SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

If you’re looking for a dessert that will impress everyone around the table, you’ve come to the right place! This SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is my go-to for celebrations, cozy family dinners, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day. Every bite is a delightful mix of moist chocolate cake layered with rich fudge frosting and drizzled with luscious salted caramel. Trust me, it’s a slice of heaven!

What makes this cake truly special is how easy it is to whip up, even on busy weeknights. It’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply when you want to indulge in something decadent. Your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and salted caramel will make your taste buds dance.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert without stress.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore this cake, making it ideal for gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare ahead of time and store in the fridge, so you’re ready for any occasion!
• Showstopper Presentation: Impress your friends with layers of cake and fudge frosting that look as good as they taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious masterpiece!

For the Cake

• 2 cups all purpose flour (260g), sifted
• 1.5 tsp baking powder
• 1.5 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• ⅔ cup light brown sugar (135g)
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs, ideally room temp
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil (133g)
• ⅓ cup buttermilk (80g) – mix ⅓ cup whole milk (80g) + 1 teaspoon vinegar to make your own
• 1 cup sour cream (240g), ideally room temp
• ¾ cup cocoa powder, Dutch Processed preferred (75g)
• 2 tsp instant coffee
• ¾ cup boiling water (180g)

For the Fudge Frosting

• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter (70g)
• ½ cup heavy cream, warmed up (120g)
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla
• 200g dark chocolate (70%)

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temp (226g)
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder (33g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (100g)
• ½ cup salted caramel sauce from above

For Whipping Cream

• 1 cup heavy cream, cold (240g)

Variations

One of the best parts about this SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to fit different tastes or dietary needs.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Switch Up the Chocolate: Use white chocolate instead of dark for a different flavor profile.
• Try Different Frostings: Experiment with a vanilla buttercream or a chocolate ganache if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary preferences.

How to Make SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mixing these together well helps ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout your cake.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re fluffy. Then add vegetable oil, buttermilk, sour cream, and instant coffee dissolved in boiling water. Mixing wet ingredients separately allows for better incorporation into your dry mixture later on.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; just blend until everything is combined beautifully. This step ensures your cake remains tender and moist.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between two greased round cake pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 5: Make the Fudge Frosting

While your cakes cool down, let’s whip up that irresistible fudge frosting! Start by heating sugar in a saucepan until it melts into a golden caramel color. Once melted, stir in butter and warm cream carefully—watch out for splatters! Add salt and vanilla before folding in dark chocolate until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

Once everything has cooled completely, spread some salted caramel sauce between layers before adding that lush fudge frosting on top. Don’t forget to finish off with whipped cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence!

And there you have it—a gorgeous SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE that’s sure to be loved by everyone who gets a slice! Enjoy every delectable bite!

Pro Tips for Making SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Creating this decadent cake is a joy, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll ensure it turns out perfectly each time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Let your eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a more uniform batter, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake.

• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder not only removes lumps but also aerates the mixture. This can lead to a more tender cake texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a denser cake instead of the moist fudge delight we want.

• Check for doneness early: Ovens vary widely in temperature. Start checking your cake around 50 minutes into baking by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10-15 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Frosting on warm cakes can melt and ruin that beautiful layered look!

How to Serve SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE

Serving this stunning cake is almost as delightful as making it! It’s perfect for gatherings or special occasions where you want to impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Fresh berries: A handful of raspberries or strawberries not only add color but also a refreshing tartness that complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side can elevate each bite and balance flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! Creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warm fudge layers, creating an indulgent dessert experience.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chocolate.
• Coffee or espresso: Serving this cake with a cup of strong coffee enhances its chocolatey flavor while offering a cozy vibe perfect for dessert time.
• Chocolate sauce drizzle: For those who can’t get enough chocolate, serve with an extra drizzle of chocolate sauce over each slice for an over-the-top treat!

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re all set to create an unforgettable Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake experience that will have everyone raving! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time to save yourself some stress on special occasions or simply to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the cake, it’s best to do so without the frosting.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
• For a warm slice, microwave it on low power for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.
• If you prefer, you can also warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe.

Can I use a different type of chocolate in the Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate adds richness, you can substitute it with semi-sweet or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile.

How should I store my Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake?

Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like traditional flour. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How long will the salted caramel sauce last?

Homemade salted caramel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just reheat gently before using!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake brings joy and sweetness into your home! Its rich flavors and moist texture make it truly special—perfect for any celebration or just because. Enjoy making this delightful treat, and don’t hesitate to share your baking adventures with friends and family. Happy baking!