There’s something truly heartwarming about a Salted Caramel Cake. It envelops you in a sweet embrace, inviting you to savor each bite, where the rich flavor dances on your palate. Picture this: the aroma wafting from the oven, a blend of butter and sugar caramelizing to perfection, wrapping your kitchen in warmth as you wait impatiently to dive in.
Salted Caramel Cake
A heartwarming Salted Caramel Cake that combines delightful flavors into a sweet treat perfect for family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- 2 cups caramel buttercream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Layer each cake with caramel buttercream, drizzle with salted caramel sauce, and decorate the top with more buttercream and caramel.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for better blending. Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the texture fluffy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Let’s Make It Together
Gather ‘round as we bake this delightful Salted Caramel Cake that promises to be an instant family favorite. With each step, you’ll feel the cozy charm of homemade goodness enveloping you, creating a sense of togetherness you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- 2 cups caramel buttercream
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease two 9-inch round cake pans so nothing sticks when it’s time to turn them out.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Just like that, the warmth and sweetness start to create a joyful ambiance in your kitchen.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. You’ll notice a lovely fragrance starting to fill the air.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is where the structure of your cake begins to take shape.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until the batter is smooth and well combined. It should look velvety and inviting.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, filling your home with a mouthwatering aroma.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, layer each cake with the luscious caramel buttercream and drizzle with that irresistible salted caramel sauce. Finally, decorate the top with more buttercream and another drizzle of caramel for that extra touch of sweetness.
- Slice and serve, watching as your family gathers around to indulge in this delicious dessert.
Nutritional Snapshot
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 65g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
This Salted Caramel Cake is a delightful balance of flavors, packed with sugars and fats that provide energy without feeling too heavy. It’s a rare treat that brings joy to your taste buds.
When to Enjoy It
This cake effortlessly finds its place at family dinners, cozy brunches, or as a sweet ending to a chilly winter evening. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, or for a fun twist, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to frolic in flavor. It’s sure to become a staple that everyone looks forward to at gatherings.
Keep It Fresh
To store your Salted Caramel Cake, simply wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Betty’s Secrets
- Use room temperature ingredients. They blend together more smoothly, ensuring a tender cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added. Gentle folding creates a fluffy texture.
- Enhance the caramel flavor by using dark brown sugar instead of regular sugar for an extra depth of taste.
- Let your cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each slice before serving to amplify the salted caramel taste.
Creative Twists
- Add a generous teaspoon of cinnamon to the flour mixture for a warm, cozy twist, perfect for fall.
- Incorporate chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- For a berry-infused delight, layer fresh strawberries or raspberries between the cake and frosting for a burst of freshness.
Your Questions Answered
What’s the best way to serve Salted Caramel Cake? A warm slice on its own is delightful, but pair it with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy combination that brings the best out of the ingredients.
Can I make this cake in advance? Absolutely! You can bake and frost the cake a day before serving. Just store it covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking? Always grease your cake pans thoroughly and consider adding a dusting of flour. This simple step will ensure smooth removal.
What if I don’t have salted caramel sauce? You can make your own easily by melting sugar and butter together, adding cream, and finishing with a pinch of sea salt for that delightful balance.