Ingredients
– hot water or hot coffee for subtle coffee flavor
– granulated sugar for sweetness and moisture
– brown sugar for sweetness and moisture
– all-purpose flour measured correctly, not packed
– unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
– baking soda for cake spread
– baking powder for rise and fluffiness
– salt to balance sweetness and enhance chocolate flavor
– 3 large eggs plus 2 large yolks (at room temperature)
– sour cream or full-fat plain Greek yogurt as a substitute
– whole milk low-fat milk works in a pinch
– oil: vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil
– vanilla extract for flavor
– unsalted butter, room temperature for smoothness
– confectioners’ sugar, sifted for smooth texture
– unsweetened cocoa powder regular or Dutch-process for darker frosting
– vanilla extract to enhance chocolate flavor
– salt to balance sweetness and boost chocolate taste
– heavy cream for creaminess, added gradually
– salted caramel sauce homemade or store-bought
– flaky sea salt
Instructions
1-First Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare mini cake pans by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
2-Second Step: Mix dry ingredients including flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3-Third Step: In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time, incorporating vanilla extract.
4-Fourth Step: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until smooth; for vegan or gluten-free versions, substitute accordingly here.
5-Fifth Step: Pour half the batter into the pans and bake for 15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6-Sixth Step: Allow cake layers to cool; spread a generous layer of caramel sauce over one layer before stacking the next.
7-Seventh Step: Repeat layering with remaining batter and caramel sauce, then finish with a final bake of 10 minutes for setting.
8-Final Step: Let cakes cool completely before serving; store appropriately if preparing ahead, considering adaptations for dietary preferences mentioned throughout preparation.
During the frosting preparation, cream softened butter until smooth for about 3 minutes, then slowly add sifted confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder on low speed until absorbed.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥥 Substitute vegetable oil with canola or melted coconut oil; avoid butter in batter.
🍳 Use room temperature eggs, sour cream, and milk for best texture.
❄️ Chill cake layers before final frosting for a clean finish.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 1 minute
- Cooling time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and frosting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice