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Chocolate Cake with Caramel Filling

A rich and moist chocolate cake filled with gooey caramel and topped with velvety caramel frosting, perfect for any dessert lover.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Use high-quality flour for the best texture.
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder High-quality cocoa enhances flavor.
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 1 cup hot coffee or hot water Enhances chocolate flavor.
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Filling
  • 1 cup sugar Granulated sugar for caramel.
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Softened to room temperature.
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce For added flavor.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt Enhances sweetness.
  • 2 to 3 tbsp milk or cream To achieve desired frosting consistency.

Method
 

Make the Chocolate Cake
  1. Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C) and grease two 8-inch round pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add buttermilk and stir until smooth, then combine with the dry ingredients.
  5. Slowly pour in hot coffee or water, mix until smooth, and pour into the prepared pans.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make the Caramel Filling
  1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Let melt until golden amber, without stirring.
  2. Whisk in butter and heavy cream, then add salt and vanilla extract until smooth. Let cool completely.
Make the Caramel Frosting
  1. Whip softened butter until creamy, gradually adding half of the powdered sugar.
  2. Add caramel sauce, vanilla, and salt, then blend in remaining powdered sugar and enough milk or cream for a fluffy consistency.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving board and spread caramel filling in the center.
  2. Top with the second cake layer, then cover the entire cake with caramel frosting.
  3. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with chocolate chips or fudge pieces.

Notes

For ultimate chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder. You can add fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas between cake layers for a twist.