The Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is a dessert lover’s dream! This rich and moist chocolate cake features an indulgent chocolate caramel fudge frosting and layers of luscious salted caramel. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, this cake promises to impress with its decadent flavors and stunning presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and salted caramel creates an irresistible taste that balances sweetness with a touch of saltiness.
- Moist Texture: Thanks to the use of buttermilk and sour cream, every slice is incredibly moist and tender.
- Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, this cake fits any occasion perfectly.
- Showstopper Presentation: Layered with glossy frosting and drizzled with salted caramel, it’s sure to wow your guests.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results at home.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking the Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Baking pans
- Offset spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool ensures that your ingredients are mixed thoroughly for a smooth batter.
- Offset spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting evenly on the cake layers for a professional finish.
Ingredients
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 Filling
- 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)
How to Make SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans
Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with butter or cooking spray. Dust them lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
1.5 tsp baking soda
¾ cup cocoa powder
Add a pinch of salt before setting aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix:
1 cup granulated sugar
⅔ cup light brown sugar
Add in:
3 large eggs
⅔ cup vegetable oil
Blend these ingredients until smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate Dairy Products
To the wet mixture, add:
⅓ cup buttermilk
1 cup sour cream
Whisk until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures and Add Coffee
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Then stir in:
2 tsp instant coffee dissolved in
¾ cup boiling water
Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Continue with further steps for frosting preparation and assembly as needed!
How to Serve SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
Serving your SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE is as important as making it. The presentation and accompaniments can elevate the experience, making it even more delightful.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors of the cake beautifully.
- Salted caramel ice cream enhances the cake’s caramel notes for a heavenly pairing.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce on top adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Use a squeeze bottle for a fancy touch when serving guests.
Fresh Berries on the Side
- Raspberries or strawberries offer a fresh and tart contrast to the sweetness.
- Arrange them artfully around the cake for an impressive display.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream balances out the richness of the fudge layers.
- Consider adding a hint of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
Coffee or Espresso
- Serving coffee or espresso alongside enhances the chocolate notes in the cake.
- A simple black brew works perfectly, but you can also offer flavored options.
How to Perfect SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
To achieve the best results with your SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE, follow these tips to ensure each bite is perfection.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter.
- Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder eliminates lumps and ensures even mixing, contributing to a better texture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cake. Gentle folding is key for maintaining fluffiness.
- Check doneness early: Ovens vary; start checking your cake 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time using a toothpick test.
- Cool completely before frosting: Make sure the cake layers cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting.
- Experiment with flavors: Add espresso powder or flavored extracts to elevate the taste profile of your fudge frosting.
Best Side Dishes for SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
Pairing side dishes with your SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and freshness that balance out the cake’s richness.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add another layer of chocolate flavor while being fun and festive.
- Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone that pair beautifully with chocolate desserts.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: A crunchy trail mix offers texture contrast, perfect for snacking alongside your cake slices.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes provide variety and can be made in various flavors to complement the fudge cake.
- Coffee Cake Muffins: Soft muffins with a crumb topping provide a nice breakfast option if you have leftover cake in the morning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and dairy can create a dense cake. Always use room temperature eggs and dairy for best results.
- Not sifting dry ingredients: Skipping this step can lead to clumps in your batter. Sift flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda for a smooth mixture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Skipping the boiling water: Adding boiling water enhances the chocolate flavor and moistness. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
- Not leveling off dry ingredients: Improper measuring can alter your cake’s texture. Always level off flour and sugar with a straight edge.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- It can last up to 5 days in the fridge without losing flavor or moisture.
Freezing SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- The cake freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes for slices.
- Microwave: Heat each slice for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, as it may dry out.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. This method keeps it moist while warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
How can I customize my SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE?
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swap out caramel for another filling like raspberry jam.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
Serve it chilled with a drizzle of extra salted caramel on top for an indulgent treat.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark, semisweet, or milk chocolate will work well, depending on your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
The SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is an irresistible dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with delightful salted caramel. Its moist texture and decadent frosting make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe. This heavenly cake combines rich chocolate layers with a decadent salted caramel filling and a luscious fudge frosting, making it a perfect choice for birthdays, celebrations, or any sweet craving. With its moist texture and exquisite presentation, this showstopper will leave your guests in awe. It’s easy to make, ensuring that even novice bakers can create this gourmet treat at home. Get ready to delight your taste buds with every bite!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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%)
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix granulated and brown sugar with eggs and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Add buttermilk and sour cream to the wet mixture; mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, followed by instant coffee dissolved in boiling water.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool before frosting with your favorite salted caramel chocolate fudge frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
