Indulge in a Show-Stopping Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake for Your New Year’s Eve Celebration
The Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is the ideal dessert to serve at your New Year’s Eve celebration. With its rich chocolate layers and a decadent salted caramel drizzle, this cake is guaranteed to be the highlight of your festive spread. The sweet-salty combination of salted caramel and smooth chocolate ganache creates a showstopping flavor that will leave your guests craving more. Whether paired with champagne cocktails or served alongside raspberry coulis for a fruity twist, this cake is an unforgettable treat.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water (or coffee for a richer flavor)
For the salted caramel sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the chocolate ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional garnish:
- Chocolate-covered strawberries
- Mini bundt cakes
- Fresh raspberries
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, mix the sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Stir in the hot water (or coffee) until the batter is smooth and thin.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn it. Slowly whisk in the butter until fully incorporated. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Stir in the sea salt and set aside to cool.
Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth. Stir in the butter until glossy.
Assemble the Cake: Place one layer of cake on a serving platter. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce and top with a generous layer of chocolate ganache. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process. Drizzle more salted caramel sauce and chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Garnish with chocolate-covered strawberries or mini bundt cakes for added flair.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
Baking Pro Tips
- For a richer flavor, substitute hot coffee for hot water in the cake batter. This enhances the chocolate taste and adds depth to the flavor.
- Make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it gently before using.
- Don’t rush cooling the cakes. Let them cool completely before assembling; this helps the ganache set properly and prevents a soggy cake.
- Add an extra pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce for more intensity if you love the sweet-salty balance.
This Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake is the perfect way to ring in the New Year. With its indulgent chocolate layers and velvety salted caramel drizzle, it’s a dessert that will impress everyone at your celebration. Whether you’re serving it with champagne or a fruity twist of raspberry coulis, it’s sure to be a memorable addition to your New Year’s Eve spread. So why not make this cake the centerpiece of your festivities and treat your guests to a truly decadent experience?