Description
Indulge in this Salted Caramel Cake with Espresso Caramel Ganache, a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and subtly bitter flavors. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (200g / 1 ⅔ cups): Provides structure.
- Baking Powder (2 tsp / 8g): Helps the cake rise.
- Baking Soda (½ tsp / 2g): Works with baking powder for lift.
- Salt (¼ tsp / 1g): Enhances flavors.
- Unsalted Butter (115g / ½ cup, softened + 30g / 2 Tbsp for caramel): Adds richness and tenderness.
- Granulated Sugar (200g / 1 cup + 200g / 1 cup for caramel): Sweetens and creates flavorful caramel.
- Large Eggs (2): Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract (1 tsp / 5ml): Enhances flavor.
- Whole Milk (120ml / ½ cup): Adds moisture.
- Water (60ml / ¼ cup for caramel): Dissolves sugar for caramel.
- Heavy Cream (120ml / ½ cup for caramel + 100ml / ⅓ cup for ganache): Adds richness and smoothness.
- Flaky Sea Salt (½ tsp / 2g for caramel + ¼ tsp / 1g for ganache): Balances sweetness.
- Dark Chocolate (150g / 5oz, roughly chopped): Base of the decadent ganache.
- Espresso Powder (1 tsp / 5g): Infuses ganache with coffee flavor.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1 tsp / 2g, for garnish): Adds visual appeal.
- Toasted Pistachio Crumbs (2 Tbsp / 15g, optional garnish): Provides crunch and nutty flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Layers: Slice cooled cake horizontally into two even layers.
- First Caramel Layer: Spread half of the salted caramel sauce on the bottom layer.
- Espresso Ganache Drizzle: Drizzle a thin stream of espresso ganache over the caramel.
- Second Layer Placement: Place the second cake layer on top.
- Final Caramel Coating: Spread remaining caramel sauce over the top layer.
- Ganache Cascade: Pour remaining ganache over the center, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with pistachio crumbs.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa). Making caramel requires attention to prevent crystallization; avoid stirring while melting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: cake,caramel,chocolate,espresso,salted caramel,ganache,dessert,baking