Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake
Imagine sinking your fork into a decadent piece of rich chocolate cake, the kind that practically melts in your mouth. Now imagine that same cake layered with velvety salted caramel, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with my Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake! This cake is a showstopper, perfect for family gatherings or cozy winter evenings.
This recipe is not just special because of its delightful taste; it’s also incredibly simple to make. A quick nod to another crowd-pleaser, my Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies, you’ll find that both recipes are easy yet impressively delicious. Getting that ooh and ahh reaction from your loved ones will be a breeze with this luscious dessert! Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake, where indulgence meets simplicity.
What is Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake?
So, what’s in a name? The Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake brings a quirky twist to the traditional chocolate cake experience. You might be wondering where the name ‘Ding Dong’ comes from. Is it because the cake rings at your heartstrings when you take that first bite? Or perhaps it’s because it’s simply so good, you can’t help but just say, “Ding Dong!” Imagine digging into a slice that’s so moist and rich, it makes you want to shout “Ding Dong!” from the rooftops. After all, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this cake will definitely help in that mission! If you’re ready to experience the joy of baking something extraordinary, let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake
First off, this Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake stands out with its moist, rich texture and indulgent salted caramel. The cake itself is a chocolate lover’s dream! The crispy, sweet sprinkled topping contrasts wonderfully with the creamy layers inside—an experience that your taste buds will thank you for.
Aside from the delightful experience of baking and enjoying your own cake, you’ll also love the cost-saving benefits of making this dessert at home. Imagine not having to pay cafe prices for such a gourmet treat when you can whip it up yourself! And let’s not forget, you can experiment with flavorful toppings, whether it’s a sprinkle of sea salt for that extra zing or a drizzle of additional caramel. It’s reminiscent of a classic chocolate layer cake but with a twist that makes it entirely unique. So why not embark on this baking adventure today?
How to Make Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake
Quick Overview
Creating your very own Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake is a satisfying experience that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. You’ll find the texture light yet rich, punctuated with the sweetness of caramel and the deep flavor of chocolate. Preparation takes about 30 minutes, and the baking will require around 25 minutes, with a bit of chill time for the caramel—so you can get to indulge in this sweet delight without spending all day in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients for Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake
- For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or any preferred Halal-friendly non-dairy milk)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (more to sprinkle on top)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring the batter will slide out easily once baked.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is even.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Bring Together: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until you have a smooth batter. Lastly, pour in the boiling water and mix until well incorporated.
- Bake the Cakes: Split the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Salted Caramel: While your cakes are baking, make the salted caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the sugar, stirring occasionally until it melts and turns a golden color. Be cautious not to burn it!
- Add Butter and Cream: Once the sugar is melted, quickly add the butter and stir until combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir. Finally, remove from heat and mix in the sea salt. Let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Pour a generous amount of salted caramel over the top, then add the second layer. Drizzle more salted caramel on top and sprinkle a little sea salt for that extra indulgent touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your cake at room temperature, or chill it in the fridge for a firmer texture. Enjoy!
Top Tips for Perfecting Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake
- Ingredients Substitution: If you’re looking for alternatives, consider coconut milk or almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version. For a lighter caramel, you can use coconut sugar in place of regular sugar.
- Timing Matters: Ensure that your cakes cool completely before adding the caramel; otherwise, it may melt into the cake, losing some of its delightful flavor.
- Avoid Mistakes: To prevent a dry cake, do not overbake. The toothpick test is your best friend; it should come out clean but not dry.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you prefer to freeze it, slice the cake and wrap individual pieces tightly. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 15 seconds or allow it to come to room temperature for a lovely, soft texture.
Now that you’ve got everything you need to make this stunning Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake, dive in and make some magic happen in your kitchen! Enjoy this velvety treat that’s sure to win over hearts and appetites alike!
Salted Caramel ‘Ding Dong’ Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring the batter will slide out easily once baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is even.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until you have a smooth batter. Lastly, pour in the boiling water and mix until well incorporated.
- Split the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While your cakes are baking, make the salted caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the sugar, stirring occasionally until it melts and turns a golden color. Be cautious not to burn it!
- Once the sugar is melted, quickly add the butter and stir until combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir. Finally, remove from heat and mix in the sea salt. Let it cool slightly.
- Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Pour a generous amount of salted caramel over the top, then add the second layer. Drizzle more salted caramel on top and sprinkle a little sea salt for that extra indulgent touch.
- Slice and serve your cake at room temperature, or chill it in the fridge for a firmer texture.
