Why You Should Make This Salted Caramel Cake
Salted caramel is a delicious and indulgent flavor that everyone loves. This cake is moist, fluffy, and full of rich caramel flavor that is perfectly balanced with a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s perfect for any special occasion, and will impress your guests with its beautiful layers and decadent taste.
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Cake
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 400g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 350g all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 240ml whole milk
- 240ml buttermilk
How to Make Salted Caramel Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease three 8-inch cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk and buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth out the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of salted caramel sauce over the top of the cake, leaving a small border around the edge. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, spreading more caramel sauce between each layer.
- Once all the layers are stacked, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the cake. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve.
Variations
Vegan Salted Caramel Cake
To make this cake vegan, you can substitute the butter for vegan butter and the eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg). Use non-dairy milk and buttermilk, and make sure your caramel sauce is vegan as well.
Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Cake
To make this cake gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake
For a chocolatey twist, you can add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and reduce the flour to 300g. You can also add chocolate chips to the batter for extra decadence.
Conclusion
This salted caramel cake is a delicious and impressive dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. It’s easy to make and will definitely impress your guests with its beautiful layers and rich caramel flavor. Give it a try and let us know how you liked it!
FAQ
Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making your own. However, the homemade version will have a richer, more complex flavor.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, make sure to thoroughly grease and flour the pan before adding the batter. You can also use parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan.
Can I use a different type of frosting instead of buttercream?
Yes, you can use a different type of frosting instead of buttercream. Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream would also pair well with this cake.
How long will the cake stay fresh?
The cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I use a different type of salt instead of sea salt?
Yes, you can use a different type of salt instead of sea salt. However, sea salt is recommended for its unique flavor and texture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How do I make the caramel sauce without burning it?
To make the caramel sauce without burning it, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir constantly over low heat. Keep a close eye on the sauce as it can quickly go from golden brown to burnt.
Can I add nuts or other toppings to the cake?
Yes, you can add nuts or other toppings to the cake. Chopped pecans or walnuts would pair well with the salted caramel flavor.
How do I make the cake layers even and flat?
To make the cake layers even and flat, use a serrated knife to gently level off the tops of the cakes before layering and frosting. You can also use a cake leveler tool to ensure that each layer is the same height.
