Salted Caramel Cake

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

• 225 grams Butter for a rich, deep flavor profile
• 100 grams Caster sugar
• 125 grams Light brown sugar
• 225 grams Self-raising flour
• 4 Eggs
• 2 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste
• 1 Tbsp Treacle

Buttercream

• 400 grams Unsalted butter
• 800 grams Icing sugar
• 2 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste
• 1 tin of Carnation caramel for buttercream, filling, and drip
• 1-3 tbsp Milk for consistency
• Flaky salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance

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:

• Bowls
• Spatula
• Electric whisk
• Piping bags
• Cake scrapper/palette knife
• 2 x 6-inch cake tins
• Knife

Preparation Steps

Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan ovens. This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for baking the cake when you’re ready.
2. Prepare the Cake Tins: Grease the two 6-inch cake tins with butter or a non-stick spray. Line the bottom of each tin with parchment paper to prevent the cakes from sticking.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, add 225 grams of butter, 100 grams of caster sugar, and 125 grams of light brown sugar. Using an electric whisk, beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and well combined. This process typically takes about 4-5 minutes. Properly creaming the butter and sugars helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.
4. Add Flavorings: Once the butter and sugars are creamed, whisk in 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste and 1 tablespoon of treacle until fully incorporated.
5. Incorporate Eggs: Add 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step ensures that the eggs are fully combined, which helps create a stable structure in your cake.
6. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift 225 grams of self-raising flour to remove any lumps. Sifting also helps in aerating the flour for a lighter cake texture.
7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the sifted flour into the butter and egg mixture. Use a spatula to gently combine, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to a denser cake. Stop mixing as soon as no flour streaks are visible.
8. Divide the Batter: Carefully pour or spoon the batter evenly into the prepared cake tins, ensuring that both layers are approximately the same size for even baking.
9. Bake the Cakes: Place the cake tins in the preheated oven. Bake for 32-40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Alternatively, gently press the center of the cakes; they should spring back if fully baked.
10. Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the tins from the oven and let them cool in the tins for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them completely is essential before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
11. Trim the Layers: After the cakes are completely cooled, use a serrated knife to trim the tops of each cake layer to ensure they are flat. This will help the cake stack evenly. If you wish to create four layers, carefully slice each cake in half horizontally.

Buttercream

1. Prepare the Butter: Make sure 400 grams of unsalted butter is at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother and creamier frosting.
2. Whip the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter. Using an electric whisk, beat the butter on high speed until it becomes very pale and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate Icing Sugar: Gradually add 800 grams of icing sugar in three separate batches. Mix on low speed to prevent a cloud of sugar, then increase to medium speed until fully combined and fluffy after each addition.
4. Add Flavorings and Caramel: Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste and approximately 4 tablespoons of Carnation caramel (or adjust to taste) until the mixture is smooth. The caramel will add a delicious flavor and richness to the buttercream.
5. Adjust Consistency: If the buttercream is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you reach a nice spreadable consistency. You may not need all the milk, so add it gradually.

Assembly

1. Prepare the Serving Board: Place a small dollop of buttercream in the center of your serving board or cake stand to help anchor the cake in place.
2. Stack the Cake Layers: Take the first layer of cake and place it on the serving board. Pipe a border of the buttercream around the edge of the layer to create a dam that will hold the filling inside.
3. Layering the Filling: Inside the buttercream border, drizzle a ring of Carnation caramel, then add another ring of buttercream for structure. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt for a touch of contrast and flavor.
4. Repeat Layering: Carefully place the next layer of cake on top and repeat the buttercream and caramel layering process. Continue this until all cake layers are stacked. Tip: Save the flattest piece of cake for the top layer to ensure a smooth finish.
5. Chill the Cake: Place the assembled cake into the fridge for about 20 minutes for the filling to set, making it easier to apply the crumb coat.
6. Apply the Crumb Coat: Use a palette knife to apply a very thin layer of buttercream all around the cake, sealing in any crumbs. Make it as smooth as possible. Chill in the fridge for another 20 minutes to allow the crumb coat to firm up.
7. Final Buttercream Layer: After chilling, generously apply a thick layer of buttercream all over the cake, using a cake scrapper or palette knife to smooth the sides and top to your desired finish. For a super smooth finish, you can dip the scrapper or palette knife in warm water before smoothing.
8. Set the Cake: Leave the frosted cake to set in the fridge for an additional 20 minutes.
9. Add the Caramel Drip: Take the remaining caramel and mix it in a bowl until it’s slightly runny. Using a piping bag or spoon, carefully drizzle the caramel along the edges of the cake, allowing it to naturally drip down the sides for a beautiful effect.
10. Final Decoration: Decorate the top of the cake to your liking. You can pipe some buttercream around the edges and sprinkle with fudge pieces and flaky salt. Alternatively, simply pour more caramel over the top for a decadent finish.
11. Final Chill: Place the cake back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to ensure the caramel and frosting set properly.
12. Serve: Once set, slice the cake and enjoy the luxurious combination of flavors!

This detailed preparation guide will help you create a stunning and delicious Salted Caramel Cake that is sure to impress!

Enjoy!

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.

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. By following the detailed steps for preparation, assembly, and decoration, you can showcase a visually stunning masterpiece that will captivate your guests. Enjoy this salty-sweet masterpiece on its own or paired with your favorite beverage for a truly satisfying dessert.

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