Coffee Infused Tuxedo Cake With Salted Caramel Drizzle

Prepare to be captivated by our Coffee Infused Tuxedo Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle! This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience. We’ve combined the rich, bold flavors of coffee and dark chocolate with the smooth sweetness of a classic buttercream and a luscious salted caramel. The result? A stunningly beautiful and utterly delicious dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself. This recipe delivers a sophisticated flavor profile that will impress even the most discerning palates. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this masterpiece!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour (200g / 7oz): The foundation of our cake, providing structure and a tender crumb. Using all-purpose flour ensures a balanced texture, not too dense and not too light.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (30g / 1oz): We’re using unsweetened cocoa powder to deliver a deep, intense chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a darker, smoother flavor, but natural cocoa powder works beautifully too.
• Granulated Sugar (250g / 1 cup + 100g / ½ cup for caramel): Essential for sweetness and moisture, granulated sugar helps create a tender cake texture. We’ll use it in both the cake and the salted caramel.
• Unsalted Butter (200g / 7oz softened for cake + 250g / 1 cup softened for buttercream + 30g / 2 Tbsp melted for caramel): Butter adds richness, flavor, and tenderness. Make sure it’s properly softened for easy creaming, and melted for the caramel. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe.
• Large Eggs (4): Eggs bind the ingredients together, add richness, and contribute to the cake’s structure.
• Whole Milk (120ml / ½ cup + 2 Tbsp for buttercream): Milk provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter. Whole milk is preferred for its higher fat content, resulting in a more tender cake.
• Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract (1 tsp / 5ml for cake + 1 tsp / 5ml for buttercream): Vanilla extract enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, adding a warm and aromatic note. Be sure to use alcohol-free vanilla extract if you prefer.
• Instant Coffee Powder (1 tsp / 5g + 1 tsp / 5g for ganache): The star of the show! Instant coffee powder dissolved in hot water provides a concentrated coffee flavor that infuses the cake and ganache.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp / 5g): A leavening agent that helps the cake rise, creating a light and airy texture.
• Baking Soda (½ tsp / 2.5g): Another leavening agent that reacts with the acidity in the cocoa powder, further contributing to the cake’s rise.
• Salt (¼ tsp / 1.5g + ½ tsp / 2.5g for caramel): Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Sea salt is preferred for the caramel drizzle, providing a delightful crunch.
• Powdered Sugar (300g / 2½ cups, sifted): Used to create a smooth and fluffy buttercream frosting. Sifting ensures there are no lumps.
• Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, halal-certified, 200g / 7oz): High-quality dark chocolate is essential for the rich, decadent ganache. Halal-certified ensures it meets specific dietary requirements.
• Heavy Cream (150ml / ⅔ cup for ganache + 60ml / ¼ cup for caramel): Heavy cream adds richness and smoothness to both the ganache and the caramel.
• Water (60ml / ¼ cup for caramel): Used to dissolve the sugar and create the base for the caramel.
• Pistachios (30g / ¼ cup, toasted and coarsely chopped): Toasted pistachios add a delightful crunch and a pop of color to the finished cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

While we recommend using the ingredients as listed for the best results, here are a few substitutions you can make:

• All-Purpose Flour: You can use cake flour for an even more tender crumb, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
• Whole Milk: Almond milk or soy milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Dark Chocolate: Milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter ganache, but it won’t have the same intense chocolate flavor.

Assembling the Masterpiece: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Cake Layers: Once the cakes are completely cooled, level them using a long serrated knife if necessary. This ensures a stable and even base for your cake.
2. Crumb Coat Application: Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Apply a thin layer of vanilla buttercream all over the top and sides. This ‘crumb coat’ traps loose crumbs, preventing them from mixing into the final frosting layer. Chill the cake for at least 15 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set.
3. Final Frosting: After chilling, apply a generous layer of buttercream to the top of the first layer. Gently place the second cake layer on top, ensuring it’s centered. Frost the entire cake with buttercream, smoothing it out with an offset spatula. Aim for a clean, even finish. Chill for another 30 minutes to firm up the frosting.
4. Ganache Application: While the cake chills, ensure your coffee-infused ganache is at a spreadable consistency – not too hot, not too cold. Pour the ganache over the chilled, frosted cake. Use an offset spatula to gently spread the ganache, creating a smooth, glossy dome. Work quickly, as the ganache will begin to set.
5. Caramel Drizzle: Once the ganache has set slightly (about 15 minutes), drizzle the salted caramel over the top. Don’t aim for complete coverage; the beauty lies in the artistic ribbons and pools of caramel.
6. Pistachio Garnish: Scatter the toasted, coarsely chopped pistachios around the base of the cake and lightly over the top. This adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color.

The Science Behind the Coffee Infusion

The addition of coffee isn’t just about flavor; it’s about enhancing the chocolate. Coffee contains compounds that interact with cocoa, deepening its richness and complexity. The slight bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the cake and caramel, creating a more sophisticated flavor profile. Dissolving the instant coffee in hot water before adding it to the batter ensures even distribution and prevents any grainy texture.

Salted Caramel: A Balancing Act

Salted caramel is a flavor sensation because of the interplay between sweet and salty. The salt doesn’t just make the caramel taste ‘salty’; it actually enhances the perception of sweetness. The addition of butter contributes to a smooth, luxurious texture, while the careful swirling (not stirring!) during the sugar caramelization process is crucial to prevent crystallization and achieve that perfect amber color.

Achieving the Perfect Ganache Consistency

The key to a flawless ganache lies in the ratio of chocolate to cream and the temperature control. Using high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa) provides a rich, intense flavor. Heating the cream just until simmering ensures it’s hot enough to melt the chocolate but not so hot that it scorches. Allowing the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the cake is essential; if it’s too hot, it will melt the buttercream. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to spread evenly.

Tips for a Stunning Presentation

Presentation is key! A simple white marble or slate serving plate provides a beautiful contrast to the dark chocolate ganache and caramel drizzle. The pistachio garnish adds a touch of elegance and texture. When slicing the cake, use a warm, clean knife for a neat cut. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different drizzle patterns and garnish arrangements to create a unique and visually appealing dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?

While 70% dark chocolate is recommended for its intense flavor, you can use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate. However, you may need to adjust the amount of cream to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I make the caramel ahead of time?

Yes, the salted caramel can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Gently reheat it before drizzling.

How do I store leftover cake?

Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This Coffee Infused Tuxedo Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle is a showstopper that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

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