Salted Caramel Layer Cake

Short description
Salted Caramel Layer Cake is a luxurious dessert that blends sweet and salty in perfect harmony. With soft vanilla cake layers, silky caramel buttercream, and a golden salted caramel drizzle, this cake is as elegant as it is irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake delivers a rich flavor experience—light sponge cake balanced by a decadent caramel filling and just a touch of sea salt. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or when you want to impress guests with a show-stopping dessert.

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
• unsalted butter
• granulated sugar
• eggs
• vanilla extract
• buttermilk
• caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• powdered sugar
• heavy cream
• sea salt (for topping)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter among pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
6. For caramel buttercream, beat butter, powdered sugar, and caramel sauce until smooth. Add a bit of cream for consistency.
7. Assemble by layering buttercream between cake layers. Frost the outside and drizzle with caramel.
8. Sprinkle sea salt over the top. Chill before slicing.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12
• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Baking time: 30 minutes
• Cooling and decorating: 1 hour
• Total time: About 2 hours

Variations

• Chocolate version: Add cocoa to the cake layers for a salted caramel chocolate cake.
• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers.
• Espresso enhancement: Add a touch of espresso powder to the buttercream.
• Mini cake: Make as cupcakes or small layer cakes for individual servings.

storage/reheating

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Cake freezes well; wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes, but choose a high-quality, thick caramel sauce for best results.

Can I make the cake layers in advance?

Absolutely—bake a day ahead and wrap tightly until ready to frost.

Why is my buttercream too runny?

Chill it slightly or add more powdered sugar until it firms up.

Can I add salt to the frosting?

Yes, for a stronger salted caramel flavor, mix a pinch of sea salt into the buttercream.

What if I only have two pans?

Bake in batches or use the same pan twice after cooling and cleaning.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum.

How thick should the caramel drizzle be?

Slightly thick but pourable—warm slightly if it firms up too much.

What piping tips are best for decorating?

Use star tips for swirls and rosettes, or smooth it with a spatula for a rustic finish.

Is buttermilk necessary?

Yes, it gives the cake moisture and a tender crumb. You can make a substitute with milk and lemon juice.

Can I color the frosting?

Yes, use gel food coloring to tint the buttercream if desired.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Layer Cake is a masterpiece of sweet-salty contrast. With moist cake, luscious caramel frosting, and elegant presentation, it’s the perfect dessert to crown any celebration.

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