Salted Caramel Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Salted caramel layer cake with cream cheese frosting is a luxurious dessert that features soft, moist cake layers filled and frosted with tangy cream cheese frosting and finished with a generous drizzle of rich salted caramel. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy—ideal for special occasions or any time you want to make an impression.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake brings together bold and complementary flavors in a visually stunning presentation. The layers are tender and flavorful, the frosting is smooth and not overly sweet, and the homemade salted caramel provides a deep, buttery richness. It’s a celebration-worthy dessert that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract

For the cream cheese frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

For the salted caramel:

• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry.
6. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Make the frosting:
7. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.

Make the caramel:
8. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar until amber-colored. Add butter, then slowly stir in cream. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let cool.

Assemble the cake:
9. Layer the cakes with cream cheese frosting between each layer. Spread frosting on the outside and top with cooled caramel. Chill slightly before slicing.

Servings and timing

Serves: 12
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 1.5 hours
Total time: about 2.5 hours

Variations

• Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a salted caramel chocolate cake.
• Nutty Add-In: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for texture.
• Alternate Frosting: Use Swiss meringue buttercream for a less tangy finish.
• Caramel Swirl: Swirl caramel into the frosting between layers for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. Slices can be frozen for up to 1 month—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Do not reheat; serve chilled or room temperature for best texture.

FAQs

How do I keep my cake layers moist?

Use room-temperature ingredients and avoid overbaking. Buttermilk also helps ensure tenderness.

Can I make the caramel ahead?

Yes, store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Rewarm slightly before using.

What’s the best way to frost this cake cleanly?

Chill the layers before frosting and apply a crumb coat before the final layer of frosting.

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes, but homemade caramel provides a richer, fresher flavor.

How do I get even cake layers?

Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly and level cakes before stacking.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and check all labels for gluten-free certification.

Does the caramel harden?

It thickens as it cools but remains pourable. If it hardens too much, gently reheat it.

Can I make cupcakes from this recipe?

Yes, the batter works well for cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.

Is this frosting overly sweet?

No, the cream cheese balances the sugar, offering a tangy contrast to the caramel.

Can I use salted butter?

For better control of flavor, use unsalted butter and add salt to taste, especially in the caramel.

Conclusion

Salted caramel layer cake with cream cheese frosting is an elegant and indulgent dessert that combines texture, depth, and balance in every slice. Whether served at a birthday, holiday, or dinner party, its rich layers and silky frosting make it a standout centerpiece—and a deliciously unforgettable treat.

Print