Moist Chocolate Caramel Cake (Printer-Friendly)

Layered chocolate cake with buttery caramel and whipped frosting—rich, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Cake Batter

01 - 3 cups flour
02 - 1/2 cup cocoa powder
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
07 - 3 eggs
08 - 1 cup buttermilk
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1 cup hot coffee
11 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil

→ Frosting

12 - 1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature
13 - 3 cups powdered sugar
14 - 1/2 cup cocoa powder
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - 1/3 teaspoon kosher salt
17 - 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
18 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream

→ Assembly

19 - 2/3 cup caramel sauce

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line three 8-inch baking pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and granulated sugar.
03 - Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until nearly combined.
04 - Stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth and no lumps of flour remain.
05 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
06 - Let the cakes cool completely before applying the frosting.
07 - In a bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, sifted cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Add caramel sauce and whip on high until fluffy.
08 - Place a small amount of frosting on the serving surface. Set the first cake layer on top.
09 - Pipe a frosting ring around the edge of the first layer, fill with frosting, and spread smooth. Fill the center with 1/3 cup caramel sauce. Repeat with remaining layers.
10 - Frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining frosting. Slice and serve.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use cake strips to ensure even baking.
02 - Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
03 - Spoon and level flour for accurate measurement.
04 - Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain moisture.
05 - Line pans with parchment to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
06 - Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.