Salted Caramel Mocha Layer Cake with Glazed Cherries

Salted caramel mocha layer cake with glazed cherries is a show-stopping dessert that combines bold coffee flavor, rich chocolate cake layers, silky salted caramel, and a topping of glossy cherries. This cake is indulgent and festive, offering a harmonious balance of sweetness, bitterness, and tang.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake brings the best of multiple dessert worlds together. The mocha-infused chocolate layers are moist and decadent, the salted caramel adds complexity and contrast, and the glazed cherries offer a bright, beautiful finish. It’s a perfect centerpiece for celebrations or holidays and tastes as luxurious as it looks.

Ingredients

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

For the mocha cake layers:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Strong brewed coffee
• Vanilla extract

For the salted caramel sauce:

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

For the frosting:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Espresso powder (optional)
• Heavy cream or milk
• Vanilla extract

For the cherry topping:

• Fresh or jarred cherries
• Water
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch

Directions

1. Bake the cake layers:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients. Combine both and stir in the coffee last. Divide batter and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Make the salted caramel:
   In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until amber. Add butter, then heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Finish with sea salt and let cool.
3. Prepare the frosting:
   Beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and vanilla. Gradually add cream to achieve a smooth consistency.
4. Make glazed cherries:
   Heat cherries with sugar and water. Mix cornstarch with a little water and stir into the cherry mixture until thick and glossy. Cool before using.
5. Assemble the cake:
   Spread a layer of frosting and salted caramel between each cake layer. Frost the outside of the cake. Drizzle with additional caramel and spoon cherries on top.

Servings and timing

Serves: 12–14
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling and assembling time: 1.5 hours
Total time: about 2.5–3 hours

Variations

• Ganache Frosting: Replace buttercream with dark chocolate ganache for a richer finish.
• Cherry Liqueur: Add a splash of Kirsch or cherry liqueur to the cherry glaze.
• Nut Crunch: Add chopped hazelnuts between the layers for texture.
• Cupcake Version: Use the batter to make mocha cupcakes and top with caramel and a cherry.

Storage/Reheating

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. Cake layers can be frozen in advance, tightly wrapped, for up to 1 month. Glazed cherries should be stored separately and added fresh when serving. Do not reheat the assembled cake.

FAQs

What kind of coffee should I use?

Use a strong brewed coffee or espresso to enhance the mocha flavor without overpowering the cake.

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes, but homemade salted caramel has a richer, fresher taste.

Can I make the cake layers ahead?

Yes, bake and cool them in advance. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 1 day or freeze.

Do I have to use espresso powder?

No, it’s optional, but it enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor in the frosting.

Can I use maraschino cherries?

Yes, but fresh or jarred dark cherries with glaze give a more refined flavor and appearance.

Will the caramel harden?

No, it thickens as it cools but stays pourable if stored properly.

How do I get smooth cake edges?

Apply a crumb coat and chill before applying the final layer of frosting.

Can I use milk instead of cream in frosting?

Yes, though heavy cream yields a fluffier, richer result.

Is this cake very sweet?

It’s balanced—the bitterness of coffee and dark chocolate offsets the caramel and cherries nicely.

Can I decorate with chocolate curls?

Absolutely. Chocolate curls or shavings are a lovely addition to the top or sides.

Conclusion

Salted caramel mocha layer cake with glazed cherries is a rich, refined dessert that offers a beautiful interplay of flavors and textures. With its striking appearance and gourmet appeal, this cake is perfect for special occasions when only the most impressive and delicious dessert will do.

Print