Dark Chocolate Orange Salted Caramel Layer Cake is the perfect blend of rich chocolate, zesty orange, and sweet caramel. As you take your first bite, the luscious layers of dark chocolate cake combined with the tangy notes of orange will delight your taste buds. Topped with a smooth salted caramel frosting and finished with a light chocolate ganache, this cake is sure to turn any occasion into a celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging yourself, this dessert is an absolute showstopper!
What You’ll Need for Dark Chocolate Orange Salted Caramel Layer Cake
Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for this decadent cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (340 g), at room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar (500 g)
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 5 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (5 g)
- 1/4 tsp salt (1 g)
- 3/4 cup whole milk (180 ml), at room temperature
- 1/4 cup orange juice (60 ml)
Salted Caramel Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226 g), at room temperature
- 2 cups packed brown sugar (400 g)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (120 ml)
- 1/2 tsp fine grain sea salt (2 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (480 g)
Chocolate Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226 g), softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (360 g)
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (100 g)
- 2 TBSP orange juice (30 ml) (more if needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
How to Make Dark Chocolate Orange Salted Caramel Layer Cake
Let’s dive right into making this delicious cake! Follow these simple steps to create a masterpiece that will impress everyone.
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment rounds for easy removal.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes. This will create a light and smooth batter.
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Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest until everything is combined.
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Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the whole milk and orange juice. Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour.
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Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the layers to cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack. Level the tops if necessary.
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Prepare the Salted Caramel Frosting: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil. Stir continuously until combined. Remove from heat and stir in the salt and vanilla. Cool slightly before adding the sifted powdered sugar. Beat until smooth.
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Layer the Cake: Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread 1/2 cup of caramel frosting on top. Repeat this with the second layer of cake, then cover the entire cake with any remaining caramel frosting. Chill while preparing the chocolate frosting.
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Make the Chocolate Frosting: In a bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined. Add orange juice and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more orange juice a teaspoon at a time.
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Frost the Cake: Once the cake is chilled and the frosting is ready, frost the entire cake with the chocolate orange icing. Refrigerate until firm. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Orange Salted Caramel Layer Cake
Now that your cake is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve on pretty plates. For an extra touch, you can garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of orange zest on top. This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a beverage, consider serving it with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Expert Tips for Dark Chocolate Orange Salted Caramel Layer Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature; it helps in creating a smoother batter and a better texture.
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Texture Control: If your frosting is too thick, simply add a bit more orange juice until you reach your desired consistency; it will add a lovely flavor!
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Storage: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well, so feel free to wrap slices in plastic wrap and store them for later.
Dark Chocolate Orange Salted Caramel Layer Cake FAQs
Can I use different flavors of frosting?
Absolutely! You can swap the chocolate frosting for any flavor you like, such as vanilla or cream cheese, and still keep the salted caramel layer.
What can I use if I don’t have orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, lemon juice is a great substitute, or you can simply use extra milk for the frosting.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the layers a day ahead and frost them the next day. Just keep the layers covered at room temperature until you’re ready to frost!
Make sure to give this Dark Chocolate Orange Salted Caramel Layer Cake a try – it’s indulgent, delicious, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Happy baking!