Name: Salted Caramel Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 140 g granulated sugar; 1 ½ tablespoon water; 40 g butter; 150 g heavy cream; big pinch of salt; 340 g all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoon cornstarch; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon salt; 180 g butter, room temperature; 300 g granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 240 g sour cream (14-18%), room temperature; 60 g vegetable oil (e.g., canola oil); 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 400 g butter, room temperature; 660 g powdered sugar; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoon caramel sauce (from recipe above or store-bought)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to treat yourself (and everyone around you) with a cake that feels like a big, warm hug, then this Salted Caramel Cake is your new best friend. It perfectly balances the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel with just the right hint of salt, creating a dreamy flavor combination that lingers delightfully on your taste buds. From the soft, moist vanilla layers to the luscious homemade salted caramel sauce and the silky caramel buttercream, every bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This Salted Caramel Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Salted Caramel Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first and most exciting step to baking this crowd-pleaser. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing softness, sweetness, or that irresistible caramel depth that sets this cake apart.

Granulated sugar: Essential for creating the base sweetness, especially in the salted caramel sauce where it caramelizes to golden perfection.
Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a tender crumb in both the cake and buttercream.
Heavy cream: Brings creaminess to the salted caramel sauce, balancing its intensity with smoothness.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake layers, making sure they remain light yet sturdy enough to hold up the luscious fillings.
Cornstarch: Works alongside the flour to yield a soft, delicate crumb texture in the cake.
Baking powder and baking soda: The dynamic duo that helps the cake layers rise perfectly.
Salt: Just a pinch in the cake layers, but a big pinch in the caramel sauce to bring out that signature salted caramel flavor.
Eggs: Provide structure and moisture for tender cake layers.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and moisture, ensuring the cake stays moist without being heavy.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra moist and gives it a soft crumb.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake and buttercream with its sweet, warm aroma.
Powdered sugar: The sweet, smooth base for our caramel buttercream.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cake

Step 1: Making the Salted Caramel Sauce

Start by melting granulated sugar with a splash of water in a saucepan, ensuring an even layer so the sugar caramelizes evenly into a beautiful golden brown color. This step requires patience as you watch the edges begin to transform; it’s the magical moment where sugar turns into liquid gold. Then, gently stir in the butter and heavy cream, knowing it will bubble up vigorously—this is just caramel coming to life. A generous pinch of salt at the end is what elevates this sauce from sweet to unforgettable. Set it aside to cool; it’s pure magic waiting to happen.

Step 2: Preparing the Vanilla Cake Layers

While the caramel rests, preheat your oven to 170ºC (340ºF) and prep three 20 cm cake pans with parchment paper. Sift together your dry ingredients—flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—so each cake layer develops that fine, tender texture. Cream your butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs gradually to build a light batter. The secret here is alternating the dry mix with sour cream, oil, and vanilla, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Once poured into the pans, bake gently for around 20 minutes until a tester comes out clean, and allow them to cool completely—you can already imagine how soft and velvety these layers are.

Step 3: Whipping Up the Caramel Buttercream

A rich buttercream ties this cake together beautifully. Start by creaming the butter until it’s light and fluffy, then gradually beat in powdered sugar, vanilla, and a few tablespoons of your homemade salted caramel sauce. Incorporating the caramel slowly ensures the frosting becomes a silky, luscious blend that’s neither too sweet nor too heavy. This buttercream has the perfect balance to complement the moist vanilla layers and that indulgent sauce.

Step 4: Assembling Your Salted Caramel Cake

Now for the fun part! Place your first cake layer on your serving platter, spread a generous two scoops of caramel buttercream, and drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce, careful to leave the edges clear to prevent drips. Repeat for the next layer, then add the final layer on top. Slather the entire cake with a thin crumb coat before chilling it for 20 minutes—this step helps you get a smooth finish. Finally, cover the cake with the remaining buttercream and crown it with more salted caramel sauce. For an artistic touch, you can swirl the caramel into the frosting for an enticing marbled effect. Your Salted Caramel Cake looks stunning and tastes heavenly.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cake

Garnishes

Enhance the look and flavor of your Salted Caramel Cake with a few thoughtful garnishes. Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top intensifies the salted caramel experience, while a handful of toasted pecans or crushed toffee adds a delightful crunch contrast. For an elegant touch, delicate edible gold leaf or caramel shards will make the cake feel extra special—perfect for celebrations and heartfelt moments alike.

Side Dishes

Because this cake is rich and indulgent, pairing it with lighter accompaniments helps balance the dessert course. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries bring a slight tartness and vibrant color that cut through the sweetness. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds cool, creamy softness that complements the caramel notes without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn your homemade Salted Caramel Cake into a showstopper. Try serving individual slices topped with a drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes. Or create a mini cake by making cupcakes layered with the same caramel buttercream and sauce for a delightful bite-sized treat. You can even pipe rosettes of caramel buttercream around the edges and scatter edible flowers for a fresh, whimsical vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Salted Caramel Cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the buttercream fresh and prevents the cake from drying out. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to savor its full freshness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake for longer storage without losing its charm. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in an airtight container before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge to allow all those layers and flavors to come back to life beautifully.

Reheating

While the Salted Caramel Cake is wonderful chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer a slightly warmer slice, allow it to sit out for 30 minutes before serving instead of reheating directly. This preserves the texture of the buttercream and the moistness of the cake layers, ensuring every bite remains luscious.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making salted caramel?

Absolutely! Using a good quality store-bought caramel sauce is a great time-saver and will still deliver delicious results. Just make sure to choose one with a hint of salt to replicate that classic salted caramel flavor.

What’s the best way to ensure my cake layers stay moist?

Incorporating sour cream and vegetable oil in the batter adds moisture and tenderness. Also, avoid overbaking your layers by checking with a cake tester right around the suggested baking time.

Can I make this Salted Caramel Cake dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, you can substitute butter with vegan margarine and use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative for the caramel sauce. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How far in advance can I assemble this cake?

You can bake the cake layers and prepare the caramel sauce a day ahead to save time. Assembling the cake is best done on the day you plan to serve it to preserve the freshness of the buttercream and texture of the layers.

Why does the caramel sauce bubble up when adding cream?

This happens because the hot melted sugar reacts with the cold cream, causing vigorous bubbling. It’s a normal reaction, so just stir carefully and keep your hands safe!

Final Thoughts

Baking this Salted Caramel Cake is like giving yourself a gift of pure joy. Its layers of velvety vanilla paired with the luxurious salted caramel and smooth buttercream come together in a way that feels truly special. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or a cozy night in, this cake promises smiles and moments of bliss. So why wait? Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delightful masterpiece—you deserve it.