If you're a fan of rich and decadent desserts, then this smoked chocolate caramel cake recipe is perfect for you. This old-fashioned caramel cake is easy to make and guaranteed to please your taste buds. With hints of luscious caramel flavor and a moist texture, this cake is a true indulgence.
What is Caramel Cake Made Of?
A traditional Southern caramel cake is essentially a yellow cake with a twist. The cake batter is infused with rum extract, giving it a delightful caramel-y flavor. However, what sets this cake apart is the caramel frosting. The frosting is made by creating a caramel on the stovetop and then beating it with a stand mixer until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Caramel Cake Ingredients
Before diving into the frosting, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need for the cake itself:
- Sour cream and milk: These ingredients ensure that the cake is moist and rich.
- Butter, sugar, and eggs: The staples of any cake batter.
- Flour, baking powder, and salt: These dry ingredients provide structure and flavor to the cake.
- Vanilla and rum extracts: These extracts enhance the flavor of the cake and complement the sweet frosting.
How to Make Caramel Cake
Now that we have the ingredients, let's walk through the steps of making this delicious caramel cake:
- Combine wet ingredients: Start by combining the milk and sour cream. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time.
- Add dry ingredients: Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the sour cream mixture. Once blended, add the vanilla and rum extracts. Scoop the batter into greased and floured cake pans.
- Bake cake layers: Bake the cake layers until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting.
How to Frost Caramel Cake
The key to successfully frosting this caramel cake is to ensure that the cake layers are completely cooled before you begin. If the cake is even slightly warm, the frosting will slide off.
To frost the cake, start by placing a small dollop of frosting on your serving plate to hold the cake in place. Place the first layer on top and cover it with frosting. Add the second layer and use the remaining caramel frosting to coat the top and sides of the cake.
Can You Make Caramel Cake Ahead?
If you want to save time on the day of your gathering, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Once the layers are completely cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer. Thaw the layers in the fridge overnight before frosting.
How to Store Caramel Cake
If you have any leftover cake, you can store it at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to one week. Make sure to cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The cake can be frozen for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a slice of chocolate caramel cake?
The number of calories in a slice of chocolate caramel cake can vary depending on the size of the slice and the specific recipe used. On average, a slice of chocolate caramel cake can contain anywhere from 300 to 500 calories.
Can I add a smoky flavor to the chocolate caramel cake?
Absolutely! If you want to add a smoky twist to your chocolate caramel cake, you can try using smoked chocolate or adding a touch of smoky flavoring. This can be achieved by using smoked cocoa powder or adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the cake batter.
Can I use a different frosting for the caramel cake?
While the caramel frosting is the traditional choice for this cake, you can certainly experiment with different frostings. Cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a salted caramel buttercream would all be delicious options to consider.
What other flavors can I pair with caramel?
Caramel is a versatile flavor that pairs well with many other ingredients. Some popular combinations include caramel and apple, caramel and pecan, and caramel and sea salt. Feel free to get creative and add your own favorite flavors to your caramel cake.
This smoked chocolate caramel cake recipe is a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of caramel. With its moist texture and indulgent flavor, it's sure to be a hit at any gathering or special occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this delicious dessert!
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