Salted Caramel Cake Recipe

Indulge in a delightful Salted Caramel Cake Recipe that combines layers of moist sponge cake with rich caramel frosting and a luscious salted caramel drip. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, celebration, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly while still delivering impressive results.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of buttery cake, sweet caramel, and a touch of salt creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or just as an everyday dessert to enjoy with family and friends.
• Stunning Presentation: The salted caramel drip and decorative toppings make this cake visually appealing for any gathering.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite fillings or adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Salted Caramel Cake, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric whisk
• Measuring scales
• Rubber spatula
• Baking tins
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric whisk: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, ensuring fluffy texture in your batter.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients gently without deflating the batter, preserving its airy structure.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 225 grams unsalted butter (softened)
• 100 grams caster sugar
• 125 grams light brown sugar
• 225 grams self-raising flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
• 1 tablespoon treacle

For the Frosting

• 400 grams unsalted butter (softened)
• 800 grams icing sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
• 1 tin of Carnation caramel (for frosting, filling, and drizzle)
• 1-3 tablespoons milk (for adjusting consistency)

For Garnishing

• Flaky salt (for garnish and flavor balance)
• Additional caramel drizzle
• Crushed fudge pieces
• Extra flaky salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan ovens.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Tins

Grease and line two 6-inch round cake tins with parchment paper.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 225 grams of softened butter, 100 grams of caster sugar, and 125 grams of light brown sugar until pale and fluffy (about 4–5 minutes).

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste and 1 tablespoon of treacle; mix until well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

Incorporate 4 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 6: Fold in Flour

Sift in 225 grams of self-raising flour and gently fold it into the batter until just combined.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared tins. Bake for 32–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back when pressed.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for about 10–15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Trim and Layer

Once cooled, trim the tops to ensure they are flat. Slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers in total.

Step 10: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together 400 grams of softened butter using an electric whisk until very pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Gradually add in 800 grams of icing sugar in three batches, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 11: Add Vanilla and Caramel

Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste and about 4 tablespoons of Carnation caramel. Adjust to taste by adding more caramel if desired.

Step 12: Adjust Consistency

If the buttercream is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired spreadable consistency.

Step 13: Assemble Cake Layers

Place a small dollop of buttercream on your serving board to keep the cake in place. Place the first layer of cake on top and pipe a border of buttercream around its edges. Inside this border, drizzle some Carnation caramel and sprinkle with flaky salt. Repeat layering with remaining cake layers until you have reached the top layer.

Step 14: Chill Assembled Cake

Chill the assembled cake in the fridge for about 20 minutes to set.

Step 15: Crumb Coat

Apply a thin layer of buttercream all over the cake to seal in crumbs—this is known as a crumb coat. Chill again for another 20 minutes until firm.

Step 16: Final Buttercream Layer

Apply a thicker layer of buttercream on top and sides using a palette knife or cake scraper for smoothness.

Step 17: Drizzle with Caramel

Warm remaining Carnation caramel slightly in a bowl to loosen it up. Using either a spoon or piping bag, drizzle it along edges allowing it to naturally drip down the sides.

Step 18: Decorate Top

Decorate top with additional caramel drizzle, crushed fudge pieces, or an extra sprinkle of flaky salt as desired.

Step 19: Chill Before Serving

Chill finished cake for at least another 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy this fantastic Salted Caramel Cake Recipe that will surely impress your guests!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cake Recipe

Serving a Salted Caramel Cake is all about presentation and the right accompaniments. Whether for a special occasion or a casual get-together, these suggestions will elevate your cake experience.

Coffee Pairing

• Espresso: The rich flavor of espresso complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Latte: A creamy latte balances the salted caramel notes perfectly.

Ice Cream

• Vanilla Bean: Classic vanilla ice cream provides a neutral base to enhance the cake’s flavors.
• Salted Caramel Ice Cream: For those who can’t get enough caramel, this option adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Fresh Berries

• Raspberries: Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet cake.
• Strawberries: Sliced strawberries can add freshness and color to your dessert plate.

Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop on top softens the cake’s richness and adds lightness.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding a hint of vanilla or almond extract for an extra flavor boost.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Cake Recipe

Achieving the perfect Salted Caramel Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you master this delightful dessert.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to avoid a dense cake.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Gently fold in dry ingredients to maintain a light and airy sponge.
• Cool Cakes Completely: Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting; this prevents melting the buttercream.
• Layer Evenly: Trim tops for even layers and ensure stability when stacking.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Salted Caramel Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options that complement its flavors well.

1. Chocolate Mousse: A rich chocolate mousse offers a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
3. Cheesecake Bites: These small bites provide creamy texture and flavor that pairs well with caramel.
4. Pecan Pie Bars: With their nutty flavor, these bars complement the salted caramel perfectly.
5. Lemon Tart: The citrus tang cuts through sweetness, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
6. Caramel Popcorn: For added crunch, serve caramel popcorn on the side for a fun treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking is an art, and even small mistakes can lead to a less-than-perfect Salted Caramel Cake. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven properly. An oven that’s too hot or too cold can affect the baking time and texture of your cake.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is precise. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients and measuring cups for liquids to ensure accuracy in your Salted Caramel Cake Recipe.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the cakes to cool completely before frosting is crucial. If you frost while warm, the buttercream will melt and create a mess.
• Using cold butter: Softened butter is essential for creaming with sugars. Cold butter won’t incorporate air properly, resulting in a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Be gentle when folding in the flour. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake instead of a light and fluffy one.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salted caramel cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers if stacking pieces.

Freezing Salted Caramel Cake Recipe

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Salted Caramel Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Heat the cake slices for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate; heat for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as it may dry out.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delightful dessert:

Can I use different flavors in my Salted Caramel Cake Recipe?

Yes! You can add different extracts like almond or coconut for unique flavors.

How do I store my Salted Caramel Cake?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.

What if my caramel frosting turns out too thin?

If your frosting is too thin, add more icing sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I customize the toppings on this cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to use nuts, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit as alternatives to fudge pieces.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Cake Recipe is not just delicious; it’s versatile too! Perfect for any occasion or simply as an indulgent treat, you can customize flavors and toppings based on your preferences. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!