Craving a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, espresso, and salted caramel? Look no further! Picture this: a moist and indulgent chocolate espresso mini bundt cake drizzled with a luscious salted caramel sauce. The marriage of bitter espresso with sweet and salty caramel creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Inspired by a quest for the perfect pairing for affogato, this Chocolate Espresso Mini Bundt Cake with Salted Caramel is a game-changer. The unexpected harmony between the slight bitterness of the cake and the caramel’s sweetness will redefine your dessert expectations. If you, like me, lean towards a more pronounced salty note in your caramel, this recipe is tailored to satisfy your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt levels to suit your preference for the ultimate sweet and salty balance.
Equipment and Tools Needed
Kitchen Tools for Baking
- Mini bundt cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Cake plate
- Offset spatula
- Cake stand
- Non-stick mini bundt cake pans
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing pans
- Cooling rack for the cakes to cool completely
Ingredients
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Chocolate Espresso Mini Bundt Cake with Salted Caramel by gathering the following ingredients for the cake and the salted caramel glaze.
For the Chocolate Espresso Cake
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 tbsp salted butter, room temperature
- 1 and 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt
- 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp espresso powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp espresso, cooled completely
- Hot coffee
- Eggs
- Canola oil
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
- Cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 tbsp salted butter, room temperature
- 1 and 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Cake Batter
I start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and generously spraying a 6-cup bundtlette pan with baking spray. In a medium bowl, I combine the eggs, canola oil, and vanilla, whisking them together thoroughly. Then, I add the dry ingredients, including sugars, cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt, gently stirring until just combined. Finally, I pour in the hot coffee, stirring gently once more before filling the bundtlette pan with the batter.
Making the Salted Caramel
To prepare the salted caramel, I add sugar to a small pot over medium heat and cover it with water, allowing it to boil until it turns a deep amber color. Without stirring, I watch it closely and then add butter, heavy cream, and milk, whisking constantly until smooth. After removing it from the heat, I stir in vanilla extract and sea salt before pouring the caramel into a heat-safe glass jar to cool and thicken.
Baking the Mini Bundt Cakes
Baking these Mini Chocolate Espresso Bundt Cakes is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with tempting aromas. Here’s how to achieve perfect results for this decadent treat.
Filling the Pans
Carefully ladle the batter into the prepared mini Bundt cake pans, ensuring you fill them just two-thirds of the way full. This step may seem like you’re not adding enough, but filling them this way, about 1 cup of batter per cake, ensures even baking without overflowing.
Monitoring Baking Time
Once the pans are in the preheated oven, keep a close eye on the baking time. Mini Bundt cakes typically require around 20-25 minutes in the oven. To ensure they are perfectly baked, use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Assembling the Cake
To bring this Chocolate Espresso Mini Bundt Cake with Salted Caramel together, follow these steps for a stunning presentation.
Applying the Salted Caramel Glaze
- Place one mini bundt cake on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous amount of the prepared salted caramel glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides slightly.
- Repeat the process for each mini bundt cake, ensuring an even and flavorful coverage.
- Let the caramel glaze set slightly before moving on to the final touches.
- For the finishing touch, add a dollop of espresso buttercream to the top of each cake.
- Drizzle a little more salted caramel over the buttercream for an extra decadent look.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a beautiful contrast of flavors.
- Serve the Chocolate Espresso Mini Bundt Cakes with Salted Caramel to impress your guests with this indulgent dessert.
Serving and Storage Tips
Best Practices for Serving
When serving the Chocolate Espresso Mini Bundt Cakes with Salted Caramel, make sure to let the cakes come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. The flavors meld beautifully when they are not too cold. Additionally, consider pairing these decadent cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage Recommendations
To store these delightful mini bundt cakes, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full depth of flavors. If you have any leftover salted caramel sauce, store it in the refrigerator in a sealed jar. Make sure to give it a gentle reheat before drizzling it over the cakes again for that perfect finishing touch.
Conclusion
Creating these Chocolate Espresso Mini Bundt Cakes with Salted Caramel is a delightful experience that brings together the perfect balance of flavors. The rich chocolate and espresso notes combined with the sweet and salty caramel glaze make for an indulgent treat. By following the provided steps and using the recommended ingredients, you can easily impress your guests with this decadent dessert. Remember to let the cakes come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream, these mini bundt cakes are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With proper storage, you can savor these treats for days to come, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the first. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these exquisite Chocolate Espresso Mini Bundt Cakes with Salted Caramel for a truly memorable dessert experience.
