Delicious salted caramel cake with a creamy frosting and caramel drizzle

Salted Caramel Cake

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Salted Caramel Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich taste of caramel with a hint of saltiness. This cake is perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or just to satisfy a craving for something sweet. The soft, fluffy layers paired with creamy caramel buttercream make every bite special. It’s an easy recipe that delivers impressive results, making it a must-try for any home baker.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup homemade salted caramel
  • 1 cup caramel buttercream frosting

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Once cooled, spread caramel buttercream frosting on top of one layer, drizzle with homemade salted caramel, and place the second layer on top.
  9. Frost the top and sides of the cake with more caramel buttercream and drizzle with more salted caramel.
  10. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cake

Serve this cake at room temperature for the best flavor. Slice it into generous pieces and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. This cake can be adorned with extra caramel drizzle or a sprinkle of sea salt for an elegant presentation.

How to Store Salted Caramel Cake

To store the cake, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make Salted Caramel Cake

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best mixing results. This includes butter, eggs, and milk.
  • For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter.
  • Make sure your homemade salted caramel is not too hot before adding it to the frosting, as this can melt the buttercream.

Variation

You can customize this cake with different flavors. Adding chocolate chips to the batter can create a delicious chocolate salted caramel cake. Alternatively, you can add nuts like pecans for crunch or layer in fresh fruit for a fruity twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble.

2. How can I make the salted caramel?
To make salted caramel, cook sugar in a saucepan until it melts and turns a golden color. Then, slowly add in heavy cream and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until smooth.

3. Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.