Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake, an irresistible dessert that layers rich chocolate fudge and luscious salted caramel. Perfect for birthdays or special occasions, this cake combines moist chocolate sponge with a velvety fudge frosting, drizzled with a heavenly salted caramel sauce that takes it over the top. Elevate your baking game with a treat that's as beautiful as it is delicious, sure to impress family and friends!
This Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavor and texture. With each bite, indulge in the rich chocolate fudge paired with the perfect touch of sea salt, creating a balance that will leave you craving more.
The Perfect Indulgence for Any Occasion
When it comes to desserts that create lasting memories, this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake stands out. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or a holiday gathering, this cake is sure to impress your guests. The combination of rich chocolate and salty caramel creates a delectable contrast that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Its moist layers and luscious frosting make it not just a treat, but an experience everyone's going to remember.
This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an indulgence that can elevate any gathering. The stunning layers topped with drizzles of homemade salted caramel make it visually appealing, while the rich flavors tantalize the palate. Keep a slice in the fridge for a special midnight snack or serve it alongside coffee for a delightful treat during afternoon break. You'll find that this cake also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making every bite a celebration.
Baking Tips for Success
Baking this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate the process. Firstly, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This allows for better mixing and smoother batter. Also, when greasing your cake pans, use parchment paper for an effortless release after baking. This can prevent any potential heartache if your cake sticks to the pan.
When making the fudge frosting, be attentive to the chocolate melting process. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize, ruining the smooth texture you're aiming for. Keep stirring gently until everything is beautifully combined. Lastly, allow your cake layers to cool completely before assembly; this will help maintain the integrity of the frosting and caramel layers, ensuring each slice reveals the perfect cross-section of flavor.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
To keep your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cake can last for about 4-5 days, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for parties. If you plan to serve it on a special occasion, consider baking it a day prior to allow the flavors to meld beautifully as it sits in the fridge overnight.
For an elevated serving experience, try adding toppings! Fresh berries or crushed nuts can enhance the flavor profile and provide a delightful crunch. You can also drizzle some additional salted caramel on individual slices before serving, which will make for an enticing presentation that will have your guests raving. Remember, a little goes a long way with such rich flavors!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Fudge Frosting
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
Gather all ingredients before starting the recipe.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Fudge Frosting
In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until simmering. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and let cool until it thickens.
Prepare Salted Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring until it becomes a golden amber color. Remove from heat and mix in butter until melted. Gradually stir in cream and sea salt. Allow to cool slightly.
Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread fudge frosting on top, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce. Place the second layer on top and repeat the frosting and caramel.
Serve
Slice the cake and serve with extra salted caramel on the side. Enjoy!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
One common question about the Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is whether it can be frozen. The answer is yes! Both the cake layers and the fudge frosting freeze well. To freeze, wrap individual layers tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When ready to eat, allow the cake to thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Another query revolves around substitutions in the recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter version of the cake, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar for a healthier alternative. Just ensure that all substitutions are measured correctly to avoid impacting the cake's texture.
Enhancing Flavor Variations
While the classic Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is a delightful treat on its own, consider experimenting with flavors. You can add a hint of espresso powder to the cake batter for an intense chocolate experience. Adding a touch of almond extract to the fudge frosting can also bring a new dimension of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
For those who love a hint of citrus, a tablespoon of orange zest in the caramel sauce can add a refreshing twist. Don't hesitate to incorporate different types of chocolate, such as dark or milk chocolate chips, to create a unique fudge frosting that fits your taste. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, making it easy to tailor to your preferences.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you may use dark or milk chocolate for the fudge frosting.
→ How do I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake, an irresistible dessert that layers rich chocolate fudge and luscious salted caramel. Perfect for birthdays or special occasions, this cake combines moist chocolate sponge with a velvety fudge frosting, drizzled with a heavenly salted caramel sauce that takes it over the top. Elevate your baking game with a treat that's as beautiful as it is delicious, sure to impress family and friends!
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Fudge Frosting
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined, then pour into prepared pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until simmering. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and let cool until it thickens.
In a medium saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring until it becomes a golden amber color. Remove from heat and mix in butter until melted. Gradually stir in cream and sea salt. Allow to cool slightly.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread fudge frosting on top, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce. Place the second layer on top and repeat the frosting and caramel.
Slice the cake and serve with extra salted caramel on the side. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 5g