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Moist Chocolate Caramel Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 146 reviews

This Moist Chocolate Caramel Cake combines rich cocoa flavor with a luscious caramel-infused chocolate frosting, creating a decadent dessert perfect for any special occasion. Featuring layers of tender, coffee-enhanced chocolate cake enveloped in creamy chocolate caramel frosting and a signature salted caramel center, this recipe guarantees a satisfying and indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 3 cups Flour
  • 1/2 cup Cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups Granulated sugar
  • 3 Eggs
  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Coffee (hot!)
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable oil

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Butter (room temperature)
  • 3 cups Powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup Cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/3 tsp Kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp Heavy cream
  • 2/3 cups Caramel sauce (use salted caramel sauce recipe)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare three 8-inch baking pans by greasing them with cooking spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift and combine the flour and cocoa powder, then whisk in the baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and granulated sugar until evenly distributed.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is almost combined, taking care not to overmix.
  4. Incorporate Hot Coffee: Slowly add the hot coffee to the batter and mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, which enhances the chocolate flavor and moisture.
  5. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. For best results, use cake strips to promote even baking or weigh the batter for uniformity. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You may substitute with 9-inch cake pans if desired.
  6. Cool Completely: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
  7. Make the Chocolate Caramel Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, room-temperature butter, sifted cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Using an electric hand mixer, whip the mixture for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  8. Add Caramel Sauce to Frosting: Incorporate the cold caramel sauce into the frosting and mix on high speed until the frosting is smooth, well combined, and has a whipped texture.
  9. Assemble the Cake: Begin by piping a small dollop of frosting onto your serving surface to secure the first cake layer. Place the first layer on this spot.
  10. Layer and Frost: Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge of the first cake layer, fill the inside with a thin layer of frosting, smoothing it with an offset spatula. Pour 1/3 cup of caramel sauce into the center and smooth evenly.
  11. Repeat Layers: Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the frosting and caramel filling process. Finish with the third cake layer placed on top.
  12. Final Frosting: Use remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake as desired. Chill briefly before serving for best slicing results.

Notes

  • Using freshly brewed hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
  • Letting the cake cool completely before frosting ensures that the frosting does not melt and slide off.
  • For an even bake, cake strips can be used around pans to help distribute heat evenly and avoid domed cakes.
  • If salted caramel sauce is not available, adding a pinch of sea salt to regular caramel sauce can replicate the flavor.
  • Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Keywords: chocolate cake, caramel cake, chocolate caramel frosting, layered cake, moist chocolate cake, dessert, homemade cake

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/moist-chocolate-caramel-cake-recipe/