Description
Salted Caramel Layer Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
For the Filling:
1 1/2 cups salted caramel sauce
1 cup buttercream frosting
For the Topping:
1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cakes cool completely.
6. Layer the cakes with buttercream frosting and salted caramel sauce between each layer.
7. Spread caramel sauce over the top layer, letting it drizzle down the sides.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect cake. After baking and cooling your layers, prepare your filling by mixing 1 cup of buttercream frosting with 1/2 cup of the salted caramel sauce. Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Using a piping bag or offset spatula, create a dam of plain buttercream around the edge. Fill the center with a generous layer of the caramel-buttercream mixture. Carefully place the second layer and repeat. Top with the final cake layer. Apply a thin “crumb coat” of buttercream over the entire cake and chill for 20 minutes. Finally, spread the remaining 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the top, gently encouraging it to drip decoratively down the sides.
Serving Suggestions
This rich cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a dessert platter, serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to balance the salted caramel’s intensity. Garnish individual slices with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a few gold leaf flakes, or chopped toasted pecans for added texture and visual appeal.
How-to Summary
To make a salted caramel layer cake: 1) Mix and bake the vanilla cake layers. 2) Cool completely. 3) Blend caramel into some buttercream for the filling. 4) Stack layers with the filling, using a buttercream dam. 5) Apply a crumb coat and chill. 6) Finish with a glossy caramel drip on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cake layers ahead of time? Absolutely. Wrap the cooled layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw before assembling.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Make a DIY version by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
How do I get a smooth caramel drip? Ensure your caramel sauce is at room temperature or slightly warm—not hot. Test the consistency on the side of the bowl before applying to the chilled cake.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Yes, but choose a high-quality, thick sauce. For the best flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the “salted” element.
How should I store the finished cake? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten, leading to a dense, tough cake. Mix until just combined after adding dry ingredients.
- Assembling with warm layers: Warm cake will melt the frosting and cause layers to slide. Ensure cakes are completely cool.
- Runny caramel drip: Using caramel that is too thin or warm will cause it to flood down the sides. Chill the cake first and test consistency.
- Skimping on the filling dam: Not creating a buttercream barrier around each layer’s edge can cause the filling to seep out.
Conclusion
This salted caramel layer cake is a show-stopping dessert that masterfully balances sweet and salty flavors. While the process has several steps, careful preparation—especially ensuring cool layers and the right caramel consistency—leads to a professional and utterly delicious result. The combination of moist vanilla cake, rich caramel filling, and glossy topping is guaranteed to impress any gathering. Remember, patience in cooling and assembly is your secret ingredient for a perfect slice every time.