Introduction
Indulge in the luxurious experience of a salted caramel cake that masterfully blends the richness of caramel with a delightful hint of sea salt. This decadent dessert is the epitome of balance, providing the perfect combination of sweetness and depth, making it a favorite for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Cake:
250g all-purpose flour
200g granulated sugar
120g unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
200ml whole milk
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
150g granulated sugar
60ml water
120ml heavy cream
60g unsalted butter
½ tsp sea salt
For the Frosting:
250g unsalted butter, softened
500g powdered sugar
100ml salted caramel sauce
2 tbsp heavy cream
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings
Follow these simple steps to create your own decadent salted caramel cake that is sure to impress and delight! Enjoy the rich flavors and the ecstatic balance of sweet and salty in every bite.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 20cm (8-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until evenly combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined, but avoid overmixing.
6. Bake the Cakes
Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula if necessary. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 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 a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare Salted Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, without stirring, until the mixture turns golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream, unsalted butter, and sea salt. Allow the caramel sauce to cool to room temperature.
8. Make the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined. Then, mix in the prepared salted caramel sauce and heavy cream until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
9. Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top of it. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce on top and let it run down the sides for decoration.
10. Serve
Sprinkle additional sea salt over the top of the cake for a finishing touch. Slice and serve to enjoy!
Notes
Storage
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Make Ahead
Both the cake layers and the salted caramel sauce can be made a day in advance. Just ensure they are properly stored to maintain freshness.
Variations
You can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, between the layers or on top for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestion
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert!
Cook Techniques
Measuring Ingredients
Make sure to measure all ingredients accurately for the best results. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients like flour and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for wet ingredients.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.
Separate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) in one bowl and wet ingredients (eggs, milk, vanilla extract) in another. Gradually combine them to create a smooth batter without overmixing.
Testing for Doneness
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cakes are done baking.
Making Salted Caramel Sauce
Cook sugar and water together until golden brown, then carefully add cream, butter, and sea salt, stirring to incorporate. Cool before using to thicken the sauce.
Frosting Technique
Beat softened butter until creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar. Incorporate salted caramel sauce and heavy cream to achieve a smooth and spreadable frosting.
Assembling the Cake
Spread a thick layer of frosting between the cake layers before covering the top and sides. Drizzle with extra salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt for added flavor.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, if using salted butter, you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid the cake being too salty.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store the leftover salted caramel cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a week.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. Assemble and frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.
How do I achieve a thicker caramel sauce?
To thicken the caramel sauce, let it cool longer or cook it a little longer to evaporate more water.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend that is designed for baking, but make sure to follow the package instructions for best results.
Conclusion
The salted caramel cake is a delightful dessert that melds sweet and salty flavors beautifully. Its moist texture and rich caramel enhance any celebration, making it a standout choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply an indulgent treat. Whether you serve it as is or dress it up with elegant garnishes, this cake is sure to please any crowd.
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