Moist Chocolate Caramel Cake (Print Version)

Rich chocolate and caramel layers with a moist crumb and smooth, velvety frosting for indulgent enjoyment.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
03 - 2 tsp baking powder
04 - 1 tsp baking soda
05 - 1 tsp kosher salt
06 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 cup buttermilk
09 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
10 - 1 tbsp vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup hot brewed coffee

→ Frosting

12 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
13 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
15 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
16 - 1 tbsp vanilla extract
17 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
18 - 3/4 cup caramel sauce, chilled

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and grease three 8-inch cake pans with cooking spray, then line bottoms with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar until well blended.
03 - Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to dry ingredients and mix just until nearly combined.
04 - Slowly pour in hot coffee and gently mix until batter is smooth and free of lumps, allowing cocoa flavors to bloom.
05 - Divide batter evenly among prepared pans using a scale for accuracy and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
06 - Remove pans from oven and cool on wire rack for 10 minutes, then invert layers to cool completely before frosting.
07 - In a bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Fold in chilled caramel sauce and mix until smooth.
08 - Place a dab of frosting on serving plate. Layer first cake layer, pipe a frosting ring on edge, fill center with caramel sauce. Repeat for each layer. Coat entire cake with remaining frosting.
09 - Chill cake slightly to set frosting, then slice and serve at room temperature or chilled to best showcase flavors.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use a digital scale to ensure even cake layer distribution for uniform baking.
02 - Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
03 - Sift cocoa powder for a smooth, lump-free frosting texture.

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