Best 6 Chocolate Caramel Layer Cake Recipes

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**Chocolate Caramel Layer Cake: A Symphony of Sweetness**

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our tantalizing Chocolate Caramel Layer Cake, a harmonious blend of rich chocolate and velvety caramel. This magnificent cake features layers of moist chocolate sponge cake, sandwiched between layers of luscious caramel frosting, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness, with the rich chocolate providing a decadent base for the smooth and creamy caramel. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a moment of pure indulgence, this masterpiece is sure to leave you spellbound.

**Recipe Highlights:**

* **Chocolate Sponge Cake:** A moist and tender chocolate cake base that provides a sturdy foundation for the layers of caramel frosting.

* **Caramel Frosting:** A velvety smooth and luscious caramel frosting made with real butter, brown sugar, and cream, delivering an intense caramel flavor.

* **Caramel Sauce:** A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce adds an extra layer of richness and decadence to each slice of cake.

* **Chocolate Ganache:** A rich and glossy chocolate ganache made with dark chocolate and cream, providing a finishing touch of elegance and sophistication.

* **Assembly:** Detailed instructions on how to assemble the cake layers, ensuring a perfect presentation that will impress your guests.

* **Tips and Variations:** Helpful tips and suggestions for customizing the cake to your liking, including different frosting options and decoration ideas.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

SALTED-CARAMEL SIX-LAYER CHOCOLATE CAKE



Salted-Caramel Six-Layer Chocolate Cake image

If you don't own a candy thermometer, this cake offers a good excuse to buy one. It sounds a little nitpicky, but the caramel should reach exactly 238 degrees. (Any less and the cake layers won't hold together properly; any more and the caramel will turn hard.) Precision will also pay off with the chocolate frosting-it achieves its ideal spreading texture after standing for 30 minutes.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Time 3h20m

Yield Makes one 9-inch cake

Number Of Ingredients 22

Unsalted butter, room temperature, for pans
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
3 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 tablepoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Coarse salt
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons safflower oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 cups heavy cream
Coarse salt
2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Coarse salt
1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped, melted, and cooled
Garnish: flaked sea salt, such as Maldon

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make the cake: Butter three 9-inch round cake pans, and dust with flour, tapping out excess. Sift flour, granulated sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt into the bowl of a mixer. Beat on low speed until just combined. Raise speed to medium, and add eggs, buttermilk, 1 1/2 cups warm water, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth, about 3 minutes.
  • Divide batter among pans. Bake until cakes are set and a toothpick inserted into the center of each comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let cool in pans set on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Turn out cakes onto racks, and let cool completely.
  • Make the caramel: Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Cook, without stirring, until mixture is dark amber, about 14 minutes. Remove from heat, and carefully pour in cream (mixture will spatter); stir until smooth. Return to heat, and cook until a candy thermometer reaches 238 degrees, about 2 minutes. Pour caramel into a medium bowl, stir in 1 teaspoon coarse salt, and let cool slightly, about 15 minutes. Stir in butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Let cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, make the frosting: Whisk together cocoa and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water in a bowl until cocoa dissolves. Beat butter, confectioners' sugar, and a generous pinch of coarse salt in a clean bowl with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Gradually beat in melted chocolate and then cocoa mixture until combined. Let stand for 30 minutes before using.
  • Trim tops of cakes using a serrated knife to create a level surface. Cut each in half horizontally to form 2 layers. Transfer 1 layer to a serving platter, and spread 3/4 cup caramel over top. Top with another cake layer, and repeat with remaining caramel and cake layers, leaving top uncovered. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
  • Frost top and sides of cake in a swirling motion. Sprinkle with sea salt.

CRUNCHY CHOCOLATE CARAMEL LAYER CAKE



Crunchy Chocolate Caramel Layer Cake image

Sandwich layers of crisp chocolate pastry with an oozing chocolate-caramel sauce for a stunning-but-easy celebratory dessert.

Provided by Donna Hay

Categories     HarperCollins     Dessert     Christmas     Christmas Eve     Chocolate     Cake     Pastry     Butterscotch/Caramel     Bake     Winter     Birthday     Valentine's Day     Holiday 2018

Yield 10-12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 3/4 cups (260g) plain (all-purpose) flour, sifted, plus extra for dusting
1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder, sifted
1/2 cup (80g) icing (confectioner's) sugar, sifted
40g unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup (60ml) water
1 egg
2 egg yolks, extra
Chocolate Caramel Filling:
3/4 cup (165g) caster (superfine) sugar
1/3 cup (80ml) water
1/2 cup (125ml) single (pouring/light) cream
75g unsalted butter, softened
300g dark chocolate, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line 2 large baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Place the flour, cocoa and sugar in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the butter, water, egg and extra yolks and process until a smooth dough forms. Turn out the dough and bring it together on a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a very thin rectangle and trim to 10cm x 35cm. Prick each layer all over with a fork and place on the trays. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until just crisp. Transfer to wire racks and allow to cool at room temperature until crisp.
  • To make the chocolate caramel filling, place the sugar and water in a medium saucepan (see note) over medium heat and stir to dissolve the sugar. Bring to the boil and cook for 8-10 minutes or until deep golden in colour. Remove from the heat and, working quickly, add the cream in a thin steady stream. Add the butter, return to the heat and cook, stirring, until well combined. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl, pour the caramel mixture over and stir until melted and smooth. Refrigerate until just cold, whisking occasionally. Once cooled, whisk for 1-2 minutes or until creamy and smooth.
  • To assemble, place 1 of the pastry layers on a cake stand or plate. Spread evenly with 1/3 cup (80ml) of the chocolate caramel filling. Repeat with the remaining pastry and filling, finishing with a pastry layer. Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours or until set. Slice to serve.

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL LAYER CAKE



Chocolate Caramel Layer Cake image

The secret behind this devilish cake is instant coffee powder, which enhances the rich chocolate flavor. Eat a bewitching slice of this cake by the light of the moon, and save the caramel spiderweb and licorice spider for last.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Yield Makes 1 dozen squares

Number Of Ingredients 12

10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for sheet
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee or espresso powder
1 1/4 cups boiling water
2 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar
2/3 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
Caramel Buttercream for Chocolate Caramel Layer Cake
Caramelized Cobwebs and Licorice Spiders

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet, and line with parchment paper. Butter lining. Dust bottom and sides with flour; tap out excess.
  • Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Whisk together chocolate, coffee, and boiling water in a separate bowl; set aside.
  • Put butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy. Add sour cream; beat until smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down sides of bowl. Reduce speed to low; beat in flour mixture.
  • Whisk chocolate mixture again; add to batter. Beat until smooth.
  • Pour batter into prepared sheet. Bake until a cake tester inserted into center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely in sheet on a wire rack.
  • Invert cake onto a rimless baking sheet; peel off parchment. Halve widthwise. Spread half of buttercream on top of one layer. Top frosted layer with second cake layer; coat cake with remaining frosting. Refrigerate 1 hour. Cut into 12 squares; garnish each serving with a caramelized cobweb.

CARAMEL BUTTERCREAM FOR CHOCOLATE CARAMEL LAYER CAKE



Caramel Buttercream for Chocolate Caramel Layer Cake image

Use this recipe as the frosting and/or filling for a decadent chocolate dessert, such as our Chocolate Caramel Layer Cake.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes     Fillings & Frostings     Buttercream Frosting Recipes

Yield Makes 5 cups

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream
6 large egg whites
Pinch of kosher salt
1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Make caramel: Pour 1/4 cup water into a medium heavy-bottom saucepan. Add 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and syrup is clear. Continue to cook, without stirring, until syrup comes to a boil, washing down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush 2 or 3 times to prevent crystals from forming. Let syrup boil, gently swirling pan occasionally, until syrup is dark amber.
  • Immediately remove from heat; carefully pour in cream (caramel will bubble vigorously). Stir caramel until smooth. Transfer to a bowl; let cool.
  • Whisk together remaining 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, the egg whites, and salt in the heatproof bowl of a standing mixer. Set bowl over a pan of simmering water; whisk until sugar is dissolved and mixture registers 140 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.
  • Return bowl to mixer; fit mixer with whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff. Reduce speed to medium low; add butter, a few tablespoons at a time. Continue whisking until smooth.
  • Switch to paddle attachment. Add caramel and vanilla; beat on lowest speed until combined, 3 to 5 minutes. The buttercream can be made 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Before using, bring frosting to room temperature; return to mixer and beat with the paddle attachment until smooth.

CHOCOLATE SPICE LAYER CAKE WITH CARAMEL ICING



Chocolate Spice Layer Cake with Caramel Icing image

Mariann James of Ferguson, Missouri created a sweet and salty favorite with her original recipe for chocolate spice cake with caramel icing. The spicy chocolate cinnamon cane sugar was a perfect addition to her unique cake. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 eggs
2 cups cake flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
3 teaspoons Gustus Vitae spicy chocolate cinnamon cane sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1-1/3 cups 2% milk
ICING:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
6 tablespoons butter, cubed
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel popcorn with peanuts, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of two well-greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment paper; grease paper. In a microwave, melt chocolate; stir until smooth. Cool slightly., In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in chocolate. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, spicy chocolate cinnamon sugar, salt, allspice and cloves; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition., Transfer batter to prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely., In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, cream and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook and stir 3 minutes. Remove from heat; gradually beat in confectioners' sugar and vanilla., Place one cake layer on a serving plate; pour half of the warm icing over the cake. Top with remaining cake layer. Pour remaining icing over top of cake. If desired, top with caramel popcorn.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 603 calories, Fat 24g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 101mg cholesterol, Sodium 373mg sodium, Carbohydrate 92g carbohydrate (71g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

CHOCOLATE-CARAMEL LAYER CAKE RECIPE - (3.7/5)



Chocolate-Caramel Layer Cake Recipe - (3.7/5) image

Provided by DreiFromBK

Number Of Ingredients 29

Cake
1 1/2 cups (7 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (2 1/4 ounces) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups (10 1/2 ounces) granulated sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Filling
1 1/4 cups (8 3/4 ounces) granulated sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1 cup heavy cream
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (3 ounces) confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (1 1/2 ounces) unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch salt
1/2 cup light corn syrup
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1/4 -1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt (optional)

Steps:

  • Serves 12 Baking spray that contains flour can be used to grease and flour the pans. Both natural and Dutch-processed cocoa will work in this recipe. When taking the temperature of the caramel in steps 3 and 4, remove the pot from the heat and tilt the pan to one side. Use your thermometer to stir the caramel back and forth to equalize hot and cool spots and make sure you are getting an accurate reading. FOR THE CAKE: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line with parchment paper, grease parchment, and flour pans. Sift flour and cocoa into large bowl. Whisk in sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk buttermilk, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla together in second bowl. Whisk buttermilk mixture into flour mixture until smooth batter forms. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops with rubber spatula. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 22 to 28 minutes, switching and rotating pans halfway through baking. Let cakes cool in pans on wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove cakes from pans, discarding parchment, and let cool completely on rack, at least 2 hours. FOR THE CARAMEL FILLING: Lightly grease 8-inch square baking pan. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in medium saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat and cook, without stirring, until mixture is amber colored, 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, swirling saucepan occasionally, until dark amber, 2 to 5 minutes longer. (Caramel will register between 375 and 380 degrees.) Off heat, carefully stir in cream, butter, vanilla, and salt (mixture will bubble and steam). Return saucepan to medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until smooth and caramel reaches 240 to 245 degrees, 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully transfer caramel to prepared pan and let cool until just warm to touch (100 to 105 degrees), 20 to 30 minutes. FOR THE FROSTING: Process butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt in food processor until smooth, about 30 seconds, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add corn syrup and vanilla and process until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl, then add chocolate and pulse until smooth and creamy, 10 to 15 seconds. (Frosting can be made 3 hours in advance. For longer storage, cover and refrigerate frosting. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour before using.) Using long serrated knife, score 1 horizontal line around sides of each cake layer; then, following scored lines, cut each layer into 2 even layers. 7. Using rubber spatula or large spoon, transfer 1/3 of caramel to center of 1 cake layer and use small offset spatula to spread over surface, leaving 1/2-inch border around edge. Repeat with remaining caramel and 2 of remaining cake layers. (Three of your cake layers should be topped with caramel.) Line edges of cake platter with 4 strips of parchment to keep platter clean. Place 1 caramel-covered cake layer on platter. Top with second caramel-covered layer. Repeat with third caramel-covered layer and top with final layer. Spread frosting evenly over sides and top of cake. Carefully remove parchment strips. Let cake stand for at least 1 hour. (Cake can be made 2 days in advance and refrigerated. Let stand at room temperature for at least 5 hours before serving.) Sprinkle with coarse sea salt, if using. Cut and serve.

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all of your ingredients and tools ready to go. This will help you stay organized and avoid any mishaps.
  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your cake will taste. Look for high-quality chocolate, butter, and flour.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can make your cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake at the right temperature: The temperature of your oven can affect the texture of your cake. Make sure you preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking the cake.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it: If you frost the cake while it's still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off. Let the cake cool completely before frosting it.

Conclusion:

This chocolate caramel layer cake is a delicious and decadent treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor, gooey caramel filling, and fluffy vanilla frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a special dessert to make, give this chocolate caramel layer cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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