If you are looking for the best Salted Caramel Cake then continue reading!
This recipe is a delicious brown sugar layer cake filled and topped with caramel frosting and a drizzle of fresh caramel and a sprinkle of fleur de sel.
This cake is an absolute show stopper and would make an ideal centerpiece for birthday parties or any other events, it’s a decadent, delicious, and almost sinful dessert.
Cake brings people together
Layers of brown sugar sponge cake soaked with salted caramel sauce filled with caramel frosting and topped with more salted caramel. Oh my.
Whether it is enjoyed at a special occasion, shared as a source of conversation, or baked and decorated together, cake can help to create a sense of community and connection among those who enjoy it.
When people gather to celebrate a special occasion, they often come together to enjoy a slice of cake. This can help to create a sense of community and togetherness.
History of Salted Caramel
Salted caramel is a flavor that has become increasingly popular in recent years, but it has actually been around for quite some time.
The exact origins of salted caramel are not known, but it is thought to have originated in France.
The combination of sweet caramel and salty flavor is said to have originated in the Brittany region of France, where salted butter is a staple ingredient.
This flavor combination has been used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, and has gained popularity around the world in recent years.
Today, salted caramel can be found in a wide range of products, including ice cream, chocolates, and other confections.
Substitutions
While this Salted Caramel Cake Recipe is pretty easy and straightforward, and most of the ingredients I use are readily available in any baking store or grocery store. Below are a few substitutions you can use.
- Buttermilk – Milk and Lemon Juice OR Vinegar
- For each cup of buttermilk needed, use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice OR distilled white vinegar plus enough milk to fill up to 1 cup. Stir, then let the mixture rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Heavy Cream – Milk and Butter
- For 1 cup of heavy cream, mix together 1/4 cup melted butter and 3/4 cup of milk. If you want to make the mixture a bit thicker, you can add a tablespoon of flour.
- Fleur de sel – I also didn’t have any of this but I used sea salt and crushed it down into smaller flakes! Kosher salt also works great in this way.
Recipe Tips
A lot of you have made this salted caramel cake recipe and I wanted to share a few points of feedback that may help future bakers make it successfully!
- For more detailed instructions on how to make the caramel sauce, visit Brown Eyed Baker. She’s got a great step-by-step tutorial with lots of pictures!
- Also, the cake and frosting recipes are originally from Laura’s Sweet Spot.
- The sauce recipe makes more than you actually need for this cake, probably by half.
But the reason why I left this amount in the recipe was because that’s how I made it the first time I baked this cake!
If you don’t want leftover caramel sauce (but let’s be real here, who doesn’t want leftover caramel sauce) you could halve the recipe and still have enough. - Because the caramel frosting is made with cream cheese, it is VERY SOFT.
If you live in a hot place, consider keeping this cake cool until serving. - Also, the softness of the frosting could make it difficult to apply to the cake layers.
To ensure it’s creamy, but not runny start by adding less a tablespoon at a time until you get a smooth consistency that’s not too soft. - Finally – this cake is SO GOOD you may be known as the BEST BAKER EVER after you make it.
So many of you have commented that your friends and family were incredibly impressed after you baked this cake. That makes me so proud!
FAQS
I’ve been asked a few questions about this recipe so I would like to clarify:
Caramel cake will often only remain fresh for three to four days before losing moisture and becoming dry in texture. However, this cake has frosting on it which helps to preserve the moisture in the sponge, so the cake will keep a little while longer in the fridge.
YES – but wait until it is COMPLETELY cool before freezing!
Around the cake layer’s edge, pipe a barrier. This step makes sure that your filling doesn’t flow over the cake’s edges.
Cake bulges are typically caused by pressure that builds up inside the cake from the time it is baked until it is decorated. Let your cake sit for a while to allow the pressure to subside. Let it cool completely before you even begin to decorate.
More Caramel Recipes
Caramel Recipes
Salted Caramel Layer Cake
Layers of brown sugar cake filled and topped with caramel frosting and a drizzle of fresh caramel & fleur de sel make this Salted Caramel Layer Cake a decadent, delicious and almost sinful dessert!
Caramel Apple Milky Way Cupcakes
Perfect cupcake to transition into Fall! Chocolate cake filled with caramel apples topped with caramel buttercream, caramel sauce and a Caramel Apple Milky Way bar!
Happy baking, my sweet friends! Leave a comment below with your results or your questions. I’d be happy to help you…or just to hear your stories with this recipe!
Salted Caramel Layer Cake
Layers of brown sugar cake filled and topped with caramel frosting and a drizzle of fresh caramel & fleur de sel make this Salted Caramel Layer Cake a decadent, delicious and almost sinful dessert!
Ingredients
Caramel Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour, sifted
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar
Salted Caramel Sauce
- 2 cups sugar
- 12 Tbsp (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, cubed & room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp fleur de sel (I used sea salt and crushed it down into smaller flakes)
Caramel Frosting
- 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 5oz (approx 10 Tbsp) unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 8oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions
Caramel Cake
- Prepare 3 8in cake pans by buttering, lining with parchment paper and flouring.
- Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars for about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time and mix until incorporated. Scrape the sides of the bowl often.
- Mix in the vanilla.
- Add the flour and buttermilk alternating until just combined.
- In a measuring glass, mix together the baking soda and vinegar then add to the batter. Mix just until incorporated. Do not overmix!
- Separate batter evenly into the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake about 20 minutes or until the top and edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Salted Caramel Sauce
- In a very large, heavy saucepan or pot over medium-high heat, pour the sugar in an even layer over the bottom of the pan. Whisk until melted. The sugar will clump up but will eventually completely melt. This will take about 4-5 minutes.
- Once the sugar has melted, stop whisking and cook until the sugar has turned into an amber color and has a nutty aroma. Remove from the heat.
- Add all the butter and whisk until combined. This mixture will bubble up, but keep whisking until all the butter has melted.
- Slowly pour the heavy cream into the mixture and whisk until incorporated.
- Stir in the fleur de sel.
- Cool for about 10-15 minutes before using.
- Store leftovers in a jar with a lid and reheat before using again. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
Caramel Frosting
- In a medium, heavy pot, whisk together the brown sugar and 2oz of butter over medium heat until melted. Bring to a boil for no more than 10 seconds. Remove from heat immediately and pour in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Cool to room temperature. NOTE: You can use an ice bath and whisk to cool quickly if you don't have time to wait.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the remaining 3oz of butter and cream cheese until smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl several times during this process.
- Mix in the salt.
- Turn the mixer to low and pour in a slow, steady stream the brown sugar mixture. Scrape the sides of the bowl and mix on medium speed until completely smooth and incorporated.
- Add the sifted powdered sugar and mix on medium speed until smooth.
- The frosting will feel very soft - so refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before frosting the cake.
Assembly
- Once the cakes cooled, use a large skewer to poke holes across the top of the cake. Spoon a layer of caramel sauce over the top of the cake and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly.
- Allow the caramel sauce to soak into the cake.
- Repeat this process with a second layer of sauce.
- Once all the caramel has soaked into the cake, place one layer of the cake onto your serving platter.
- Spread a thin layer of frosting over the top of the layer - no more than 1/2 a cup of frosting.
- Place the second layer on top and spread another thin layer of frosting.
- Place the final layer of cake on top and frost the outside of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Drizzle the top of the cake with caramel sauce. Using a spatula, in a back and forth pattern, spread the frosting and sauce together until just incorporated and it looks like the caramel is oozing thru the top of the cake.
- Using a disposable piping bag and a very small tip, fill the bag with caramel sauce. Pipe a layer of sauce around the top edge of the cake, stopping every inch or so to squeeze a little more so it drizzles down the side. Sprinkle with fleur de sel.
- Refrigerate until ready to eat - but remove 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For more detailed instructions on how to make the caramel sauce, visit Brown Eyed Baker . She's got a great step-by-step tutorial with lots of pictures!
Cake and Frosting recipe originally from: Laura's Sweet Spot
Um hello this cake is amazing. What a lucky friend you have! Such a nice thing to share baking with friends, especially someone who lives so close!!
Thanks, Elizabeth. It was amazing!!! 🙂 And you’re right… I am so lucky to have such an amazing friend! I sometimes wish I could clone Chrissy so I can always have her with me!! hehe
I don’t like cream cheese, what can I replace it with and how much? Thanks,
This is regarding the salted carmel layer cake.
Hi there!
I’m planing to make this cake on the weekend. Just wandering if I can bake the cake in one 9inch pan or It’s must baked as 3 invidual layer as I only got one baking pan so would be ok to bake one by one end put the mixture in the fridge till the first than second baking. many thank
If you have a pan with high sides, you can probably bake it in just one pan. If not, I’d suggest buying more pans or baking them one at a time. 🙂
I am dyin over how delicious this looks! I so love caramel!
It tasted even better than it looks!! <3
Could I make this day ahead or will it change the cake? Thank you my husband is going to be thrilled
This post is so sweet, I know you’re going to miss your friend so much. This cake is so incredible and is the perfect way to say “see you soon!”
Thanks, Kayle <3
I assume that this cake bakes at 350 degrees, but I couldn’t find the temp listed in the recipe. Am I right?
*crosses fingers as I slide cake into oven*
Oops! Thanks for catching my omission! Yes, 350 F degrees! Did it turn out?
Oh my gosh! It is super-delicious! It is so rich and tasty by not teeth numbingly sweet. It’s the perfect birthday cake!
Wonderful! 🙂
I made this for my Mom’s birthday last night and it was a huge hit!! Everyone loved it. Thanks for the great recipe!
Yay! So glad you loved it!!! 🙂 xoxo Happy Birthday Mom!
I wonder if I can use carmal iced condensed milk for middle of cakes
I wonder can I use Carmel iced condensed milk for filling between cakes
Made this cake this weekend loved it and so did the person who wanted it thank you so much, they enjoyed so much they are considering it for their wedding, I did refrigerate the frosting, and the cake but have you ever left it out? It would be around 5 hours in the evening
I’m glad everyone loved it. If you kept the cake in the fridge as long as you could… it should be okay at room temperature for a few hours but only if it’s not in a hot or humid location. It would need to be a cool room not under the lights. The frosting will definitely run if it’s too warm. 🙂
Hey 🙂 I’m going to make this cake for my birthday and was wondering if you use self raising flour or plain flower xo
It’s plain or all-purpose flour unless otherwise stated. 🙂
Hi Betsy! This cake looks absolutely delicious! I would like to make it this weekend for my sons’ baptism, but I’m not too experienced with making cakes, especially layered ones! I am wondering, how many servings does this make? Thanks.
Ooohh.. you could easily 20 servings…. maybe even 25-30 depending on how thin you cut the cake. Since it’s three layers of cake and frosting, big slices really aren’t necessary!! 🙂 Let me know how it turns out for you!
Hi I wonder if I can add three milk on the cake like a three milk cake after I have done the caramel sauce?
I’m sorry your friends had to move so far away, but at least you got to know them for awhile. I’m sure you will see them again 🙂 And this cake – I don’t even have words for how good it looks!
I hope I get to see them again. The Army is small… but the world is big! 🙂 Happy Baking!
I made the cake to direction and everything turned out wonderful except the caramel sauce. I had to use a store bought since I ran out of time and ingredients. Mine tasted awful and burnt even though I used the candy thermometer and followed the specifics to a tee. 🙁 Sad.
Oh that’s a bummer, Lisa. I know I’m not good at making the caramel sauce either. Practice makes perfect for me. Anything that is made with a candy thermometer is usually not my best work. Hopefully next time you’ll try it again and it’ll turn out better for you! Good luck and happy baking!
This might help … when I made my caramel I took it off the heat a little before it reached 350 degrees ‘cos it was brown enough – and it would continue cooking a little longer until I got the butter in and started cooling it down. It seems to have worked out all right ‘cos my testers thought it was good.
Hi, I’m from the UK and I’m about to try your recipe.
Just wondering whether the sugar you use for the cake and caramel sauce is just normal sugar (granulated) or caster sugar (super fine)?
Let me know asap please and thanks!
I always use normal, granulated sugar! 🙂 Happy Baking!
I made this last fall for friends because I am a huge salted caramel fan and it was a hit! My friends raved about it. I saved a slice and froze it for a rainy day, which ended up being last weekend. It was as delicious as I remembered it. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Oh that’s great to hear that the cake froze well! 🙂 It makes me so happy to hear how much you enjoyed it! YAY! Thanks for the note!
This is the most beautiful cake I’ve ever made… loved all your directions on how to “decorate” it! I made it for my mother’s birthday tomorrow, but I’m a bit nervous because the caramel sauce had a burnt taste to it. How can I avoid that next time?
I have a hard time with the caramel sauce burning too…. really watch the temperature. If you have any doubts, cook it slightly less next time. Or… if you’re like me, use caramel sauce from a jar! 🙂 hehe I’m really not that great at making caramel!
Haha! Sounds good! I really loved the whole cake, and I so wanted to try it again… I’ll just cook it less (and have some in a jar as a back up)! But again, I love all your detailed instructions! That’s what made me choose this recipe as I am a bit of an amateur! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you so much for that great feedback! What you said is exactly why I blog about what I bake. I love that how I presented this recipe made you want to try it! That’s my #1 goal of blogging…. create things that the home baker can make without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by difficult instructions! So THANK YOU for your comments and feedback! xoxo
Hi Betsy! I love salted caramel, so I really look forward to trying this cake! We have a lot in common. I am an Army wife living in Bavaria, Germany, too. I love to bake and share my goodies with my friends. I am so glad to have found your website. It will get me through my husbands deployment!
Oh wonderful! Where in Bavaria are you? My husband got back last week from his deployment! Let me know how the cake turns out for you! xox <3 Betsy
Munich. Enjoy the time back with your husband:)
One of my favorite cities! 🙂
Hi, I would love to bake this this weekend for a friends birthday..But was just wondering…does the frosting come out even .i mean can i frost it like a perfect buttercream/ganache??
It frosts nicely. I don’t know if perfectly…. because really, nothing is ever perfect and I don’t know your frosting skills! 🙂 Good luck!
Does the top layer of the cake not get the salted caramel sauce poured over it? Thanks!
Nope.. just the inside layers! 🙂
Hi,
This cake looks amazing and I’m going to make it for my girlfriends birthday. I’m im Australia, just wondering if the flour is SR or plain (all purpose flour)?
I’m assuming all purpose given it’s got vinegar and baking powder in it??
Hi Carly – Yes, unless otherwise specified, I used all-purpose flour! 🙂 Happy Birthday to your girlfriend! -Betsy
Can’t wait to taste this cake. I have to say, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a recipe that refers to butter measurements in ounces. Thought that was odd.
I live in Germany – so a lot of my recipes have some measurements in metric. It’s actually much more accurate than to measure in weight than volume. Luckily, most butter packages tell you how much each stick weighs so it should be easy to manage. 🙂 Hope the cake turns out well for you!
May I ask, can i use cake flour, that’s what I bought?? Many thanks!
Cake flour has a different chemical make up than all purpose flour. You might be able to use it, but I’d really suggest buying all purpose flour to get the same cake that is in this recipe. Happy Baking! 🙂
Thanks for your reply! I’m going to make this for a friend of mine, it’s his birthday, but he’s from the south, i mean the southern US, do you think the cream cheese frosting deviates a lot from the “traditional” caramel cake he’s probably talking about when he says he likes it?? He’s been to every fancy restaurant in the world it seems, so my hands are full in this endeavor! thanks again!
There’s nothing traditional about this cake! hhehe 🙂 And to be honest, I’m not sure I know the “traditional” caramel cake he’s referring to. I’d never had a caramel cake before I made this one. BUT… Everyone who has made this LOVES it! 🙂 Happy Baking!
Oh my… this cake is amazing. The caramel sauce is out of this world! I did not use all the sauce on the cake so I pour it on my cinnamon rolls that I made later as well. Bliss.. Thank you so much for sharing the fabulous recipe
Oh yay! So glad to hear how much you loved the cake!! 🙂 xoxoxo Thanks for letting me know!
Hi Betsy,
Am in the midst of making this wonderful yummy licious looking cake!The cake the salted caramel syrup turned out PERFECT but….my frosting is way toooo runny. It has been in the fridge for an hour now and am still not getting the consistency am looking for thus it’s hard to frost onto the cake. 🙁 Any idea where or how i could fix it??
Try adding a couple tablespoons of shortening to the frosting and keep it chilled. Cream cheese frosting is so difficult to work with sometimes because if it’s too hot, humid or if you add too much sugar or liquid to the frosting, it gets too soft to work with. I hope this helps! 🙂 Good luck!
Oh…Betsy..
The cake was awesome despite the runny frosting..Didn’t get to read your reply sooner but will try it again next time!!Thanks for the recipe!It’s going into my recipe book!:)
Oh another thing i forgot to ask..How long can the caramel sauce last? As i still have half a jar left! 🙂
I’d say it’ll be good in the fridge for a few weeks! 🙂 Did you take any pictures? I’d love to see your cake!!
http://instagram.com/p/uhuCapK6hz/?modal=true
Hope that you can view the lovely cake..Thanks again Betsy! Going to try your other recipes!..wohoooooo!!
Nur! How amazing! The cake looks super delicious!
Hi Betsy,
How long would you say you can keep this cake in the fridge for after putting the frosting on? Looks amazing, can’t wait to try and make this!
Until it’s gone! I’d say 2-3 days then the cake will start to dry out. Maybe up to a week if you keep it sealed and put saran wrap over the cake. Send me a picture! I want to see your cake! 🙂
I made this cake for my dad’s birthday this weekend! It was delicious and worth all of the work! Everyone loved it! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Fabulous Meggan! And you’re right… it’s a lot of work, but it’s soooooo worth it!! Happy Birthday, Dad!
I made it for my daughter’s birthday. it’s good but it’s too sweet for me. probably if I’m going to make it again, i’ll lessen the sugar specially for the frosting.
You’re right Mae… it is a very sweet frosting! 🙂
Hi! I just found your recipe for this amazing looking cake. My husband’s birthday is coming up and he LOVES salted caramel anything so this cake looks perfect! I do have one question pertaining to the assembly section – you indicated poking holes across the top of the cake, letting that soak in and then adding another layer. Then it moves into the assembly of the three layers and adding frosting on each. My question is do you do the hole poking/adding caramel sauce on all three layers letting it soak in before putting the cake together with the frosting? I am so excited to try this cake!
Best,
Ila
Hi Ila – Great question. Just poke holes with the sauce on the bottom two layers. Poking the holes and letting the sauce ooze into those two layers add as an extra filling for the cake. It’s sooo yummo! 🙂 Happy Baking!
Hi! I made the cake portion yesterday and it didn’t rise. At all..was more like a really dense pancake. So, I thought maybe I overmixed it or something and retried last night. Same result. Barely rose… 🙁 I went ahead and just cobbled it together, doused it in caramel sauce (which turned out amazing) and frosted it. Any tips on why maybe the cake didn’t rise? I’m in Los Angeles at sea level, so wasn’t sure if I needed to adjust the amount of baking soda, perhaps? I brought the leftovers into work this morning and people still freaked out over it, but I wonder what it would taste like if it had risen more. Instead, the cake portion tasted more like cornbread…hmmm.
Hi Sarah… Sorry to hear about your experience! Ack. I hate it when those things happen. How old is your baking soda? Sometimes old leavening agents don’t work like they’re supposed to. Also, have you tested your oven temperature? Maybe it’s not quite hot enough? The cake portion of this cake really isn’t a light, fluffy cake… it’s rich and dense. Short of being there with you to help… I can’t really say what went wrong. Sorry, friend! I’m glad it still tasted good for you!! xxoo
I made that cake tonight,and it was amazingly delicious)))Thank you so much for your recipe!!!
Oh fabulous! So glad you loved it! <3
I made this today for my sister-in-law’s birthday cake, and it was a hit! I used a 7in tin (3 times because I only have the one!), and I only ended up using 2 tiers. I used 2tsp of Dead Sea salt in the caramel, and I left the sides un-iced. It was loved by all! The birthday girl took the leftover caramel sauce home for ice cream lol.
Wonderful Mandi!! I’m so glad it was loved by all! Did you take a picture? I’d love to see it!
Sorry it’s taken my ages to reply! I had to track down the pictures, I didn’t take them lol. Is there a way of adding them to the comments feed?
Hi 🙂 email them to me betsy at javacupcake dot com!! xxoo
For over 30 years my daughter has requested a strawberry short cake for her birthday. This year she wanted a caramel layer cake and I came across this recipe. It was positively divine! I could literally eat the caramel sauce by the spoonful! It was that good! It is a bit time consuming but was well worth it! Thank you so much for the recipe–this one’s a keeper!
That makes me so happy to hear Marguerite! xxoo And you’re right… it takes a bit of time, but like a friend reminded me of today… nothing good ever comes easy! Happy Birthday to your daughter!
Hi,
im going to attempt to make your spectacular cake gluten free just wondering if any of your fan base have tried this…?
Thanks!
I haven’t heard of anyone trying it GF. Let me know how it turns out!
Hi!
This cake looks amazing and I can’t wait to try it. Planning to make it this weekend for my friend’s birthday. I have a question though. I have 3 9 inches cake pans instead of 8 inches. Do you think I should make changes to the recipe or go ahead as it is.
Thanks a ton in advance!
Sweta.
Hi Sweta –
You shouldn’t have to worry about altering the recipe, but I’d just watch the baking time, it may take a little less since the pans are bigger. Happy Baking!
Betsy
Thanks a ton! Will let you know how it turns out. This is the first time I am trying a layer cake. Keeping my fingers crossed… 🙂
The cake turned out amazing. Everyone raved about it. This was my first time frosting a layer cake so it did not turn out as pretty as my cupcakes usually do but it tasted delicious. Thank you! Can’t wait to try your other recipes. Thank you for this amazing recipe. Xoxo
Wonderful Sweta!! Send me a picture if you have one!! I’d love to see it! 🙂
https://instagram.com/p/3DgpxSvuv2/?taken-by=swetasroy
🙂
I know it’s been long since I messaged but I kept forgetting to send you the picture.
Thanks much,
Sweta.
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmm!
I tested out your recipe on my sister for a celebration for their last exams and everyone really enjoyed it. I was wondering if I was to make the base of this cake in cupcakes how many do you think it would make?
Probably 2-3 dozen cupcakes. Not sure though… haven’t tried it as cupcakes!
Hi Betsy
what a beautiful cake that is, and it sounds awesome too………… I just wondering, is the recipe enough to make a 11×15 sheet cake? I was asked to make a caramel cake and this recipe fits the bill….
thank you so much for sharing
stella
Absolutely amazing cake. I just want to say: Don’t be afraid to make your own caramel sauce! It is really not hard, but I do a couple of things differently than Betsy. First, she says to “whisk” the sugar. I use a wooden spoon and just stir and stir and stir until the sugar is liquid. Also, she says it takes 4-5 minutes, but I think it can take a lot longer. Just keep stirring. It will happen. Next, when she says “heavy” saucepan she means heavy! I have very good success with Le Creuset, so if you have something that heavy, use it. Finally, I think it should always be pointed out when discussing melting sugar that this is NOT an activity in which children should participate. Melted sugar is probably the hottest food substance known to man and if it sticks to your skin … it’s horrible. So take care and also realize that it doesn’t cool down quickly. The first time I made caramel sauce, I tried to lick the wooden spoon a few minutes afterward, when the sugar had already hardened on the spoon. I learned a hard lesson because it was still ridiculously hot. All that said – it is so worth making your own. It is not hard, it is delicious, and it is impressive! Thanks for a fabulous recipe, Betsy – I will be making this again and again.
Hi Pat! I so appreciate your feedback. I’m always looking to learn and grow as a baker. I love the info you left here and will be using your tips when I make caramel again! xoxo -Betsy
Made this today for my son’s 18th bday. He loves salted caramel anything. I thought it was a weird recipe. To have butter measured in three different ways for the three different components of the cake was frustrating (cups in cake itself, Tbsps in sauce and oz in frosting??) It was a lengthy process overall, which I could tell from reading the recipe. I’m fine with that if the end product is spectacular, but no one loved this cake. The icing is really weird and thin, even after the recommended refrigeration. And the icing is waaaaaaay to sweet. Pretty disappointing. I thought it would be amazing.
I’m sorry you found the recipe so disappointing. You are right… there’s a lot that goes into making this cake, very labor intense! I updated the recipe so that the butter measurements aren’t so confusing. Hope it helps!
I was wondering if the cake portion could be made ahead and frozen? I typically make ahead and freeze (unfrosted) cakes, wasn’t sure about the caramel aspect and freezing…thoughts?
Hi Janet. Yes, absolutely you can make the cake ahead of time then freeze. I would suggest however setting the cakes out about 20 minutes before you plan to frost them so that they have time to thaw a bit. Cake that is frozen then frosted tends to sweat later and ruin the frosting and that’s no good!
I am dying to make this cake as it looks amazing!
But are you able to let em know the exact measurements rather than ‘cups’ or the amount of brown sugar, where it says “3/4 firmly packed”.
Thanks!!
You can find the conversions for the measurements here: https://javacupcake.com/2014/11/baking-conversion-charts/ Happy Baking!
Hi, I was going to make my own buttermilk with milk and vinegar but I noticed that you add a tablespoon of vinegar as well. Has anyone tried this? I’m worried the cake will taste vinegary.
I make my own buttermilk also and I’ve never had an issue with the cake tasting like vinegar. It really only acts as a reactor to the leavening agents in the cake. 🙂 Happy baking!
Thanks Betsy! Planning on making this for my mom for her birthday! She LOVES caramel! Fingers crossed I don’t screw it up!
I skipped the vinegar, I also had the same worry. Sponge came out great. 🙂
Under the Caramel Frosting ingredients, 5 oz butter would actually be 10 tablespoons. 1 T butter= 0.5 oz. Just wanted to let your know so people don’t use the wrong amount!
Thanks for catching my typo Carrie! I updated the recipe. 🙂 xxoo
This might go some way to explaining why the frosting didn’t go well when I made this. Caramel sauce and sponge were fine but the frosting was a disaster. It wouldn’t thicken. I added cornflour and icing sugar galore and refrigerated it for absolutely ages before I went to ice the cake. Even then it ran everywhere. Currently it’s sat in my fridge waiting to be served tomorrow inside a springform tin, it was the only way I could get the frosting to stay put!! 🙁
Yes, the frosting is very loose… it’s definitely not an easy frosting to master. I wish I could have made an easier one for you!! So sorry!
Made this for Christmas and OMG was it a hit!!! My college friend is a chef and was in town so I asked her to take a stab at the recipe and this cake had everyone feeling the spirit. I will most certainly be making this again!!!
Not very happy right now. Chose this for someone’s birthday my mother is going to tomorrow, and will probably need to send her with a store bought cake, though I’m not sure anyone will have caramel. If I tried it again, I might be able to tweak things and figure out how to make it work, but unfortunately there isn’t time on this one.
As another commenter experienced, mine didn’t rise much, and each layer only came to about the halfway point on the round cake pans. Not sure how much was the lack of rise, or the amount of batter. Maybe bumping up the quantity on the batter ingredients would have gotten me closer.
The frosting was also way too runny as someone else mentioned. I left it in the fridge for a while before using it, and it looked fine in there, but within just a few minutes of room temp, it got really gummy and drippy. To make matters worse, the cake itself was a bit dense and gummy, so if I wasn’t careful, it would glue itself to the cake and lift big chunks up as I spread it.
I’m sure a good part of this was error on my part, and a more experienced baker would have seen some of it happening and known how to remedy it (or avoid it), but I am typically pretty thorough about following instructions. I hope to maybe try this again when I have more time.
Take Care
Hi there,
I’m sorry the cake didn’t turn out for you like mine did. There are a few things I can think of that may help for you in the future.
First, how much did you work the cake batter when you were mixing it? Over mixing causes a tough, sometimes as you described it, gummy texture. Next time, make sure to mix only until the dry ingredients are combined. Also, rise also is determined by hold old your leavening ingredients are and the elevation you live at. If your baking soda was old, it won’t work like it’s supposed to. If you live at a higher altitude, you need to adjust your levels of leavening, sugar and flour if you live at a higher elevation. Your oven temperature may have been a factor as well. If the temperature is off and it’s not hot enough, the batter won’t get a good rise.
As for the frosting, remember that it’s a cream cheese based frosting, which means that’s it’s going to be soft to begin with. Next time, I’d suggesting adding half the sugar and half the cream to start. The more sugar/cream added, the softer the frosting will be. And with cream cheese frosting there’s no going back once it’s too soft! If you don’t like the cream cheese, try using a classic buttercream.
I hope all these suggestions help if you attempt the cake again. This is a cake with a lot of steps and a lot of ways for it to go wrong. Next time you try a new recipe as a gift or for a party, I’d suggest a trial run of the cake first. That way you can work out all the kinks!
Happy Baking!
Betsy
Thanks Betsy!
I’ll save all the tips, as I’d like to try it again later. On a positive note, it didn’t turn out as bad as I thought (maybe from overnight in the fridge). Everybody apparently loved it, and she’s supposed to be saving the last piece for me. Looking forward to seeing what the inside looked like.
I saw some of the stuff you mentioned on the rising part when I looked around online yesterday. I bought a new oven thermometer and will use that as well as a different box of baking soda next time. I also read about the over-mixing and suspect that could have played a big part in it. I’ll try your tips on the frosting too. I’ve had that happen before on carrot cake frosting, and just as you said, I wasn’t able to stiffen it up, even by adding a ton of powdered sugar.
Much thanks for all the info. I hope to try it again soon and will try to remember to post back here.
Take Care
I’m curious if this cake can be made in two 9in pans instead of three 8in pans? I only have 2 of either size pans. My husband loves salted caramel and has a birthday coming up, I’d love to make this cake and don’t want to buy an additional pan. The cake looks really good.
.
Hi Christi,
Yes you can bake it in a 9in pan. I’d suggest checking on the cakes to ensure they do not over bake since the batter covers more surface of the pan in a 9in.
Happy Baking!
Betsy
Just made this cake tonight for a friend’s birthday party tomorrow. Her only request was that she wanted something with cream cheese icing… I can’t wait to try it! I had a few issues with the caramel sauce, but it was my first time (or rather 2 times) making it. I think with practice, it will be great! Your tips in the recipe were really helpful, I would have panicked when the sugar started lumping before it melts had you not included that description. The salted caramel and the frosting tasted amazing!
Thank you so much for sharing
Caramel sauce has always been difficult for me to master too. Even now it still scares me! Glad you like the cake! 🙂
Hello. The recipe for the Caramel Salted cake will not open. What am I doing wrong?
I’m not sure what you mean, Mary. It’s live on my site now, I just checked with no issues. Can you take a screenshot of what you’re seeing and send it to me please? Thanks! betsy @ javacupcake .com
hello
the recipe sounds great but I don’t have most of the ingredients, so is it OK to substitute the heavy cream with whipped cream, the buttermilk milk with milk and vinegar and cream cheese with yogurt? would it taste good?
The only thing you can sub with the same result is the buttermilk with milk/vinegar. The rest you really need to keep the same. If you used yogurt instead of cream cheese, you’d get soup. And whipped cream is heavy cream that has been whipped until light and fluffy. So any full fat/thick milk *MIGHT* work similar. I’d maybe suggest a different recipe if you can’t find the ingredients you need. 🙂 Happy baking!
After trying this cake, I remade it as a two layer tray bake for a huge party (With some changes it a bit; I omitted the salt because I wasn’t sure how that would go down, as this was quite a while ago when salted caramel hadn’t quite started trending, and I used caramel buttercream, which caramel sauce drizzled inbetween and ontop)
It was a hit, and tasted great 🙂
Thanks so much, would def recommend this recipe!
hi,
I was just wondering if you have ever tried making cupcakes with this recipe. I find my family likes cupcakes more than layered cakes. would this be possible? thanks so much!
Nope, I’ve never tried cupcakes. However, I’m sure the cake would work as cupcakes. Start baking them for 16-17 minutes, rotate the pan and bake 2-4 more minutes. Let me know if you try it!
I just used the caramel cake part of it, but it was fantastic! Everyone loves and raves about it! Fab recipe! Thanks!:)
Just baked this for my boyfriend’s birthday and it was fabulous!
Although the frosting didn’t really work for me. It was way too runny even after i refrigerate it so I only use it as a filling and make my own salted caramel buttercream for the outside layer. However, the cake cuts LIKE A DREAM! I would advise to level the cakes first because it could be quite wonky!
Thank you for sharing this recipe!
I am going to make this cake on Sunday for a friend’s Bday. I was considering adding Bourbon to the caramel sauce. This is my first time making a caramel sauce and not sure if there are any adjustments needed to the recipe.
Hi, can i frost the cake with latte buttercream instead of cream cheese?
It’s your cake…. make it how you want it! 🙂
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Hello! What an amazing recipe, definitely the best Caramel Cake I have come across. Made this as a birthday cake yesterday and it was perfect. As someone has mentioned, the cake layers don”t rise too much but that gives the sponge the right consistency to hold the caramel sauce, it would get soggy otherwise. The cake still has a beautiful height. I didn’t find the icing too runny, just make sure you whip it well and refrigerate for a few hours before using. Thank you, will make this many times over!
Planning on making this but only have light brown sugar, can I sub that for the dark brown?
Absolutely! 🙂
Hi really looking forward to making this cake- for my birthday! How long does it keep for as will probably need to make it a couple of days in advance 🙂
The cake layers will be fine in the freezer for a week or two… I’d suggest putting it together with the frosting the day before and chilling. Bring out about 20-30 minutes before you serve it. Happy Birthday! 🙂
I have made this cake several times and it has become a fan favorite. I have a gas stove and haven’t had any issues with the caramel…I confess I do not use a candy thermometer. I have enough caramel sauce for two cakes, which is a blessing. Thanks for Sharing!
Yay! So glad you love this cake as much as I do!
Betsy,
I’ve baked the layers and after they cooled and soaked up the caramel sauce, I’ve wrapped them in plastic wrap and then foil. I then place in a large zip lock bag and freeze them. I’ve kept them as long as a month, thawed and then iced and served…tasted freshly baked. Delish!
Fantastic!!!
Is this cake high when using 3 tiers? I’m hoping it is
How high do you consider high?
It is amazing, to say the least. I cut the regular sugar in the cake in half. The icing was a bit challenging but people could not stop talking about it. The brown sugar didn’t completely dissolve so I ended up with a lumpy mixture. So before adding the confectioner’s sugar I strained the mixture and put it back in the blender added the sugar and put it in the fridge. Frosting the cake was easy and it turned out beautiful and delicious.
Thanks for sharing
This looks delicious, and I’m in the middle of making it for my Mom… However I’m a bit unsure of which layers of the cake I poke holes in and pour the caramel over… All three, or just the middle one? Thank you!
How high are these layers supposed to rise? I have never leavened a cake with a vinegar baking soda mixture. I don’ think I overmixed but these layers did not rise very much and seem rather dense. The baking powder was brand new.
I made this for Easter and it was a hit. I followed the directions exactly, except for one tiny thing: used the “wet” sugar method for making the caramel, which meant adding about 1/2 c. water to sugar before heating. Turned out great. That was the only way I’d ever made caramel, and I’ve ruined several batches in the past, so I wanted to use a method I’d used before. The cake is great; mine turned out pretty dense but still great texture and not too sweet, which is a great foil for the icing. I might bake it 1 or 2 minutes less next time, just to see what it’s like. Icing was delicious, and of course, the CARAMEL. This recipe made a lot of caramel. I think you could halve it and be okay, but then you wouldn’t have all that loveliness left over in the fridge. Divine. Thanks for a lovely recipe!!
I made this cake a few weeks ago and everyone that tasted it said it was the BEST cake they had EVER had! I bake a lot and these people have tried lots of my cakes, always with great reviews, so that is really saying something!
I’m going to visit my daughter this weekend at college and am thinking about making these as cupcakes! My plan is to “fill” the cupcakes with caramel sauce, and then pipe the icing on top. I loved the brown sugar/caramel icing but would like to make a firmer icing (for looks and travel). Do you have any ideas? I have made salted caramel icing before by simply adding a bit of caramel sauce to a half American buttercream/half cream cheese frosting. I may go that route. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for the lovely recipe!!!
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Hi! I’m so excited to try this… I have a question- sorry if it’s dumb – but do I poke holes and soak all three layers? Or just the one? Don’t wanna overdo or underdo this cake!!
All three! 🙂 Good luck and happy baking!
How much caramel sauce do you add to the cake layers for the soak?
Hi there … about to make this cake and really looking forward to it. Reading the comments I notice a lot of people talk about how runny the icing is. I make cream cheese frosting a lot and actually swap the amounts of butter and cream cheese around – this makes it slightly less runny. The other thing people might be doing is buying own brand cream cheese – it is better to buy a good quality cream cheese. There is something about the chemical reaction of the cheese, butter and icing sugar that makes it really runny if you use the cheaper version of cream cheese … not sure what it is, but having had my frosting refuse to thicken when I used the cheaper version once – never again!!! Thanks for the recipe.
I made this but added about 1/2 tsp of caramel flavoring to batter. And, because a friend requested it with mocha frosting topped with coarse salt, I had to oblige. Spectacular! Thank you!
Is there any reason why you couldn’t just use some of the left over caramel sauce in the icing, instead of making a new batch of caramel?
I want to make this cake for Thanksgiving, but the problem is we do Thanksgiving in a mountain cabin with no real cooking tools. We get there on Monday, so I’m worried about it being fresh and transporting, so I was planning to make the layers and freeze them ahead of time. Do I go ahead and add caramel before I freeze, do you think? Or should I wait until I thaw? I know the caramel can be made ahead. What about the frosting? Do you think I can make it ahead and store it in frig in Tupperware?
Thanks for any advice!
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Hi. I came across this cake and would love to make it for my son birthday but I am not very good with “cup’ sizes. Do you have the gram or oz equivalent please.
Hi Julie – Check out my baking conversion charts. They’re printable! https://javacupcake.com/2014/11/baking-conversion-charts/
You have to subscribe to get this recipe???? Terrible idea. Ive made this dozens of times. Glad I printed it out.
Wait – you don’t want to give me your email to to subscribe to get one of my most popular recipes FOR FREE… but you’ll give me your email so that you can leave me a comment about how you don’t want to give me your email? I too am glad you printed it out. Poof. Be gone. We don’t need that negativity here. Byeeeeee.