Dreamy Salted Caramel Cake Recipe: Heavenly Sweetness Awaits

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up this delectable salted caramel cake that promises pure indulgence.

Buttery layers melt seamlessly with rich, golden caramel notes.

Unexpected salt crystals add a surprising twist to every decadent bite.

Warm aromas drift through the space, tempting everyone nearby.

Baking becomes an art form with this remarkable dessert that balances sweetness and complexity.

Culinary magic awaits you in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Prepare to experience a slice of pure bliss that will surely become your new favorite celebration treat.

Best Way To Store Nigella Salted Caramel Cake

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months, preserving its delicious salted caramel flavor.
• Keep cake in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring it stays soft and delectable.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds or let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its original texture and taste.

Nigella Salted Caramel Cake FAQ Guide

• Can I use a different type of chocolate or cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute with dark or milk chocolate cocoa powder. Just ensure it’s good quality for the best flavor results.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.

• What are caramel bars, and where can I find them?

Caramel bars are soft, chewy candy bars like Mars or Cadbury Caramel. You can find them in most grocery stores or supermarket confectionery sections. If unavailable, use dulce de leche or soft caramel candies.

Why Nigella Salted Caramel Cake Is So Tempting

• Savor Indulgent Flavors: Rich cocoa and caramel combine for a decadent treat that satisfies serious sweet cravings with every delicious bite.
• Craft with Ease: Simple mixing technique allows bakers of all skill levels to create a stunning cake without complicated steps or professional training.
• Perfect for Sharing: A crowd-pleasing dessert that works wonderfully for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend celebrations with friends.
• Customize Your Delight: Flexible recipe welcomes creative tweaks like adding extra caramel pieces or experimenting with different chocolate variations to suit personal taste preferences.

What You’ll Need For Nigella Salted Caramel Cake

• Cocoa Powder: A rich chocolate powder that adds deep flavor and dark color to the cake.
• Coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the cake's overall taste.
• Boiling Water: Helps create a smooth paste with cocoa and coffee.
• Butter: Provides moisture and richness to the cake's texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Golden Syrup: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like sweetness.
• Flour: Creates the cake's structure and provides a soft texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake.
• Caramel Bars: Provide extra caramel flavor and chunks throughout the cake.

• Caramel Bars: Melt to create a rich, sweet icing base.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the icing.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Icing Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the icing.

• Salt: Can be sprinkled on top for a salted caramel finish (if desired).

Easy Steps For Nigella Salted Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease a 20cm round cake tin and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Coffee Base

Combine cocoa powder and instant coffee with boiling water to create a rich, smooth paste that will intensify the cake’s deep chocolate flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale, creating a smooth foundation for the cake.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Gently add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated. Stir in golden syrup and the prepared chocolate coffee paste, blending until completely combined.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

Carefully fold in flour and milk, mixing just until the ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and light.

Step 6: Add Caramel Chunks

Fold in chopped caramel bars, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for pockets of sweet, gooey goodness.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Caramel Frosting

• Caramel bars
• Butter
• Milk

Stir until smooth and fully combined.

Step 10: Finish the Frosting

Remove from heat and gradually mix in icing sugar until the frosting becomes glossy and thick. Let it cool and slightly set to achieve the perfect spreading consistency.

Step 11: Frost the Cake

Spread the caramel frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake, creating a luscious, glossy topping.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the frosting to set completely before slicing. Serve and savor the rich, decadent salted caramel chocolate cake.

Pro Tips For Nigella Salted Caramel Cake

• Select High-Quality Ingredients: Use premium cocoa, fresh coffee, and top-tier caramel bars for a rich, intense flavor profile.
• Control Moisture Balance: Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense cake texture; fold ingredients gently until just combined.
• Precise Baking Temperature: Check cake doneness with a skewer; ensure it comes out clean but not dry to maintain moisture.
• Strategic Caramel Incorporation: Chop caramel bars into small, even pieces for consistent distribution throughout the cake.
• Icing Consistency Matters: Allow caramel icing to cool and thicken slightly before spreading to achieve smooth, even coverage.

Delicious Twists On Nigella Salted Caramel Cake

• Gluten-Free Caramel Cake: Replace regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Caramel Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs.
• Chocolate Orange Caramel Cake: Add orange zest to the batter and mix in dark chocolate chips for a citrusy flavor variation.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Option: Use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sugar content for a healthier version.

What Matches With Nigella Salted Caramel Cake

• Pair Richly Decadent Dessert Wines: Select sweet fortified wines like Pedro Ximénez sherry or Madeira to complement the cake's intense caramel and chocolate notes, enhancing the dessert's luxurious flavor profile.
• Match with Creamy Coffee Beverages: Serve alongside a velvety cappuccino or smooth latte to balance the cake's sweetness and highlight its deep, rich undertones, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Create Salted Caramel Cocktail Companion: Mix a salted caramel martini with vodka, caramel liqueur, and a pinch of sea salt to echo the cake's flavor, providing a sophisticated adult pairing that intensifies the dessert's complexity.

Salted Caramel Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent layers of salted caramel cake blend rich sweetness with delicate salt undertones, creating a luxurious dessert that whispers gourmet elegance. Chocolate lovers and caramel enthusiasts will savor each exquisite bite of this irresistible masterpiece.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) butter (softened)
• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) golden caster sugar
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) golden syrup
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) self-raising flour
• 2 medium eggs

Cake Add-ins:

• 2 teaspoons instant coffee
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons boiling water
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) chocolate caramel bars (chopped)

Frosting Ingredients:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) chocolate caramel bars
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) butter
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) icing sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 180C (160C fan) and prepare a 20cm round cake tin by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
2. Create a rich cocoa paste by blending cocoa powder and coffee with boiling water until smooth and glossy.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until light, pale, and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.
5. Introduce golden syrup and the prepared cocoa paste into the mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
6. Gently fold flour and milk into the batter, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
7. Fold chopped caramel bars into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
8. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake tin, smoothing the surface to ensure an even bake.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
11. For the icing, combine caramel bars, butter, and milk in a saucepan, melting over low heat until smooth.
12. Remove from heat and gradually incorporate icing sugar, stirring until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
13. Let the icing cool and thicken slightly, then generously spread over the completely cooled cake.
14. Allow the icing to set fully before slicing and serving the decadent salted caramel cake.

Notes

• Ensure coffee and cocoa mixture is smooth and fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the cake batter.
• Chop caramel bars into small, uniform pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the cake without sinking.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and check that caramel bars are gluten-free.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the icing to enhance the salted caramel flavor and create a professional bakery-style finish.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35-40 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg