If you have a sweet tooth and adore the luxurious combination of rich flavors and surprising contrasts, this Salted Caramel Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert. It beautifully marries moist, tender vanilla cake layers with a luscious salted caramel buttercream that’s creamy, buttery, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of salt. Every bite is an indulgent celebration of caramel’s deep, golden notes, contrasted by the gentle tang of sour cream in the cake and the decadence of velvety buttercream. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a treat to brighten your day, this Salted Caramel Cake delivers on both flavor and wow factor.

Salted Caramel Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Salted Caramel Cake, the ingredient list is wonderfully straightforward, but each element plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture. From the unmistakably rich butter and silky cream to the tender vanilla cake base, every ingredient contributes something special.

Granulated sugar (140 g): Essential for making the caramel base with that quintessential deep, golden flavor.
Water (1 1/2 tbsp): Helps dissolve the sugar evenly to create a smooth caramel.
Butter (40 g + 180 g + 400 g): Imparts richness and moisture to the caramel, cake, and buttercream, ensuring luscious creaminess everywhere.
Heavy cream (150 g): Creates that ultra-smooth, slightly tangy caramel sauce with a velvety finish.
Salt (pinch + 3/4 tsp): The star seasoning that elevates the sweetness of caramel and balances the cake layers.
All-purpose flour (340 g): Builds the structure of the cake, keeping it tender and light.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Adds softness and a fine crumb texture to the cake.
Baking powder and baking soda (3/4 tsp each): Provide the perfect rise and fluffiness.
Granulated sugar (300 g): Sweetens the cake and balances the salted caramel.
Large eggs (4): Bind ingredients perfectly and add richness.
Sour cream (240 g): Brings moistness plus a lovely tanginess to enhance the cake’s flavor complexity.
Vegetable oil (60 g): Keeps the cake soft and tender for days.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses the cake and buttercream with warm aromatic notes.
Powdered sugar (660 g): Sweetens the buttercream to a perfect silky finish.
Caramel (2-3 tbsp for frosting): Adds an extra luscious caramel punch in the buttercream, sealing the Salted Caramel Cake experience.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Salted Caramel

Start by combining granulated sugar and water in a medium saucepan, carefully dissolving the sugar to create an even layer. As the mixture gently melts over medium-high heat, watch closely until it transforms into a golden brown caramel. This is where magic happens—stir occasionally to ensure the caramel melts evenly without burning. Once golden, lower the heat and stir in butter, followed gradually by heavy cream, being mindful of the bubbling reaction. This process creates a buttery, silky caramel sauce that will later become the star contributor to your frosting and cake layers. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt at the end for that signature salty-sweet balance. Chill this sauce to bring it to room temperature before using.

Step 2: Bake the Vanilla Cake Layers

Preheat your oven and prepare three 20 cm round pans lined with parchment paper. In a bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt — this blend ensures your cake is tender and light. Next, cream together butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, then add eggs two at a time, incorporating them fully to maintain that delicate structure. Alternate folding in dry ingredients with wet ingredients like sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to keep the batter moist and flavorful. Divide evenly among your pans and bake until a tester comes out clean; the cakes should remain pale and tender, not browned. Cool completely before assembly to prevent the frosting from melting.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Buttercream Frosting

The buttercream in this Salted Caramel Cake is a decadent dream. Start by whipping butter on medium-high speed until creamy and pale, which creates a perfect base. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract in two parts, whipping thoroughly to ensure no lumps. Finally, fold in your chilled caramel sauce in the same two-step manner, creating a luscious, buttery frosting that carries a rich, salty-sweet depth that perfectly complements the cake layers. This buttercream is smooth and spreadable, making your cake an irresistible showstopper.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Place the first cake layer on your serving board. Use an offset spatula to gently spread two generous scoops of caramel buttercream, then drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of caramel over the frosting, leaving the outer edges bare so it doesn’t spill. Repeat this for the next cake layer. Once stacked, apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake and chill to set the base layer of frosting. This step makes decorating cleaner and easier. After chilling, coat the whole cake with the remaining buttercream and finish with a drizzle of caramel on top — swirling if you want an artistic caramel design. Your Salted Caramel Cake is now ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cake

Garnishes

To elevate your Salted Caramel Cake’s presentation, consider garnishing with flaky sea salt sprinkled lightly on top. It enhances the salted caramel’s flavor while adding a delicate crunch. Alternatively, caramel shards or toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can add an appealing texture contrast and a rustic look. Fresh berries or edible flowers bring a pop of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the cake’s richness.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream serves as a perfect side, balancing the cake’s richness with cool creaminess. For an extra special touch, pair the cake with a warm cup of coffee or a bold black tea, which cuts through the sweetness and complements the caramel notes wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not elevate your Salted Caramel Cake by serving it in cake stands with glass domes to show off the beautiful layers and glossy caramel topping? For parties, slice it into generous wedges and drizzle extra caramel sauce pool sides on each plate. You could also pipe extra caramel buttercream around each slice or create mini versions of the cake in jars for a charming twist. The presentation can truly reflect the love and care baked into this cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salted Caramel Cake keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens as it rests, and the cake remains moist and decadent, making every late-night treat just as gratifying as the first slice.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully assembled cake or individual slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Salted Caramel Cake maintains its lusciousness for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, bring chilled slices to room temperature before enjoying. If preferred warm, gently heat slices in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt the buttercream too much. Adding a scoop of ice cream with warmed cake is sheer bliss.

FAQs

Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The salted caramel sauce can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before folding into the buttercream to ensure it mixes smoothly.

What if I don’t have sour cream for the cake batter?

You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche in equal amounts. These alternatives provide similar moisture and tang that complement the cake beautifully.

How can I prevent the caramel from hardening after it cools?

Keeping the caramel slightly warm when mixing it into the buttercream helps maintain a smooth texture. Also, be sure to create a proper buttercream base so the caramel blends evenly and stays soft rather than setting hard.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Just ensure the mix’s measurements match for similar texture.

Is it possible to make a smaller or larger cake using this recipe?

Definitely! The recipe scales well. Adjust baking times accordingly when using different pan sizes — check for doneness by inserting a cake tester. For smaller cakes, reduce time slightly; for larger pans, increase it slightly.

Final Thoughts

There is something utterly enchanting about the way a Salted Caramel Cake combines flavors and textures to create a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting. This cake is a fantastic journey from buttery cake layers to a rich, salty-sweet buttercream that never fails to impress. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging on your own, giving this recipe a try will reward you with pure, caramel-infused happiness that’s tough to resist. So go ahead, bake up this beauty and treat yourself to something truly special!