Chocolate Caramel Cake

Instructions

1. Make the Chocolate Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until the batter is smooth and combined. It will be slightly thick.

Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing—this will thin out the batter, but don’t worry, it’s supposed to be that way. The thin batter ensures the cake is moist and tender.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Make the Caramel Filling

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the caramel filling. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt, stirring to combine.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Allow the caramel to cool to room temperature. It will thicken as it cools, making it perfect for spreading between the layers of the cake.

3. Make the Chocolate Ganache Frosting

To make the frosting, place the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (but not boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute to melt.

Stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Let the ganache cool for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly but is still spreadable.

4. Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled completely, carefully slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers. If your cakes have domed tops, feel free to trim them so they are flat.

Place one layer of cake on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the caramel filling on top, ensuring it’s even across the entire layer.

Top with the second layer of cake and repeat the process. Continue until all layers are stacked, finishing with the final layer of cake on top.

Once the cake is fully stacked, frost the entire cake with the chocolate ganache, spreading it evenly over the top and down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth the edges and create a polished finish.

5. Decorate and Serve

For an extra touch, drizzle some additional caramel sauce over the top of the cake and garnish with shaved chocolate or chocolate curls. You can also drizzle some caramel sauce between the layers for a more decadent look.

Let the cake set for about 15-20 minutes to allow the ganache to firm up before slicing. The result is a stunning, multi-layered cake that will make everyone’s mouth water!

6. Serve and Enjoy

Cut into the cake and enjoy the rich, decadent layers of chocolate, caramel, and ganache. Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate dessert experience!

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Caramel Cake

• Make the caramel in advance: If you want to save time on the day you’re baking, you can make the caramel filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up before using.
• Don’t overbake the cake: The chocolate cake should be moist and tender, so make sure to check it with a toothpick at the 30-minute mark and not leave it in the oven too long.
• Chill the ganache: If your ganache is too runny to spread, let it cool for a few minutes in the fridge. It will thicken up and be easier to apply to the cake.
• Use quality chocolate: For the ganache, opt for good-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. It will make a big difference in flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Caramel Cake is a true indulgence, combining the rich, velvety texture of chocolate cake with the sweet, buttery richness of caramel. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to something delicious, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The layers of moist cake, gooey caramel, and smooth ganache are a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make a dessert that’s as delicious as it is impressive!