Chocolate Caramel Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake
1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the Caramel Sauce
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup caramel sauce from above
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
Chopped pecans or walnuts optional
Instructions
Make the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F 175°C Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans
In a large mixing bowl sift together the flour sugar cocoa powder baking powder baking soda and salt
Add the eggs milk oil and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until combined
Gradually add the boiling water mixing until smooth The batter will be thin
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes then remove from the pans and cool completely on wire racks
Make the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt the sugar until it becomes a deep amber color stirring constantly to avoid burning
Add the butter and stir until melted and combined
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring The mixture will bubble vigorously
Let it boil for 1 minute then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt
Allow the caramel sauce to cool to room temperature
Make the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl beat the softened butter until creamy
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder mixing until well combined
Add the caramel sauce milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and fluffy
Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate
Spread a generous layer of caramel sauce over the cake
Place the second cake layer on top
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate frosting
Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and let it drip down the sides
Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired