Indulge in the decadent fusion of rich dark chocolate, velvety salted caramel frosting, and a tantalizing salted caramel drip with this irresistible Salted Caramel Cake recipe. This Southern-inspired delight boasts moist layers infused with the warm essence of caramel, perfect for every sweet craving.
Crafted with love and a touch of Southern charm, this Best Southern Salted Caramel Cake is a true masterpiece of flavor and texture. Each bite is a symphony of buttery goodness and caramel sweetness, making it a must-have for any occasion.
Whether you’re a caramel aficionado or simply in search of a delightful treat, this cake promises to captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more. Get ready to experience the ultimate indulgence with this heavenly Salted Caramel Cake recipe.
Ingredients
Creating a decadent Salted Caramel Cake requires a few key components to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Let’s break down the ingredients needed for each element of this delicious cake.
Cake Components
- Brown sugar for a rich, deep flavor profile
- Unsalted butter (substitute with vegan butter if desired)
- Heavy cream (opt for organic or coconut cream for a creamy texture)
- Sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance
Salted Caramel Sauce
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter, sliced into pieces
- Heavy cream, at room temperature
- Salt to enhance the flavors
- Brown sugar for a caramel-infused buttercream
- Unsalted butter
- Heavy cream for a luscious texture
- Sea salt to elevate the sweetness
Equipment Needed
To make this indulgent Salted Caramel Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Tools:
- Medium to large pot
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
- Granulated sugar
- Water
- Heavy cream (room temperature)
- Butter (room temperature)
- Salt (if making salted caramel)
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Salted Caramel Sauce
- Place sugar and water into a medium pot, stir to combine, and cook over high heat.
- Use a pastry brush dipped in water to wash down the sides of the pot as needed.
Baking the Cake Layers
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease an 8×8 cake pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, and canola oil. Add egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the egg mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Spread the batter into the cake pan and swirl in caramel sauce.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a cake tester comes out with just a few crumbs.
- Level the cooled cake layers and place the first layer on a cake stand.
- Spread a generous amount of caramel buttercream on top of the first layer.
- Add the second layer and repeat the process.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with more buttercream.
- Let the caramel frosting set until shiny, then smooth out with an offset spatula.
- Decorate the cake as desired and enjoy the indulgent salted caramel flavors!
Assembly Instructions
- Prep the Cake Layers:
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a generous layer of salted caramel frosting on top of the cake layer, ensuring an even distribution.
- Drizzle some of the salted caramel sauce over the frosting for an extra burst of caramel flavor.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers, frosting, and caramel sauce.
- Apply a Crumb Coat:
- Before applying the final coat of frosting, consider applying a thin layer called a crumb coat to seal in any loose crumbs. This step helps achieve a smooth finish on the cake.
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the crumb coat has set, generously frost the entire cake with the remaining salted caramel frosting. Use a spatula to create decorative swirls or peaks on the frosting for an elegant finish.
- Add the Salted Caramel Drip:
- Carefully drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce around the edges of the cake, allowing it to naturally drip down the sides. This not only adds visual appeal but also intensifies the caramel essence.
- Chill and Set:
- Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together. This step helps enhance the overall taste and texture of the cake.
- Decorate and Enjoy:
- Once the cake has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and add any final decorations such as caramel shards, chocolate curls, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Slice the cake and indulge in the luxurious combination of dark chocolate, salted caramel, and buttery goodness.
- Serve and Impress:
- Serve the Salted Caramel Cake to your guests and watch as they delight in the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This Southern-inspired treat is sure to be a showstopper at any gathering.
Decoration Ideas
To elevate the presentation of your salted caramel cake and make it visually appealing, here are some decoration ideas to consider:
- Caramel Shards and Drizzle: Create caramel shards by spreading melted caramel on a baking sheet and letting it cool before breaking it into shards. Place these shards on top of the cake for an elegant touch. Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the cake for a deliciously decadent finish.
- Chocolate Curls: Use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate curls from a bar of dark or milk chocolate. Arrange these curls on top of the cake for a simple yet sophisticated decoration.
- Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and freshness to your salted caramel cake by topping it with a selection of fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The vibrant colors will contrast beautifully with the caramel tones.
- Edible Flowers: For a delicate and whimsical touch, consider decorating your cake with edible flowers. Choose flowers that are pesticide-free and safe for consumption. Gently place them on the cake for a stunning and natural decoration.
- Gold Leaf: For a touch of luxury, edible gold leaf can be used to decorate the cake. Carefully apply small pieces of gold leaf to the top of the cake or along the edges for a glamorous and eye-catching finish.
- Caramel Nut Clusters: Create small clusters of nuts coated in caramel and sprinkle them on top of the cake. This adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the salted caramel beautifully.
Choose one or a combination of these decoration ideas to customize your salted caramel cake and impress your guests with a visually stunning and delectable dessert.
Storage and Serving Tips
How to Store
To store this decadent Salted Caramel Cake efficiently, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Keep the cake refrigerated for up to five days or freeze it for longer shelf life, up to three months. Before serving, defrost the cake on the counter to enjoy its deliciousness once again.
Serving Suggestions
For serving this exquisite Salted Caramel Cake, consider adding a touch of elegance and variety. Accompany each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. Garnish the cake with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a burst of bright color and a fruity twist. Another option is to drizzle extra warm salted caramel sauce over each slice for an extra indulgent experience. Enjoy this saltysweet masterpiece on its own or pair it with your favorite beverage for a truly satisfying dessert.
Conclusion
Creating a Salted Caramel Cake is a delightful experience that promises a symphony of flavors and textures. From the luscious caramel essence-infused layers to the decadent salted caramel frosting, every bite is a celebration of sweetness and saltiness. The key to a perfect Salted Caramel Cake lies in the careful balance of brown sugar, butter, and sea salt, elevating it to a gourmet dessert. By following the detailed steps for preparation, assembly, and decoration, you can showcase a visually stunning masterpiece that will captivate your guests. Remember to store any leftovers correctly to preserve the cake’s freshness and taste. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh berries, this Salted Caramel Cake is sure to be a showstopper at any gathering.