fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking this incredible cake requires some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need to create your SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE 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)
• ½ cup heavy cream, warmed up (120g)
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp vanilla
• 200g dark chocolate (70%)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 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)

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this delightful cake!

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans between the layers for an added crunch.
• Change the frosting: Try using vanilla buttercream instead of chocolate frosting for a lighter flavor.
• Fruit infusion: Add layers of fresh berries for a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those needing gluten-free desserts.

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). Grease two round cake pans with cooking spray or line them with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, mix together your eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, sour cream, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and boiling water. Combine these wet ingredients into the dry mixture until everything is just incorporated—be careful not to overmix!

Step 2: Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial as it ensures that our cakes are perfectly moist without becoming soggy.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar with water. Stir gently until dissolved; then stop stirring as it cooks. Allow it to boil until it turns amber-colored—this usually takes about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter and warm heavy cream until smooth. Lastly, stir in salt and set aside to cool slightly before using.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

For that amazing chocolate fudge frosting, melt dark chocolate using your preferred method—either microwave or double boiler works fine. Let it cool slightly while you beat together room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add cocoa powder and powdered sugar; mix until combined. Finally add melted chocolate into this mixture—it should be creamy and luscious!

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Once your cakes are completely cooled down, place one layer on your serving platter. Spread an even layer of salted caramel sauce over it followed by some of that delicious chocolate fudge frosting. Place the second layer on top and repeat! Finish off with more frosting on top and drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over everything for that stunning finish.

And there you have it—the perfect SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE! Enjoy every bite alongside loved ones or save some slices to savor later!

Pro Tips for Making SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Baking this decadent cake is a delightful adventure, and these tips will ensure your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk to room temperature allows them to blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a fluffier texture.

• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder helps remove lumps and aerates the mixture. This step ensures that your cake has a lighter crumb and more consistent flavor.

• Don’t skip the coffee: Adding instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. It deepens the chocolate notes and makes every bite richer.

• Let it cool completely: Allowing your cake layers to cool fully before frosting is crucial. If they’re even slightly warm, your frosting can melt and slide off, ruining that beautiful presentation!

• Store properly: To keep your cake moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it but bring it back to room temp before serving for the best taste.

How to Serve SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Presenting this luscious cake can elevate any gathering or special occasion! Here are some ideas on how to serve it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light contrast to the rich flavors.
• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings over the top for an elegant touch that enhances the cake’s chocolate richness.
• Sea salt flakes: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt not only looks beautiful but also intensifies the salted caramel flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate fudge cake, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and flavors.

• Fresh berries: A mix of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a refreshing burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Coffee or tea: Serving this cake alongside a cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances its flavors. The warmth from a nice beverage complements dessert wonderfully.

• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad can provide a fresh contrast, making each bite feel less heavy while adding vibrant colors to your dessert table.

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience meant to be shared with loved ones. Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a wonderful option for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making it perfect for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake to extend freshness, where it can last about a week.
• Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking them in a container.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container before freezing.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm it gently in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring it’s covered to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Got questions? No worries! Here are some common queries that might pop up while you’re preparing this delightful treat.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate enhances the richness of the cake, you can substitute with semi-sweet or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

How do I make the salted caramel sauce for the Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe?

To make homemade salted caramel sauce, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns amber. Then stir in butter and cream until smooth. Add salt to taste!

What can I use instead of buttermilk in this recipe?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mixing whole milk with vinegar or lemon juice will create a great substitute! Just let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

How long does the Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly, this cake will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days and up to a week if refrigerated. You can also freeze it for longer storage!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake becomes a favorite in your kitchen! Its rich flavors and delightful texture make it special enough for celebrations yet approachable enough for everyday enjoyment. Enjoy creating this masterpiece and savoring each delicious bite. Happy baking!