Decadent Caramel Cake Recipe: Silky Sweet Perfection in Minutes

Sweet caramel cake elevates ordinary dessert moments into luxurious culinary experiences.

Rich layers promise indulgence beyond typical sugary treats.

Bakers passionate about sophisticated confections understand its magical appeal.

Smooth, golden textures hint at complex flavor profiles waiting to tantalize taste buds.

Every slice represents a delicate balance between buttery softness and deep caramel intensity.

Subtle nuances elevate this dessert from simple to extraordinary.

Professional techniques merge to create a truly remarkable confectionery masterpiece.

Why You’ll Remember This Decadent Caramel Cake

• Indulge in Decadent Richness: This caramel cake delivers an incredibly luxurious experience with its deep chocolate base and luscious caramel-soaked texture that melts in your mouth.
• Effortless Baking Magic: The simple one-bowl mixing method makes this cake super approachable for bakers of all skill levels, requiring minimal technical expertise and delivering maximum deliciousness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Perfection: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and special celebrations, this cake transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: The genius technique of poking holes and allowing caramel to seep throughout ensures every single bite is packed with sweet, gooey goodness that elevates the entire cake-eating experience.

Everything You Need for Decadent Caramel Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Rich chocolate flavor that adds depth to the cake's taste.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's rich texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake with soft crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor background.
• Coffee: Deepens chocolate flavor and adds complexity to the cake.

• Caramel Sauce: Provides a rich, sweet layer that soaks into the cake.
• Condensed Milk: Adds extra sweetness and helps create a creamy caramel mixture.
• Chocolate Sauce: Provides a final decorative and flavor-enhancing touch.

Step-by-Step Guide for Decadent Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan
• Dust pan with flour
• Line bottom with parchment paper

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until completely combined

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Large eggs
• Whole milk
• Vegetable oil
• Pure vanilla extract
• Brewed coffee

Beat mixture using electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until smooth and well-incorporated

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredient mixture

Stir until no flour streaks remain

Pour batter into prepared baking pan

Smooth top with silicone spatula

Step 5: Bake Cake

Place pan in preheated oven

Bake for 35-40 minutes

Check doneness with toothpick inserted in center

Allow cake to rest for 10 minutes after baking

Step 6: Create Caramel Infusion

• Store-bought caramel sauce
• Sweetened condensed milk

Use wooden spoon handle to create holes across cake surface

Slowly pour caramel mixture over cake

Ensure liquid penetrates entire cake

Step 7: Chill and Finish

Refrigerate cake for minimum 4 hours

Before serving, drizzle additional chocolate sauce

Optional: Garnish with whipped cream or chocolate shavings

Caramel Cake Tips That Make a Difference

• Master the Batter Consistency: Mix ingredients thoroughly to achieve a smooth, lump-free batter that ensures a tender, moist cake texture.
• Control Coffee Temperature: Use lukewarm coffee to prevent potential egg curdling and maintain the batter's silky consistency.
• Perfect Hole Technique: Create evenly spaced holes using a wooden spoon handle to maximize caramel sauce absorption throughout the cake.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the cake to refrigerate for the full 4 hours, letting the caramel completely penetrate and enhance the cake's richness.
• Serve at Ideal Temperature: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly and release its full flavor profile.

Best Ways to Keep and Reheat Caramel Cake

• Refrigerate: Wrap cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep chilled for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freezing: Slice cake before storing in freezer-safe containers. Separate layers with parchment paper. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, let cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying to restore softness and rich caramel taste.

Perfect Partners for Decadent Caramel Cake

• Sip Silky Dessert Wine: Pair this decadent caramel cake with a rich Port wine, which complements the deep chocolate and caramel flavors with its sweet, velvety profile.
• Match Creamy Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a smooth cappuccino or latte, allowing the warm coffee notes to enhance the cake's rich chocolate and caramel undertones.
• Elevate with Nutty Sidekick: Add a scoop of salted caramel or toasted almond ice cream to create a luxurious contrast of temperatures and textures that will make the dessert experience truly memorable.
• Balance with Tangy Refreshment: Include a small glass of cold milk or a light raspberry sorbet to cut through the cake's intense sweetness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Creative Spins on Caramel Cake You’ll Enjoy

• Chocolate Caramel Coffee Cupcakes: Transform the cake recipe into individual cupcakes by using a muffin tin. Adjust baking time to 18-22 minutes and create smaller caramel-filled versions perfect for parties.
• Gluten-Free Caramel Chocolate Cake: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend. Maintain the same measurements and baking instructions for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Nutty Caramel Chocolate Cake: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before pouring caramel sauce. Add a layer of crushed nuts between cake layers for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake: Incorporate sea salt into the caramel mixture for a sophisticated sweet-savory combination. Garnish with additional sea salt flakes just before serving to enhance the rich chocolate and caramel notes.

Decadent Caramel Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Caramel cake delivers a luxurious Southern dessert experience with rich, golden layers of silky sweetness. Sweet memories of grandmother’s kitchen emerge as each forkful melts into a perfect balance of buttery cake and deep caramel notes you’ll treasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1¾ cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) brewed coffee, cooled
• 2 eggs

Dry Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Liquid and Filling Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 jar caramel sauce (12.25 ounces / 347 grams)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces / 397 grams)

Garnish:

• Chocolate sauce

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly mix all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform flour-cocoa base with balanced dry components.
2. Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, blending with an electric mixer at medium velocity for 2-3 minutes until a smooth, liquid-like batter emerges.
3. Gently fold coffee into the batter, noting its thin consistency will spread effortlessly in the baking vessel.
4. Transfer the batter into a prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, carefully smoothing the surface to ensure even distribution.
5. Position the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F, allowing it to bake for approximately 35-40 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges pristine.
6. After removing from the oven, let the cake settle and slightly cool, delicately pressing the center if any uneven surfaces remain.
7. Create multiple punctures across the cake’s surface using a wooden spoon handle, generating pathways for caramel absorption.
8. Combine caramel sauce with condensed milk, creating a rich, decadent mixture.
9. Methodically pour the caramel blend over the cake, ensuring complete penetration through the strategically created holes.
10. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.
11. Prior to serving, drizzle chocolate sauce across the top for an additional layer of indulgence.

Notes

• Master the art of creating a rich, moist chocolate cake that’s infused with luscious caramel throughout every single bite.
• Coffee adds depth and intensifies the chocolate flavor, making this dessert unexpectedly complex and sophisticated.
• Poking holes allows the caramel mixture to penetrate deeply, transforming an ordinary cake into a decadent, ultra-moist treat.
• Refrigeration is crucial for allowing caramel to set and flavors to meld, ensuring each slice is perfectly saturated and indulgent.
• Serve chilled for the best texture and most intense caramel-chocolate experience that will impress even the most discerning dessert lovers.
• Prepare ahead of time as this cake requires at least 4 hours of chilling to reach its ultimate creamy, dreamy potential.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 55g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg