𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒍 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑪𝒂𝒌𝒆

– **1 cup unsalted butter** (softened)
– **1 cup brown sugar** (packed)
– **1/2 cup heavy cream**
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1 teaspoon sea salt** (plus more for sprinkling on top)
– **2 ½ cups powdered sugar** (for that perfect frosting texture)

#### Optional Toppings:
– **Caramel sauce** (store-bought or homemade)
– **Chopped chocolate** (for added texture and decoration)
– **Fresh berries** (optional, for a fresh contrast)

### How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

#### Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. **Preheat the oven** to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, **mix the dry ingredients**: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, **whisk the wet ingredients**: eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the flour.
5. **Add boiling water** to the batter and mix it in carefully. The batter will be thin, but that’s what creates a moist, fudgy cake.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and **bake for 30-35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

#### Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Frosting

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the **butter** over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the **brown sugar** and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the **heavy cream** and stir constantly until the mixture comes together into a smooth caramel sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the **vanilla extract** and **sea salt**. Let the caramel sauce cool for about 10 minutes before proceeding.
4. Once the caramel is cooled, **beat in the powdered sugar** in batches until you get a smooth, thick frosting consistency.

#### Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. If your cakes have domed tops, you may want to **level them** using a serrated knife so they stack evenly.
2. Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or serving platter. Spread a generous layer of **salted caramel frosting** on top.
3. Add the second cake layer and top with more **salted caramel frosting**, smoothing it out to cover the entire cake.
4. If desired, **drizzle additional caramel sauce** over the top of the cake for an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

#### Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

1. Sprinkle a pinch of **sea salt** over the top to bring out the contrast between the sweet and salty flavors.
2. For a decorative touch, top the cake with **chopped chocolate**, **fresh berries**, or a few more drizzles of caramel sauce.

#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your **Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake** is fully assembled, slice it up and enjoy! This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Every bite offers a perfect balance of chocolate and caramel, with that delightful salty finish that keeps you coming back for more.

### Tips and Variations

– **Make it ahead**: This cake can be baked a day ahead. Simply store the cakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Frost before serving.
– **Flourless version**: For a gluten-free twist, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the flour blend instructions for any adjustments to baking times or other ingredients.
– **Caramel sauce**: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making homemade caramel sauce to use as both a drizzle and a part of the frosting. It adds an extra level of richness.
– **Double the layers**: Want an even more decadent cake? Slice each cake layer in half to create a 4-layer masterpiece. Just be sure to have enough frosting!

### Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

– **Perfectly Balanced Flavors**: The deep chocolate flavor of the cake paired with the sweetness of the caramel and the subtle saltiness is truly divine.
– **Showstopper Dessert**: Whether it’s a birthday, celebration, or dinner party, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make.
– **Indulgent Yet Not Overly Sweet**: The addition of sea salt helps cut through the sweetness of the caramel, making this cake rich but not overwhelming.

### Conclusion: A Cake Worth Craving

**Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake** is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the irresistible pairing of chocolate and caramel. With its perfectly moist chocolate cake, creamy salted caramel frosting, and a touch of sea salt, this dessert is sure to impress and satisfy your sweetest cravings. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat to enjoy with loved ones, this cake is a true showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds.