There’s nothing more indulgent than a delicious salted caramel cake. With soft vanilla layers, silky caramel buttercream, and gooey homemade caramel, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply craving something sweet, this salted caramel cake recipe will wow your guests. Learn how to make it step-by-step and enjoy a dessert that tastes as good as it looks.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar (for cake + caramel)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup butter (for buttercream, room temp)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream (for caramel)
Instructions
Caramel Sauce
➜ In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat until golden brown.
➜ Lower heat, stir in butter, then slowly add heavy cream. Stir constantly.
➜ Add a pinch of salt, transfer to a bowl, and let it cool.
Cake Layers
➜ Preheat oven to 340°F. Grease and line three 8-inch pans.
➜ Whisk dry ingredients together.
➜ In a mixer, cream butter and sugar for 3 minutes. Add eggs two at a time.
➜ Mix in half the dry ingredients, then sour cream, oil, and vanilla. Add remaining dry ingredients.
➜ Divide batter into pans and bake for 20–23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Caramel Buttercream & Assembly
➜ Beat butter for 4 minutes, scrape down, then beat 2 minutes more.
➜ Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and caramel until smooth.
➜ Place first cake layer on a plate. Spread buttercream, then drizzle caramel (leave edges clean).
➜ Repeat with the next layers. Apply a thin crumb coat, chill 20 minutes.
➜ Frost with remaining buttercream, top with caramel drizzle and flaky sea salt.
Pro Tips
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers and prepare the caramel a day ahead. Assemble the next day for the freshest results.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Full-fat Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Nutrition Summary
This salted caramel cake is rich, indulgent, and best enjoyed in moderation.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice | 420 | 4g | 52g | 20g | 1g | 38g |
Nutrition facts are estimated.
