Chocolate caramel cake is a delicious dessert that combines two classic flavors – chocolate and caramel. It is usually made with a chocolate cake base, which is layered with caramel sauce or caramel frosting. The cake is then topped with more caramel sauce and often finished with chocolate shavings or chocolate ganache.
The chocolate cake base of this recipe is typically moist and rich, with a deep chocolate flavor. The caramel flavor comes from caramel sauce or caramel frosting, which is made by heating sugar until it turns into a golden brown caramel. The caramel is then mixed with butter and cream to create a smooth and creamy frosting.
When the chocolate and caramel flavors are combined in a chocolate caramel cake, they create a truly indulgent and satisfying dessert. The rich chocolate flavor is balanced by the sweet and gooey caramel, making it a perfect treat for any chocolate lover. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge in something sweet, a chocolate caramel cake is a great choice.
Here is a recipe for a delicious chocolate caramel cake:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the caramel frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Tap the pans lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the caramel frosting, beat the butter and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
To assemble the cake, place one layer of the chocolate cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of caramel frosting over the top of the cake, then top it with the second layer of cake. Spread another layer of frosting over the second layer, then top with the third layer of cake. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
Serve the chocolate caramel cake immediately, or refrigerate it until ready to serve.
Here are a few more things you might want to know about chocolate caramel cake:
You can also add layers of caramel sauce between the layers of chocolate cake to give the cake an extra boost of caramel flavor. Simply heat some store-bought caramel sauce (or make your own by melting sugar and butter together) until it is thin enough to spread, and then drizzle it over the top of each cake layer before frosting.
If you want to add a little crunch to your chocolate caramel cake, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts over the top or mix them into the caramel frosting. Pecans or hazelnuts work particularly well with the chocolate and caramel flavors.
If you’re not a fan of frosting, you can also make a chocolate caramel cake with a caramel glaze instead. To make a caramel glaze, combine equal parts caramel sauce and heavy cream in a saucepan and heat until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Let the glaze cool slightly, then pour it over the top of the cooled chocolate cake.
Chocolate caramel cake is a great choice for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays to just a special weekend treat. It’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves chocolate and caramel! Enjoy!
