Moist Chocolate Caramel Cake

Nothing satisfies a chocolate lover’s soul like a rich, moist, and indulgent Chocolate Caramel Cake. Layers of tender chocolate cake infused with coffee for depth of flavor, filled with luscious caramel sauce, and topped with a velvety chocolate caramel frosting—this cake is an absolute dream. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something irresistibly sweet, this cake delivers an unforgettable experience with every bite.

About The Recipe

As someone who has baked countless cakes, I can confidently say this Chocolate Caramel Cake is one of the most luxurious and foolproof cakes you’ll ever make. The combination of deep chocolate, silky caramel, and rich butter makes it impossible to resist.

The cake itself is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to buttermilk, oil, and hot coffee, which enhance its texture and flavor. The frosting? A heavenly blend of cocoa, butter, powdered sugar, and homemade caramel sauce, creating a smooth, silky finish that’s pure indulgence. And let’s not forget the caramel filling—each layer is generously spread with a drizzle of thick, buttery caramel, ensuring every bite is decadent.

This cake is not just about taste; it’s about the experience of baking. It’s surprisingly simple, even for beginners, yet it looks and tastes like something straight out of a professional bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Caramel Cake

Unbelievably moist and rich – No dry cake here! The oil and buttermilk keep it super soft.
Deep chocolate flavor – The coffee enhances the cocoa, making the flavor more intense.
Silky caramel frosting – A perfect balance of sweet and slightly salty caramel with chocolate.
Easy to make – No complicated techniques required, just simple baking steps.
Perfect for any celebration – Birthdays, anniversaries, or just because you deserve a treat!

If you love the combination of chocolate and caramel, this cake is about to become your new favorite!

Equipment Needed

Before we dive into baking, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having the proper equipment will make the process smoother and ensure a perfectly baked cake.

Mixing Bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk & Spatula – To mix ingredients evenly and scrape every bit of batter from the bowl.
Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – To create a smooth and airy batter.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accuracy is key in baking!
Sifter – Essential for aerating flour and cocoa powder, preventing lumps.
8-inch Cake Pans (3) – To bake evenly thick layers.
Parchment Paper – Helps in easy cake removal.
Cooling Rack – Allows cakes to cool evenly without getting soggy.
Offset Spatula – Ideal for spreading frosting smoothly.
Cake Turntable (Optional) – Makes frosting and decorating much easier.

Now that we have everything set, let’s move on to the ingredients!

Ingredients

For The Cake:

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

3 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cake.
½ cup cocoa powder (sifted) – The key to a rich chocolate flavor.
2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Reacts with acidic ingredients for a fluffy texture.
½ teaspoon kosher salt – Balances out the sweetness.
1½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake perfectly.
3 large eggs – Adds moisture, richness, and structure.
1 cup buttermilk – Makes the cake incredibly tender.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup hot coffee – Intensifies the chocolate flavor while keeping the cake extra moist.
½ cup vegetable oil – Ensures the cake stays soft and moist.

For The Chocolate Caramel Frosting:

This frosting is smooth, creamy, and packed with deep caramel-chocolate flavor.

1½ cups butter (room temperature) – Creates a creamy, rich base.
3 cups powdered sugar (sifted) – Ensures a smooth frosting.
½ cup cocoa powder (sifted) – Adds that deep chocolate richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
⅓ teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness.
2 tablespoons caramel sauce – Gives the frosting a silky caramel taste.
2 tablespoons heavy cream – Helps achieve a light, fluffy texture.

For The Assembly:

⅔ cup caramel sauce – To layer between the cakes for extra indulgence.

How to Make Moist Chocolate Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by greasing them with cooking spray and lining them with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal after baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Set aside.
Combine the Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Incorporate the Wet and Dry Mixtures – Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add the Hot Coffee – Slowly pour in hot coffee and mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The batter will be thin, but that’s what makes the cake ultra-moist!

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Divide the Batter Evenly – Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans. For even baking, use a scale to ensure each pan has the same amount of batter.
Bake – Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes – Let the cakes rest in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Frosting

This frosting is rich, creamy, and packed with caramel flavor. It pairs perfectly with the deep chocolate cake, creating an indulgent bite every time.

Step 1: Whip the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, add the room-temperature butter. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat it on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder to ensure a lump-free, silky frosting.
Add the salt and vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.

Step 3: Mix and Adjust Consistency

Beat everything together on low speed first (to prevent a sugar cloud in your kitchen!), then increase to medium-high speed and whip for another 2 minutes.
Add caramel sauce and heavy cream, then beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until the frosting becomes smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

The frosting is now ready! It’s smooth, luscious, and packed with chocolate-caramel goodness. Now, let’s put it all together and assemble the cake!

Assembling and Decorating the Chocolate Caramel Cake

Now that our cake layers and frosting are ready, it’s time to bring everything together into a show-stopping dessert.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Before assembling, make sure your cakes are completely cool. If needed, level the tops using a serrated knife to ensure even layers. This step helps create a stable and professional-looking cake.

Step 2: Layer the Cake with Caramel Filling

Secure the Cake – Place a small dollop of frosting on your cake stand or serving plate to hold the first cake layer in place.
Pipe a Frosting Border – Using a piping bag or an offset spatula, create a ring of frosting around the edge of the first cake layer. This helps contain the caramel filling.
Add Caramel Sauce – Fill the center with ⅓ cup of caramel sauce and smooth it out with a spatula.
Repeat – Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the frosting border and caramel filling process.

Step 3: Frost the Cake

Apply a Crumb Coat – Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to trap any loose crumbs. Chill the cake in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before applying the final coat.
Final Frosting Layer – Once chilled, generously apply the remaining frosting, smoothing it out with an offset spatula or a cake scraper.

Step 4: Decorate and Serve

Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for a gorgeous, glossy finish.
Sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for added texture.
Pipe decorative swirls of frosting around the edges for an elegant touch.
Let it set for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to meld together.

Storage Tips

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Refrigerate for up to a week, bringing it to room temperature before serving.
Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!

Final Thoughts

This Moist Chocolate Caramel Cake is the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers. Every bite is packed with deep cocoa flavor, silky caramel, and smooth, luscious frosting. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just a sweet craving, this cake is guaranteed to impress!