Decadent, rich, and oh-so-indulgent—layers of moist chocolate cake filled with creamy caramel and topped with crunchy pecans.
Author:Caroline Jones
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:8-10 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the chocolate cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the caramel filling:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the frosting:
2 cups heavy cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For garnish:
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Extra caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with boiling water. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
For the caramel filling: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cream, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool.
For the frosting: Whisk heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until soft peaks form.
Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a layer of caramel filling on top, followed by a layer of frosting. Add the second layer of cake and repeat with caramel and frosting.
Garnish with chopped pecans and drizzle with extra caramel sauce.
Notes
Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the cake batter.
Make extra caramel for drizzling on top for a gorgeous presentation.