The Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe is an indulgent treat that will delight any chocolate lover. This cake is perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or just a cozy night in. Its rich layers of moist chocolate cake combined with a luscious salted caramel fudge frosting create an unforgettable experience. You’ll impress your guests with not only its beautiful presentation but also its incredible flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadently Rich Flavor: The combination of chocolate and salted caramel creates a unique taste that will satisfy your cravings.
- Moist and Tender Texture: This cake remains incredibly moist thanks to the addition of sour cream and buttermilk.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just because, this cake fits perfectly into any celebration.
- Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions make it simple for bakers of all levels to achieve success.
- Impressive Presentation: Layers of chocolate cake and fudge frosting topped with salted caramel make this dessert visually stunning.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking the Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Baking pans (two 9-inch round)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Baking pans: Ensure even baking and provide the right shape for your cake layers.
- Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.

Ingredients
To create this delicious Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake, you’ll need the following 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
- 1½ tsp vanilla
- 200g dark chocolate (70%)
For the Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temp (226g)
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder (33g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (100g)
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce from above
- 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). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt.
- Add eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, sour cream, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and boiling water. Mix until well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar until it turns golden brown.
- Stir in butter and warmed heavy cream until smooth.
- Remove from heat; add salt and vanilla.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Once cooled, place one layer of cake on a serving plate.
- Spread half of the frosting between layers.
- Top with second layer and frost top and sides with remaining frosting.
- Drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
Enjoy your delightful creation!
How to Serve SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
Serving your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is all about enhancing its rich flavors and delightful textures. Here are some creative ways to present this decadent dessert.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve slices of cake with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries for a vibrant color contrast and natural sweetness.
Whipped Cream
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that balances the dense fudge cake.
Ice Cream
- Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a deliciously creamy experience that complements the chocolate.
Caramel Drizzle
- Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over each slice before serving for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Nuts Topping
- Sprinkle crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall texture.
How to Perfect SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out amazing every time.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk should be at room temperature for better mixing and fluffier texture.
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Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder helps remove lumps and ensures even distribution in the batter.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid tough cake; overmixing can develop gluten, leading to denseness.
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Check Your Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as an inconsistent oven can affect baking results.
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Let It Cool Completely: Allow the cake layers to cool fully before frosting. This prevents melting the frosting and creates clean layers.
Best Side Dishes for SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
Complementing your Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delicious options.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that enhances the chocolate flavor while adding creaminess.
- Coffee Brew: Serve with a cup of strong brewed coffee to balance the sweetness with a bitter contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light counterpoint, making it perfect after a rich dessert.
- Chocolate Mousse: For true chocolate lovers, pairing with chocolate mousse elevates the indulgence.
- Caramel Popcorn: A fun treat that echoes the caramel theme while adding crunchy texture.
- Nutty Biscotti: These crunchy cookies are great for dipping into coffee or hot chocolate alongside your cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE, there are several common errors that can affect your cake’s outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients – Starting with cold eggs or dairy can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can make the cake tough. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down, resulting in excess flour. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off.
- Skipping the cooling time – Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Allow your cake layers to cool completely before applying frosting.
- Ignoring oven temperature accuracy – An oven that’s too hot or too cold can ruin the bake. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; freeze for up to 3 months.
- For whole cakes, ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cake on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop – Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE.
Can I substitute any ingredients in the SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE?
Yes! You can replace buttermilk with regular milk mixed with vinegar, and use plant-based alternatives for cream if desired.
How long does it take to make the SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE?
The total time is around 2 hours, including prep and baking time.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before serving.
What type of chocolate should I use?
For best results, use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for rich flavor.
How should I serve this cake?
This cake is perfect on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
The SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE RECIPE is truly an indulgent treat that combines rich chocolate flavors with sweet salted caramel. Its moist texture and creamy frosting make it ideal for celebrations or cozy family gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or experimenting with different frostings!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake, a decadent dessert that beautifully combines rich chocolate flavors with a luscious salted caramel twist. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a cozy night in, this stunning layered cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy any sweet tooth. With its moist texture and creamy fudge frosting, each slice promises an unforgettable experience. Follow this easy-to-use recipe and create a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp instant coffee
- ¾ cup boiling water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for frosting)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream, warmed up
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp vanilla
- 200g dark chocolate (70%)
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, sour cream, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and boiling water; blend until smooth.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- For the frosting: Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown. Stir in butter and warmed heavy cream; add salt and vanilla.
- Once cakes are cool, layer with frosting between cakes and cover top and sides with remaining frosting. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: <0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 52mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps. Avoid overmixing the batter for a light cake.




