Salted Caramel Cake
Introduction
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of a salted caramel cake that masterfully balances sweetness and a hint of saltiness. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a celebration, or simply a treat for yourself. With its rich caramel layers and soft cake, every bite promises a delightful experience.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Flour: 2 cups
Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups
Butter: ¾ cup, softened
Eggs: 3 large
Milk: 1 cup
Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Brown Sugar: 1 cup
Sea Salt: to taste
Prep Time
The preparation time for this salted caramel cake is approximately 30 minutes. This includes gathering all your ingredients and preparing the batter for baking.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 10-12 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes
Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare Salted Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water. Cook without stirring until the sugar has dissolved and turns a golden amber color. Remove from heat and carefully add heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add salt and let cool.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce, then place the second layer on top. Spread frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
Finish with Caramel Drizzle
Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the top of the frosted cake for decoration. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt for extra flavor.
Notes
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Make Ahead
The cakes can be baked in advance and stored in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw before assembling.
Frosting Consistency
If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency. If too thin, add powdered sugar until thickened.
Customization
You can customize the cake by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or other flavors to the batter if desired.
Cook techniques
Whipping Cream
To achieve a light and airy texture in your cake, whip the cream until it holds soft peaks. This adds volume and a delightful richness to the frosting.
Making Caramel
Cook sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt caramel has an unpleasant taste.
Layering Cakes
When layering your cake, ensure that each layer is level by trimming the tops if necessary. This creates a more stable and visually appealing cake.
Frosting Application
Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the frosting on the cake layers. Apply a thin layer first to lock in crumbs, followed by a thicker layer for a polished finish.
Chilling the Cake
After frosting, chill the cake for at least 30 minutes. This helps the frosting to set and makes slicing easier when serving.
FAQ
Can I make the caramel ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the caramel in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
What can I use instead of heavy cream for the frosting?
You can use mascarpone cheese or whipped topped cream as alternatives, but the texture and flavor will differ from traditional heavy cream frosting.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to grease and flour your cake pans thoroughly or use parchment paper to line the bottom for easy removal.
Can I use a different type of cake for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for a specific cake, you can substitute with a different flavor or texture cake to suit your preferences.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Conclusion
The Salted Caramel Cake is a delectable treat that perfectly balances the rich flavors of caramel with a hint of salt. Its moist cake layers combined with the creamy frosting create a dessert that is ideal for any occasion, whether it be a birthday, celebration, or a simple indulgence. This cake not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings a touch of elegance to your dessert table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake
Combine the richness of chocolate with the indulgent salted caramel for a decadent twist. Alternate layers of chocolate cake and salted caramel frosting to create an unforgettable dessert.
Vanilla Bean Salted Caramel Cupcakes
Transform the classic cake into individual cupcakes by baking vanilla bean cupcakes topped with salted caramel frosting. Perfect for parties or as a sweet treat on the go.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Create a luscious salted caramel cheesecake that incorporates a buttery crust, creamy filling, and a generous drizzle of salted caramel for added flavor and texture.
Salted Caramel Pecan Pie
Elevate your classic pecan pie by incorporating salted caramel into the filling. This twist adds depth and a perfectly sweet and salty flavor.
Salted Caramel Brownies
Indulge in fudgy brownies swirled with rich salted caramel for an irresistible dessert. These bites are perfect for a quick treat or a delightful addition to any dessert platter.
