Description
Salted Caramel Mocha Layer Cake is a rich and luxurious dessert that blends the bold flavors of dark chocolate, espresso, and smooth salted caramel. With layers of moist mocha sponge and creamy caramel frosting, all topped with a luscious caramel glaze, this cake is a decadent showstopper.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: chocolate-covered espresso beans or chopped chocolate for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until light and creamy. Add buttermilk and brewed espresso, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely on wire racks.
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and 1/2 cup caramel sauce. Mix until fluffy. Stir in sea salt to taste.
- Stack the cooled cake layers, spreading frosting between each. Frost the top and sides with remaining buttercream.
- Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans or chopped chocolate if desired. Chill the cake briefly before slicing.
Notes
- Chill the frosted cake before drizzling to prevent caramel from sliding.
- Dutch-process cocoa adds a smooth, rich chocolate flavor.
- Adjust sea salt in frosting based on preference and whether using salted butter.
- Use high-quality, thick caramel sauce for best results.
- Let cake sit at room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg