Name: Salted Caramel Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 140 g granulated sugar; 1 1/2 tbsp water; 40 g butter; 150 g heavy cream; Big pinch of salt; 340 g all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 3/4 tsp baking powder; 3/4 tsp baking soda; 3/4 tsp salt; 180 g butter, room temperature; 300 g granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 240 g sour cream (14-18%), room temperature; 60 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 400 g butter, room temperature; 660 g powdered sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2-3 tbsp prepared caramel (from above)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to impress your friends and family with an irresistible treat, this Salted Caramel Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture layers of moist vanilla cake paired with a luscious salted caramel buttercream that perfectly balances sweetness and a delicate salty kick. Every bite melts in your mouth leaving behind rich, deep caramel notes that make this cake utterly unforgettable. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to desserts to show off your baking skills while satisfying every caramel lover’s dream.

The image shows a slice of cake with three layers of soft, light yellow sponge separated by two thin layers of smooth caramel sauce and white cream. The cake is frosted with white cream on the outside, with caramel slightly dripping down the sides. The slice is placed on two stacked white plates, set on a white marbled surface. In the foreground, a spoon with a little caramel sauce rests near the plates, and a white cloth is partially visible. The background is softly blurred with warm light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Salted Caramel Cake Recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients that come together perfectly to create a moist, flavorful cake and silky smooth caramel frosting. Each element, from the flour to the butter and the carefully balanced salt, plays a key role in achieving that gorgeous texture and unforgettable taste.

Granulated sugar: Essential for caramelizing and for sweetness in the cake batter.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly for smooth caramel.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake and caramel.
Heavy cream: Creates a velvety caramel sauce when combined with butter and sugar.
Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances sweetness in both cake and caramel.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to the cake layers.
Cornstarch: Lightens the cake, keeping it soft and fluffy.
Baking powder and baking soda: Both leavening agents ensure the cake rises perfectly.
Butter (room temperature): Creamed with sugar for the cake’s tender crumb.
Granulated sugar for the batter: Sweetens and helps with the cake’s texture.
Eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients and add moisture and richness.
Sour cream: Adds moistness and subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and helps with moisture retention.
Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor and aroma in both cake and frosting.
Powdered sugar: Key to creating the silky smooth buttercream.
Caramel: Used in the frosting and for decoration, reinforcing the rich caramel flavor.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Salted Caramel

Start by combining granulated sugar and water in a saucepan, making sure all sugar is evenly wet for a smooth melt. Cook over medium-high heat, watching carefully as sugar melts and colors to a perfect golden brown. Stir gently to help it melt evenly. Then, reduce heat to medium and work swiftly by stirring butter into the caramel, followed by adding heavy cream slowly—all the while keeping your hands safe from the vigorous bubbling. Finally, add a pinch of salt for that signature salted caramel taste and cool the mixture in the fridge until it reaches room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Cake Layers

Preheat your oven and prepare pans with parchment paper to ensure your beautiful cake layers come out perfectly. Sift together all dry ingredients, which will make the batter smooth and lump-free. Cream butter and sugar thoroughly, then add eggs two at a time to fully incorporate the goodness. Alternate adding the dry mix and wet ingredients like sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract to keep the texture just right. Divide the batter evenly into your pans and bake for about 20 minutes until a tester comes out clean, then cool completely before assembling.

Step 3: Whip Up the Caramel Buttercream

Sift powdered sugar to keep your buttercream light and airy. Beat butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar and caramel sauce along with vanilla extract for that heavenly flavor. Make sure to scrape the bowl to mix everything evenly, creating a silk-smooth frosting that’s not too sweet but perfectly balanced with that irresistible caramel essence.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cake

Place your first vanilla cake layer on your serving board, spread a generous layer of caramel buttercream, and drizzle with caramel sauce, leaving edges free so it doesn’t spill. Repeat with the second layer, then top with the final cake layer. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill to firm up, then finish with more frosting and a final flourish of caramel – swirl it into the frosting if you want a show-stopping look. Your Salted Caramel Cake Recipe masterpiece is ready!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cake Recipe

The image shows a three-layer vanilla cake with smooth white frosting covering the whole cake. Between each layer is a thick spread of bright orange caramel sauce. The top of the cake is decorated with a swirl of caramel sauce gently spread over the frosting. The cake sits on a white marbled surface with two blurred glass bottles in the background, one filled with milk. A white cloth and a small silver spoon are placed in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the salted caramel flavor, while a few caramel shards or chopped toasted nuts can add delightful texture and visual appeal. Fresh whipped cream or even a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on the side creates a stunning finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with lightly brewed coffee or a smooth glass of milk, both of which balance its rich sweetness. For a more elegant touch, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a well-rounded dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, try serving this Salted Caramel Cake Recipe as mini individual cakes or as cupcakes with a caramel drizzle and a pinch of salt on top. You can also layer it with a thin caramel glaze on each tier for extra moisture and shine, turning it into a spectacular centerpiece dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover salted caramel cake tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. This helps preserve the delicate moisture and flavor for up to 4 days, ensuring every bite remains delicious.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully! Simply wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then foil before freezing. You can also freeze a fully assembled cake, but it’s best to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh frosting or caramel drizzle before serving.

Reheating

If you’d like to warm a slice, let it come to room temperature first, then microwave it gently for 10-15 seconds. This will soften the buttercream and bring out the rich caramel notes without melting the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I make the salted caramel ahead of time?

Absolutely! The salted caramel sauce can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before adding it to your buttercream or drizzling over the cake.

What type of salt works best in this recipe?

The best choice is a flaky sea salt for finishing the cake because it adds a subtle crunch and mild saltiness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet caramel.

Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute as it maintains moisture and adds a touch of tanginess to the cake.

Is this cake suitable for beginners?

Yes! While making salted caramel may seem intimidating, the steps are straightforward if you keep an eye on the sugar to avoid burning. The rest of the recipe is forgiving and perfect for home bakers wanting to elevate their skills.

How do I avoid the caramel from crystallizing?

Make sure all sugar crystals dissolve completely before caramelizing and avoid stirring too much once it begins to melt. Using a wet brush to clean down the sides of the pan can also help prevent crystallization.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Cake Recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures that make every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake will fill your kitchen with warmth and joy while winning over everyone lucky enough to taste it. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and create your own caramel masterpiece today!

Salted Caramel Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need