This Salted Caramel Cake is a dessert lover’s dream come true. With its moist vanilla layers and rich salted caramel buttercream, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple treat, this cake is sure to impress.
The homemade salted caramel sauce adds an extra layer of depth and flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s not just a cake; it’s a celebration on a plate. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any day you want to make special.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
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2½ cups all-purpose flour
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2½ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1 cup sour cream, room temperature
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½ cup vegetable oil
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
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1 cup granulated sugar
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon sea salt
For the Salted Caramel Buttercream:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
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½ cup salted caramel sauce (from above)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream and oil, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
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For the salted caramel sauce, heat sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns amber. Carefully add butter and stir until melted. Slowly add heavy cream, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let cool to room temperature.
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For the buttercream, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in salted caramel sauce until smooth and fluffy.
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To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream over the top. Repeat with remaining cake layers and buttercream. Drizzle with cooled salted caramel sauce before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 650 kcal per serving
Servings: 12 slices
Introduction to Salted Caramel Cake
Salted Caramel Cake is a modern-day dessert marvel that marries the richness of classic vanilla sponge with the decadence of silky, sweet-yet-salty caramel. It is beloved for its dynamic flavor contrast and indulgent texture, offering a satisfying depth that elevates it above traditional cakes. This dessert is perfect for celebrations, birthdays, and holidays, or simply as a treat-yourself moment after a long week. With its golden layers, buttery caramel notes, and a velvety buttercream finish, it delivers not just taste, but also visual elegance worthy of a bakery showcase.
Why Salted Caramel is So Popular
Salted caramel has become one of the most iconic flavor trends of the last decade, and for good reason. It hits the palate in all the right places—combining sweetness, richness, and a pop of salinity that enhances everything it touches. The salt acts as a flavor enhancer, deepening the caramel’s natural toasted sugar notes. It also balances out what could otherwise be an overwhelmingly sweet dessert, making the flavor more complex and palatable. In a layered cake, salted caramel brings a unique twist, ensuring every bite is indulgent yet surprisingly balanced.
Texture and Flavor Profile
The texture of this cake is an integral part of its appeal. Each forkful combines the moist crumb of the vanilla cake with the soft, creamy spread of caramel buttercream. The cake layers are dense yet fluffy, making them ideal for soaking up drizzles of homemade caramel sauce. Meanwhile, the buttercream is rich and luscious but whipped enough to remain light on the palate. When assembled, this cake boasts an ideal blend of soft sponge, silky frosting, and sticky-sweet caramel ribbons. The flavor is rich, buttery, and comforting, with notes of vanilla, brown sugar, and sea salt mingling together harmoniously.
Perfect Occasions for Serving
While Salted Caramel Cake may be considered a showstopper for holidays and birthdays, it’s versatile enough to work for almost any celebration. It’s a stunning centerpiece for a dessert table at a baby shower, a wedding, or even a cozy family dinner. Its golden tones and luxurious finish make it ideal for fall and winter gatherings, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, thanks to its universal flavors, it’s also fitting for warm-weather celebrations when you want something decadent without the heaviness of chocolate.
Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Cake
To truly elevate this recipe, use high-quality ingredients, especially for the caramel sauce. A deep amber caramel made from real butter and heavy cream makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. Additionally, allowing each cake layer to cool completely before assembly is crucial for maintaining the structure and preventing melting.
If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt between layers or over the top of the cake. This not only intensifies the salted caramel profile but also adds an elegant finishing touch. Some bakers also like to add a hidden caramel center or caramelized nuts for texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common errors when making Salted Caramel Cake is rushing the caramel sauce. If not given enough time to caramelize properly, the sauce can end up tasting overly sweet without the deep, complex flavor that makes it special. On the other hand, overcooking the caramel can lead to bitterness. Using a thermometer to monitor the sugar’s temperature or relying on color cues (deep golden, not dark brown) is essential.
Another mistake is overmixing the batter, which can result in a tough, dry cake. Gentle folding and mixing just until combined will ensure a tender crumb. Lastly, improper cooling can ruin the assembly. Warm cake layers will melt the buttercream, leading to a sloppy finish and potential sliding. Patience is key.
Presentation and Decoration Ideas
Salted Caramel Cake is naturally stunning, but with the right decorative touches, it can become a true showpiece. Consider finishing the top with a caramel drip effect by carefully spooning cooled caramel sauce over the edge, allowing it to drip down the sides in thick ribbons. A swirl of buttercream rosettes or piping around the border can add an elegant touch.
Edible gold leaf, chopped pecans, or even toffee shards can provide both contrast and flair. For a rustic look, keep the sides semi-naked to reveal the cake layers underneath. For a more polished look, go with a smooth, frosted finish and top it with caramel-dipped apples or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
Storing and Making Ahead
Salted Caramel Cake stores exceptionally well, which makes it a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance and keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. The caramel sauce and buttercream can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
Once assembled, the cake should be stored in the refrigerator if not served within 24 hours. However, always allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. The buttercream and caramel are especially creamy and flavorful when not cold.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a range of drinks. For something cozy, serve with a latte, chai tea, or hot cocoa. For an adult twist, pair it with a dessert wine like a Sauternes or a rich port. Salted Caramel Cake also plays well with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side.
You can also turn the recipe into cupcakes or a layer cake trifle for more casual events. If you’re hosting a dessert buffet, mini cake slices or pre-portioned squares served in small ramekins make for an easy and elegant touch.
Why This Cake Stands Out
What makes this cake a standout is its masterful balance. It satisfies those with a sweet tooth, yet doesn’t overwhelm. The salt enhances the sugar. The buttercream complements the sponge. Each component, from the texture to the flavor to the visual, is crafted with thought and care. It’s a celebration of contrasts—light yet rich, sweet yet salty, comforting yet elevated.
Additionally, the recipe is approachable even for novice bakers. With basic ingredients and a bit of technique, you can create a cake that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a high-end bakery. Whether you’re a weekend baker or a seasoned dessert artist, this is one cake that delivers on every level.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a statement. With its rich vanilla layers, buttery caramel accents, and luxurious texture, it brings together the best elements of indulgent baking. It’s ideal for celebrations but accessible enough for everyday cravings. The salt-kissed caramel adds a gourmet touch that turns a simple cake into an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re baking it for a holiday feast, a friend’s birthday, or a special night in, Salted Caramel Cake is sure to leave a lasting impression. It speaks of comfort and class, and with a bit of care and creativity, you can make it the centerpiece of any dessert table.