Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Cake – A Crunchy Toffee Dessert

Introduction

If you’re looking for desserts that wow, this Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Cake is the ultimate showstopper. With layers of moist chocolate cake, gooey salted caramel, crunchy toffee pieces, and a luscious chocolate ganache, this dessert is pure indulgence. It’s the perfect choice for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a rich and decadent treat.

This cake combines the best flavors of toffee caramel cake, butterscotch crunch cake, and salted caramel chocolate espresso cake, making it a true crowd-pleaser. The crunchy toffee topping adds a delightful contrast to the soft, fudgy cake layers, while the caramel drizzle enhances every bite with a sweet and salty balance.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make this toffee birthday cake from scratch, plus tips for achieving the perfect texture and presentation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent & Rich: A chocolate lover’s dream with layers of caramel, chocolate, and toffee crunch.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Great for birthdays, parties, and holidays.
• Crunchy & Gooey in Every Bite: The toffee adds the perfect amount of crunch to balance the soft cake.
• Easy to Customize: Make it with espresso, butterscotch, or extra caramel for a unique twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this toffee butterscotch cake, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (room temperature)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) hot water or brewed espresso (for deeper flavor)

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

For the Toffee Crunch Topping:

• 1 cup (120g) toffee bits or crushed Heath bars
• ½ cup (100g) butterscotch chips (optional)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Kitchen Equipment Required

To make this toffee caramel cake, you’ll need:

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack
• Small saucepan
• Heatproof spatula

How to Make Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Slowly pour in the hot water or espresso while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin—this is normal!

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown. Add the butter and stir until melted.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the caramel simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Set aside to cool.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

In a heatproof bowl, place the chocolate chips. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate.

Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly before assembling the cake.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of salted caramel sauce over the top, then sprinkle with toffee bits.

Add the second cake layer and pour the chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Drizzle with additional caramel and top with more toffee bits and sea salt.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy this toffee birthday cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of espresso!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: This can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Overcooking the Caramel: Watch it closely to avoid burning.
• Pouring Hot Caramel on the Cake: Let it cool slightly before adding it to prevent melting the cake layers.

Recipe Variations & Customizations

• Salted Caramel Chocolate Espresso Cake: Use brewed espresso instead of hot water for a rich coffee flavor.
• Butterscotch Crunch Cake: Swap the caramel sauce for homemade butterscotch sauce.
• Captain Crunch Cake: Add crushed Captain Crunch cereal on top for extra crunch.
• Extra Toffee Delight: Stir toffee bits into the cake batter for added texture.

How to Serve & Presentation Tips

For an elegant presentation, drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice before serving. Garnish with chocolate shavings and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.

What to Serve with Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Cake

• Coffee or Espresso: Enhances the deep chocolate and caramel flavors.
• Whipped Cream: Adds a light and airy contrast.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing with warm caramel sauce.
• Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing tartness.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Storing: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before assembling.

Reheating Caramel: If the caramel thickens too much, warm it slightly in the microwave before drizzling.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought salted caramel works perfectly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

How do I make the cake extra moist?

Use room-temperature ingredients and don’t overbake. Adding an extra tablespoon of oil can also help.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers 1-2 days in advance and store them in the fridge before assembling.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Cake is an indulgent, bakery-style dessert that’s sure to impress! Whether you’re making it as a toffee birthday cake, a toffee caramel cake, or just a special treat, every bite is packed with rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy toffee goodness.

Try this toffee desserts easy recipe today and let us know how it turns out! If you loved it, share this recipe and subscribe for more desserts that wow. Happy baking!

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