SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
The SALT CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is a showstopper dessert that brings together rich chocolate flavors and the delightful sweetness of salted caramel. This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any sweet craving. Its moist texture and decadent frosting make it a standout treat that will impress your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and salted caramel creates a unique taste experience that balance sweetness with a hint of salt.
- Moist and Rich: Using sour cream and buttermilk ensures that this cake remains incredibly moist and rich, bite after bite.
- Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party or a holiday gathering, this cake fits right in at any celebration.
- Decadent Frosting: The chocolate caramel fudge frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence, making each slice feel special.
- Easily Customizable: You can adjust the level of salt or even add nuts for extra texture, making it your own.
Tools and Preparation
To create this Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to help you through the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Makes it easy to achieve fluffy batter without much effort.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.

Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all purpose flour (260g), sifted
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar (135g)
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs, ideally room temp
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil (133g)
- ⅓ cup buttermilk (80g) – mix ⅓ cup whole milk (80g) + 1 teaspoon vinegar to make your own
- 1 cup sour cream (240g), ideally room temp
- ¾ cup cocoa powder, Dutch Processed preferred (75g)
- 2 tsp instant coffee
- ¾ cup boiling water (180g)
For the Frosting
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter (70g)
- ½ cup heavy cream, warmed up (120g)
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla
- 200g dark chocolate (70%)
For the Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temp (226g)
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder (33g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (100g)
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce from above
For Whipping Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold (240g)
How to Make SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. All purpose flour,
2. Baking powder,
3. Baking soda,
4. Granulated sugar,
5. Light brown sugar,
6. Salt.
Whisk well until combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Eggs,
2. Vegetable oil,
3. Buttermilk,
4. Sour cream.
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are small lumps.
Step 5: Add Cocoa and Coffee Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix cocoa powder and instant coffee with boiling water until dissolved. Add this mixture to the cake batter and stir until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Cakes
Once baked, allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Continue with frosting instructions once cakes are completely cooled!
How to Serve SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
Serving your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is as enjoyable as baking it. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your presentation and flavor experience.
Classic Presentation
- Serve individual slices on dessert plates with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Ice Cream Delight
- Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a creamy contrast.
Fresh Berries
- Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries to add a tart flavor that complements the sweetness.
Whipped Cream
- Top with freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of richness and lightness.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve alongside a cup of brewed coffee or espresso to enhance the chocolate flavors.
How to Perfect SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
Perfecting your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake can take it from great to unforgettable. Here are some tips to ensure success.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk to room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour, cocoa powder, and leavening agents helps aerate the mixture, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the cooling time: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
To complement your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake, consider these delicious side dishes that balance its rich flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances sweetness.
- Coffee Granita: A refreshing icy treat that highlights the cake’s chocolate notes.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of citrus fruits like oranges and berries adds brightness and acidity.
- Chocolate Mousse: An indulgent option that enhances the chocolate experience without overwhelming it.
- Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti pairs well with coffee served alongside the cake, offering texture contrast.
- Caramelized Bananas: Sweetened bananas caramelized in brown sugar provide extra sweetness and warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, and even the best recipes can go wrong without proper attention. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake.
- Using cold ingredients – Cold eggs or dairy can affect the texture of your cake. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature before starting.
- Overmixing the batter – This can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Skipping the sifting – Not sifting flour and cocoa powder can result in lumps. Sift these ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
- Not measuring accurately – Baking is a science. Use precise measurements for the best results—consider using a kitchen scale if possible.
- Ignoring oven temperature – Each oven varies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to ensure the right temperature for baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake.
Can I substitute ingredients in the SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE?
You can substitute some ingredients. For example, use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk or swap sour cream for yogurt.
How do I make my cake extra moist?
To keep your cake moist, don’t overbake it, and consider adding an extra egg or using oil instead of butter.
What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?
Using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content provides rich flavor and pairs perfectly with caramel.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Frost it just before serving for best results.
How should I serve the Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own but pairs well with whipped cream or ice cream for added indulgence!
Final Thoughts
The Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is not only rich and decadent but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or different flavors to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake, a decadent dessert that perfectly marries luscious chocolate with sweet salted caramel. This cake is ideal for celebrations or a special treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its moist texture, creamy frosting, and the option for delightful customizations like adding nuts or adjusting salt levels, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike. Perfect for birthdays or festive occasions, it’s a classic American dessert that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp instant coffee
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for frosting)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (warmed for frosting)
- 3/4 tsp salt (for frosting)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 8 oz cream cheese (for cream cheese mixture)
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder (for cream cheese mixture)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (for cream cheese mixture)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix cocoa powder with boiling water until dissolved and then incorporate into your batter.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool before frosting with chocolate caramel fudge frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
