SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve stumbled upon the right place! This SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is not only a dream for chocolate lovers, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or just indulging on a cozy weekend, this cake will surely impress.

What makes this cake truly special is its layers of moist chocolate cake combined with rich salted caramel and fudge frosting. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, making it an unforgettable treat. Trust me; once you take your first bite, you’ll want to share this recipe with everyone you know!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: The combination of sour cream and buttermilk keeps the cake super moist and rich.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, baking this cake is a breeze!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love the decadent flavors of chocolate and caramel.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cake in advance, making it perfect for parties or busy weeknights.
• Showstopper Dessert: This cake is sure to be the highlight of any meal or celebration!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious masterpiece, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Gather these goodies before we dive into the baking fun!

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
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla
• 200g dark chocolate (70%)

For Assembly

• 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)

Variations

One of the best things about this SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative and try out these variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Mix Up the Frosting: Substitute half of the chocolate with white chocolate for a lighter flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free version.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Add some espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor even more!

How to Make SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before diving into baking, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This ensures a smooth batter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease your cake pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well mixed. This step is essential as it evenly distributes all the leavening agents.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk mixture, sour cream, and instant coffee. Gradually add this mixture to your dry ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Boiling Water

Carefully stir in boiling water into your batter; this helps create that luscious texture we all love in chocolate cakes! The batter will be thin—don’t worry; that’s exactly what we want.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared pans and bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before removing from pans.

Step 6: Make Salted Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and cook until melted and golden brown. Carefully add warm heavy cream while stirring continuously—it might bubble up! Once smooth, add butter and salt. Let it cool slightly before using.

Step 7: Prepare Chocolate Fudge Frosting

Melt dark chocolate with unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from heat and mix in warmed heavy cream until smooth. Let cool slightly before using.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once everything has cooled down completely, spread some salted caramel sauce between each layer of cake followed by frosting on top. Finish off by decorating with more caramel sauce drizzled on top!

There you have it—a deliciously decadent SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE ready for sharing! Enjoy every slice!

Pro Tips for Making SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Baking is a delightful journey, and with a few helpful tips, your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake will turn out even more amazing!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures a smooth batter and better emulsification, resulting in a moist cake that rises beautifully.

• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda together helps to aerate them and remove lumps, which leads to a lighter cake texture.

• Don’t skip the coffee: Adding instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. It deepens that rich chocolate experience we all crave!

• Cool layers completely: Before frosting your cake, make sure each layer is completely cool. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

• Make extra salted caramel sauce: Having additional sauce on hand not only makes for gorgeous drizzling on top but also allows guests to customize their slice with more sweetness!

How to Serve SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Serving this decadent cake is just as important as baking it! The presentation can elevate its appeal and create an unforgettable dessert experience for your guests.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light touch that perfectly complements the richness of the cake.

• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings on top for an elegant look that enhances the chocolate flavor.

• Sea salt flakes: A pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled on top not only looks beautiful but also heightens the salted caramel flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream offers a classic pairing that balances the rich chocolate flavors perfectly; it’s a comforting combination!

• Fresh Berries: A mix of raspberries or strawberries adds a tart contrast that cuts through the sweetness and refreshes your palate after each bite.

• Chocolate Mousse: For true chocolate lovers, serving a small bowl of velvety chocolate mousse alongside creates an indulgent dessert duo.

• Coffee or Herbal Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can complement the dessert beautifully while offering a lovely way to unwind after enjoying such a rich treat.

By keeping these tips in mind and considering these serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress anyone who gets to taste your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake! Enjoy every delicious moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is not only a delight to make, but it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip it up ahead of time, making it an excellent option for parties, celebrations, or just satisfying that sweet tooth throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, where it will last for about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• For a warm treat, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

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

Yes! While dark chocolate provides a rich flavor, you can substitute with semi-sweet or even milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.

How can I ensure my Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe turns out moist?

Using room temperature ingredients and ensuring not to overbake your cake are key factors in achieving that moist texture. Be sure to follow the baking times closely!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like traditional flour.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake! It’s special not only because of its rich flavors but also because it brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself, I invite you to try this recipe and share it with loved ones. Happy baking!