If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a celebration with every bite, look no further than this Luxurious Salted Caramel Cake Recipe. It perfectly balances rich, buttery caramel with just the right hint of salt to create a symphony of flavors that melt in your mouth. This cake is not only stunning to look at but also incredibly moist and indulgent, making it a sensational centerpiece for any special occasion or a stunning treat to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem familiar, but together they bring something truly special to your Luxurious Salted Caramel Cake Recipe. Each component plays its own delicious role, ensuring the cake’s crumb, sweetness, and moistness come together in perfect harmony.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its tender yet sturdy crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the caramel.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to both the cake and frosting.
- Brown sugar: Brings deep caramel flavor and moisture.
- Eggs: Bind everything together while adding structure and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Whole milk and sour cream: These keep the cake moist and tender, with sour cream adding a subtle tang.
- Heavy cream: Provides extra richness and silkiness.
- Salted caramel sauce: The star ingredient that infuses the cake and frosting with luxurious caramel goodness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the texture of the frosting perfectly.
How to Make Luxurious Salted Caramel Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your pans and dry ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and make sure to grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans—this step is key to a smooth release later. Then whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, making sure everything is well combined. This dry mix provides the base for the cake’s tender crumb.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until your mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is essential for creating a cake that’s moist with a wonderful crumb.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to incorporate each fully before adding the next. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to keep everything blended perfectly. Stir in your vanilla extract here to infuse the batter with warm, aromatic flavor.
Step 4: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk mixture
Combine your whole milk and sour cream in a separate bowl. Now, add your dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and sour cream blend. Always start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently just until combined with each addition to prevent overworking the batter.
Step 5: Fold in salted caramel sauce
Pour in the salted caramel sauce and carefully fold it into the batter. This is the moment that makes this cake feel truly luxurious, distributing pockets of caramel flavor throughout every bite.
Step 6: Bake the cake layers
Divide your batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops slightly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the salted caramel frosting
While your cakes cool, beat the softened butter for the frosting until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth and fluffy. Then mix in salted caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and salt, whipping everything together until you have a light, spreadable frosting bursting with that signature salted caramel flavor.
Step 8: Assemble the cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Then add the second layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining icing. For a finishing touch, drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the top—this is what transforms your creation into a truly luxurious masterpiece. Let the cake set for 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to firm up a bit.
How to Serve Luxurious Salted Caramel Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, try garnishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some delicate caramel shards. Whipped cream rosettes or a handful of toasted pecans can add texture and visual appeal while complementing the salty-sweet theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream pairs wonderfully with this cake. For something fruitier, fresh berries or a simple berry coulis add a refreshing contrast that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your cake display to the next level by serving slices with a little extra caramel sauce drizzled on the side, or plate individual portions with a dusting of powdered sugar and a mint leaf. For an elegant gathering, slice the cake finely and serve on delicate dessert plates with gold accents—it’s bound to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Luxurious Salted Caramel Cake Recipe is frosted, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps preserve the freshness and keeps your frosting smooth and delicious for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either before or after frosting. Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cake layers can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling or serving.
Reheating
Because this is a frosted cake, reheating is best done by letting the cake come to room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture and cause the caramel to get overly soft.
FAQs
Can I make this Luxurious Salted Caramel Cake Recipe dairy-free?
While the traditional recipe relies on butter, cream, and sour cream, you can substitute with dairy-free margarine or coconut cream for a dairy-free version, though the flavor and texture might be slightly different but still delightful.
How can I make salted caramel sauce at home for this recipe?
Homemade salted caramel sauce is made by melting sugar until amber, then carefully whisking in butter and cream, finishing with a pinch of sea salt. It’s a fun project and makes your cake even more special!
Is it better to use salted or unsalted butter for this cake?
Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the saltiness precisely, especially since salted caramel adds salt already. This helps maintain a balanced flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in larger or multiple pans. Keep an eye on baking time as it might vary slightly depending on pan size.
What is the best way to achieve a moist cake texture?
Alternating the addition of dry ingredients with milk and sour cream keeps the batter hydrated without overmixing. Also, don’t overbake. Remove the cake as soon as a toothpick comes out clean for a tender crumb.
Final Thoughts
This Luxurious Salted Caramel Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that feels like a warm hug wrapped in caramel and sweetness. Whether it’s for a celebration or an indulgent treat, I encourage you to try making it yourself—your taste buds will thank you for the journey.
Print
Luxurious Salted Caramel Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a luxurious Salted Caramel Cake that combines moist, tender layers with a rich salted caramel flavor. This cake features a perfectly balanced batter made with brown sugar, sour cream, and salted caramel sauce, topped with a creamy salted caramel frosting. It’s an elegant dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
Salted Caramel Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, scraping the bowl sides as needed. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine milk and sour cream: In a separate bowl, mix the whole milk and sour cream.
- Alternate dry and wet ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk-sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition.
- Fold in salted caramel: Pour in the salted caramel sauce and gently fold it into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Pour into pans and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating until smooth.
- Add caramel and flavorings: Mix in the salted caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and salt, beating on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly.
- Decorate: Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the top for a luxurious finish.
- Set and serve: Allow the cake to sit for about 30 minutes to let the frosting firm up slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute salted caramel sauce with homemade caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt for a personalized touch.
- Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal batter consistency.
- For an extra moist cake, avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Let the cake warm to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
