I'm not really a cake lady, to be honest. They're usually just fluffy and boring. But when I was assigned with the task of making a birthday cake for my chocolate, caramel, and salt loving friend, I was excited to figure out something fun, tasty, and unique. Outcome? This dark chocolate, salted caramel cake. Delicious!
Step One:
Unwrap a pound of vanilla candies, add some whole milk, and allow to warm over low heat. It's better to add very little milk, as you can always add more later.
Step Two:
Stir the caramels into the milk, making sure to not scald the milk. Once the caramel has all melted into the milk, put the caramel in the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature. The consistency you are looking for is caramel that can spread a little bit, but will not drip when held from a spoon. If it's still too thick to stir, add some more milk. If it's too thin, better add more caramels.
Step Three:
Bake two 8 or 9 inch round cakes. I used dark chocolate cake mix from Duncan Hines. If the tops of the cakes come out rounded, cut off the top once the cake has cooled. Then, frost the inside surfaces with a very thin coat of frosting. Put both cakes in the freezer for at least two hours. The frosting helps seal off the cake, to prevent the caramel from seeping into the cake layers.
Step Four:
Take the cakes from the freezer, and pour your room temperature caramel onto the bottom cake. Don't pour the caramel all the way to the edge, as it will slowly reach the edge on its own. The cold cakes help keep the caramel from moving too quickly. As soon as the caramel has covered the cake, sprinkle it lightly with finely ground sea salt. Be sure to leave some extra caramel for drizzing!
Step Five:
Add the top cake layer, and add chocolate icing. I used whipped Duncan Hines chocolate frosting, so the cake wouldn't be too rich. Then, if you are worried about the caramel melting off the edge, put in the refrigerator.
Step Six:
Before serving, cover the cake plate with parchment paper, warm the leftover caramel slightly, and drizzle over the top of the frosting. Sprinkle more finely ground seasalt on the top. Before the caramel has set, remove the parchment paper and discard.
The cake was a smashing success! I was afraid it might be too rich, but I didn't use lots of frosting, and the frosting I did use was pretty light. The salt also helps take the edge off the richness. It's the perfect salty and sweet combination!
Oh, and if you're really wanting to get festive, wear a caramel outfit when delivering your cake. It might impress your friends.
O U T F I T D E T A I L S :
top: ASOS bodysuit | skirt: thrifted | necklace: Hartville Flea Market (Ohio)
I heart this outfit, so simple, yet perfect, especially for baking! May I ask where you got your top and skirt? Is the top a bodysuit?
Posted by: Lori | July 25, 2011 at 04:08 PM
Ohh, that cake looks super tasty! I really love your outfit as well.
xo,
Em
Posted by: Emma Robertson | July 25, 2011 at 04:10 PM
Lori,
Ooops! I usually put outfit details in the posts. I just added them. :) The top is the "Bardot" bodysuit from ASOS. The skirt was thrifted. Probably my favorite personal find of the year!
Posted by: Mandi | July 25, 2011 at 04:12 PM
that looks DELICIOUS! and your hair looks so pretty
Posted by: Alessia | July 25, 2011 at 04:14 PM
Wow! This looks beyond yummy! <3
Posted by: Ashlee | July 25, 2011 at 04:22 PM
That looks amazing!
Posted by: Quincy | July 25, 2011 at 04:25 PM
Caramel is my favorite, love your hair and outfit! Your kitchen is too prefect, looks like you collect vintage dishes like me..we like the same colors :)
♥
Krystle
http://dearwinsome.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Krystle | July 25, 2011 at 04:28 PM
That cake looks amazing! Will have to try it. And so do you - love your hair. Bravo on the extra effort for the cake. :)
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 25, 2011 at 04:38 PM
Mandi-I know you do, that's why I was surprised and then sad because I want this outfit lol! I had a feeling that was the bardot bodysuit from ASOS but then I felt like a creeper for feeling so sure and I am beyond jealous of you thrifting that skirt. I know how rare and beyond exciting awesome skirts are to find, I just got a vintage skirt at the salvation army about a month a go, it's midi length in mint and it was 99 cents. I am still doing a happy dance because of it!
Skirt blogged about here:
http://lorilynn-alittlesliceofspecial.blogspot.com/2011/07/id-rather-be-squatching.html
Posted by: Lori | July 25, 2011 at 04:52 PM
Woo yum, and what a lovely picture at the top! I'm desperate to make salted caramel macarons :D will definitely put that on my priorities now!
Posted by: Charlie | July 25, 2011 at 04:54 PM
You look absolutely gorgeous with your hair like that. Stunning.
Posted by: Verity | July 25, 2011 at 04:58 PM
Wonderful job with the cake. It looks delicious! I am thinking about baking some chocolate chip and walnut cookies tonight! And I love the body suit and skirt!
You always look wonderful!
Have a lovely day!
Posted by: Kim | July 25, 2011 at 05:26 PM
Mandi that looks so yummy! thanks for sharing and your hair looks adorable.
Posted by: zelina | July 25, 2011 at 05:49 PM
YUM! Thank you for breaking it down like this, it's just what I need when I'm baking. :)
Posted by: Trude | July 25, 2011 at 06:06 PM
mmm caramels! this looks so good, even more since I'm on a diet health kick right now! love the outfit!
Posted by: olivia | July 25, 2011 at 06:28 PM
Oh man that looks delish, meaning the cake. Love the outfit too... baking in style!!
Posted by: Tamara Lewis | July 25, 2011 at 06:37 PM
ohhh!!! looks super yummy. :)
Your outfit is lovely too! <3
~Ruth (ruthrmay.com)
Posted by: Ruth | July 25, 2011 at 06:45 PM
oh... my... goddd!! this looks so so delicious :)
Steffys Pros and Cons
Posted by: steffy | July 25, 2011 at 06:59 PM
You hair looks RAD in these photos!
Posted by: kortnee b. | July 25, 2011 at 07:02 PM
holy cow, I can not WAIT to make this, it looks amazing! Also, you look amazing, I love those colors together
Posted by: Orchid Grey | July 25, 2011 at 07:41 PM
Ok, you look absolutely darling, and that cake looks delish!
Posted by: Chelsea | July 25, 2011 at 08:08 PM
Super! Totally trying this out this weekend.
Posted by: arnique | July 25, 2011 at 11:02 PM
That cake looks delicious! I'm going to try this recipe for sure, thanks for sharing it.
Mackenzie
Posted by: Mackenzie | July 25, 2011 at 11:33 PM
Shutrightup! That looks delicious and you look adorable in your matching caramel colored outfit!
So glad I found your blog! Love it!
Julie Del @ J.Bird
Posted by: Julie Del | July 26, 2011 at 12:42 AM
well... It looks incredibly delicious!!!! Yami
Posted by: Mira | July 26, 2011 at 04:29 AM
Wow. That cake looks amazing!
Posted by: Jessica | July 26, 2011 at 09:35 AM
this looks SOOO good, wow. wowie, wow wow.
also, your outfit is teh awesome.
xx
~chantilly
Posted by: chantilly | July 26, 2011 at 05:28 PM
Oh my gosh. That looks scrumptious. I'm drooling.
Posted by: Della @ Della Grace's Life | July 26, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Oh man, it looks incredible!!
XOXO
Posted by: AnnaBananaCupcake | July 26, 2011 at 10:24 PM