Chocolate Cake with Caramel Filling 🍰🍮

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups / 250g all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup / 75g cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ cups / 300g sugar
• 1 cup / 240ml vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup / 240ml buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 1 cup / 240ml hot coffee or hot water
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup / 200g sugar
• ¼ cup / 60ml water
• ½ cup / 120ml heavy cream or evaporated milk
• 3 tbsp / 42g unsalted butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Frosting:

• 1 cup / 227g unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups / 360g powdered sugar
• ½ cup / 120ml caramel sauce (from the caramel filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream (for consistency)

Instructions

Step 1 – Make the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 170°C / 340°F. Grease and line two 8-inch pans.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
3. In another bowl, combine oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add buttermilk and mix well.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then gradually pour in the hot coffee or water. Mix until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
6. Cool completely.

Step 2 – Make the Caramel Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Let it melt and turn amber — do not stir!
2. Once golden, remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter and cream (it will bubble up).
3. Add salt and vanilla, whisk until smooth.
4. Let the caramel cool completely before using as a filling or for frosting.

Step 3 – Make the Caramel Frosting

1. Beat softened butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Add half the powdered sugar and mix.
3. Add the caramel sauce, vanilla, and salt.
4. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar and milk until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Step 4 – Assemble the Cake

1. Place one layer of the cake on a cake board or plate.
2. Spread a generous amount of caramel filling in the center of the first layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top.
4. Cover the entire cake with caramel frosting.
5. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for a beautiful finish.
6. Optionally, decorate with chocolate chips or fudge pieces for extra flair.

Enjoy this decadent Chocolate Cake with Caramel Filling – perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something sweet! 🍫🍮