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Salted Caramel Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 294 reviews

This Salted Caramel Cake features moist vanilla layers enveloped in luscious caramel buttercream. The cake is infused with a buttery caramel layer, offering a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Ideal for celebrations or any special occasion, it showcases a classic baking technique combined with decadent caramel frosting for an irresistible dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Salted Caramel

  • 140 g granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp water
  • 40 g butter
  • 150 g heavy cream
  • Big pinch of salt

Vanilla Cake Layers

  • 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

Caramel Buttercream

  • 400 g butter, room temperature
  • 660 g powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp prepared caramel (from above)

Instructions

  1. Make Salted Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water, stirring to wet the sugar completely and flattening the mixture into an even layer. Heat over medium-high heat, allowing the sugar to melt and turn golden brown, occasionally stirring for even melting. Once golden, reduce heat to medium and stir in butter until melted. Gradually add heavy cream, stirring after each addition to incorporate fully. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir constantly until smooth, then remove from heat, add a pinch of salt, and transfer to a shallow bowl to cool to room temperature in the fridge (30-60 minutes).
  2. Prepare Cake Layers: Preheat the oven to 170ºC (340ºF) conventional. Line three 20 cm (8 inch) baking pans with parchment paper. Sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, cream the granulated sugar and butter on high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs two at a time, mixing until combined after each addition. Mix in half the dry ingredients on low speed until just incorporated. Add sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract and mix gently. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold batter gently with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing. Divide batter evenly among pans. Bake 19-22 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid browning; the cakes should remain light. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Make Caramel Buttercream: Sift powdered sugar and set aside. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat butter on medium-high speed for 4 minutes until creamy, scraping bowl sides as needed. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of cooled caramel in two additions, whipping thoroughly after each. Scrape bowl and beat on low speed for an additional minute to achieve smooth, fluffy buttercream.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving dish or cake board. Spread 2 large scoops of caramel buttercream evenly over the layer using an offset spatula. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of caramel over the buttercream, leaving the edges free to prevent spillage. Repeat for the second layer, then top with the third cake layer. Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream to cover the cake completely. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up the crumb coat. Finish by evenly spreading remaining buttercream over the cake. Optionally, drizzle and swirl remaining caramel atop the cake for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Allow the caramel to cool completely before adding to the buttercream to prevent melting.
  • Room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, sour cream) ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
  • Do not overbake the cake layers; they should remain light in color and moist in texture.
  • Use an offset spatula for easy and even frosting application.
  • Storing the cake refrigerated helps the buttercream set and enhances flavor melding.

Keywords: Salted caramel cake, vanilla cake, caramel buttercream, homemade caramel, layered cake, dessert recipe

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/salted-caramel-cake-recipe/