Description
A delightful cake featuring rich chocolate, warm caramel, and crunchy toffee, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cocoa powder or quality dark chocolate
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup butter or oil
- 1 cup buttermilk or sour cream
- 1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter (for caramel)
- 1 cup brown sugar (for caramel)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for caramel)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup store-bought Heath or Skor bits, or homemade toffee
- Whipped cream, buttercream, or chocolate ganache (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Bake the chocolate cake: Make your batter from scratch or boost a box mix with cocoa, oil, eggs, and buttermilk. Divide the mix into lined pans. Bake until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Let the layers cool all the way.
- Prepare caramel sauce: Melt butter and brown sugar in a pan. Stir in cream and vanilla. Let it simmer until it gets thick and shiny. Let the sauce cool a little so it is not too hot.
- Level and assemble: If the layers are domed, level them with a knife. Put the first layer on a plate. Spread a good layer of caramel on it. Sprinkle toffee bits or chopped nuts on top of the caramel.
- Repeat: Put the second cake layer on. Add more caramel and more toffee bits. Or make holes in the cake and pour caramel in for a poke cake effect.
- Frost: Cover the whole cake with your chosen frosting. Smooth the sides and top with an offset spatula.
- Garnish: Drizzle extra caramel over the top. Scatter toffee bits, chocolate chips, and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Chill: Put the cake in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the layers set and the flavors blend.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smooth batter. Do not overmix the batter; stop when it looks even. Let layers cool well so caramel does not melt the frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American