SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

If you’re looking for a dessert that will impress everyone at the table, you’ve come to the right place! This SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is not just any cake; it’s a celebration of rich chocolate and heavenly salted caramel. Imagine layers of moist chocolate cake drizzled with luscious salted caramel and topped with a decadent fudge frosting. Every bite is pure bliss!

This cake has become a favorite in my home, perfect for everything from busy weeknights to special celebrations. Whether you’re bringing it to a family gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and caramel creates an indulgent treat that satisfies every sweet tooth.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this cake, making it a great choice for gatherings or celebrations.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare components in advance, making it easier to assemble when you’re ready to serve.
• Impressive Presentation: This cake looks as incredible as it tastes, so it’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this masterpiece requires simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything we need for our SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE!

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 and Filling

• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter (70g)
• ½ cup heavy cream, warmed up (120g)
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp vanilla
• 200g dark chocolate (70%)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty variations you can consider:

• Add Nuts: Chop up some walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch in the layers.
• Swap the Chocolate: Use milk chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter flavor profile.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding orange zest or espresso powder for a unique twist.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

How to Make SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt. Mixing these ingredients well ensures even distribution of flavors in your cake.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, sour cream, cocoa powder, and instant coffee. Slowly add in the boiling water—this helps dissolve the cocoa powder and creates a silky batter. Combine both mixtures gently until just incorporated; overmixing can lead to a dense cake!

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour the batter evenly into greased and floured round cake pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Cooling them completely on wire racks is essential before frosting—this prevents melting and messy layering.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar until it turns amber. Stirring constantly helps prevent burning. Once melted, carefully add butter and then warmed heavy cream while whisking continuously. Finally, stir in salt and let it cool slightly before using it between layers.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and cocoa powder until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Whip cold heavy cream separately until stiff peaks form and fold into the cream cheese mixture gently—this gives your frosting that dreamy texture!

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, place one layer on your serving platter. Drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce before spreading a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Repeat with additional layers until all are stacked beautifully! Finish off with more frosting on top and drizzle with any remaining salted caramel.

And there you have it—your very own SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE! Enjoy every delightful slice!

Pro Tips for Making SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a masterpiece that will impress everyone!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk to room temperature ensures they blend smoothly into the batter, resulting in a more uniform cake texture.
• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder not only removes lumps but also aerates the mixture, leading to a lighter cake.
• Don’t skip the coffee: Adding instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making your cake taste like coffee. It deepens the overall richness of your dessert.
• Allow cakes to cool completely: Before frosting, let the cakes cool entirely. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures clean layers that hold their shape.
• Make extra salted caramel sauce: Having a little extra on hand allows you to drizzle it over individual slices when serving, adding that luxurious touch!

How to Serve SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Presentation is key when it comes to impressing your guests! Here are some lovely ideas for serving this decadent cake.

Garnishes

• Sea salt flakes: A light sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosted cake adds an elegant touch and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Chocolate shavings: Create chocolate shavings using a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar. They add visual appeal and an extra hint of chocolatey goodness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm slices of fudge cake, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.
• Fresh Berries: A medley of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing tartness that complements the rich chocolate and caramel beautifully.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free alternative, whip up some coconut cream. Its lightness and subtle sweetness balance out the heaviness of the cake wonderfully.
• Coffee or Herbal Tea: Serving this cake alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances its indulgent experience while providing a comforting finish to your meal.

Now you’re all set to create an unforgettable dessert experience with your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, saving you precious moments on special occasions or busy weekdays. Whether you’re planning a gathering or just want to indulge in a sweet treat over the week, here’s how to store it properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
• Ensure that any exposed frosting is covered with plastic wrap to maintain its moisture.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Alternatively, you can freeze the whole cake; just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
• If you’d like a warm slice, microwave on low power for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Avoid reheating the whole cake in the microwave, as it may affect its texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dessert!

Can I make this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will help keep your cake moist and fluffy.

How long does this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this cake remains fresh for about 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months.

Can I use different types of chocolate for the frosting?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate adds richness, you can use semi-sweet or even milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile. Just adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

You can modify this recipe by using plant-based alternatives such as almond milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replacing eggs with suitable egg substitutes like flaxseed meal or applesauce.

What’s the best way to serve this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake?

This cake is delightful on its own or served with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or whipped coconut cream. Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce on top for an added touch!

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your guide to creating an unforgettable Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake! This dessert is not just visually stunning but also incredibly delicious and rich. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! Share it with friends and family, or treat yourself after a long day; either way, it’s bound to bring smiles. Happy baking!