Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel and Chocolate Ganache 

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate Boiling Water: Stir in the boiling water until well combined. The batter will be thin.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel

1. Cook the Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a golden amber color.
2. Add Butter: Carefully add the butter and stir until melted and combined.
3. Incorporate Cream: Remove from heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Add the sea salt, adjusting to taste. Allow the caramel to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until just about to simmer.
2. Combine with Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cake: Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving plate. Drizzle a generous amount of salted caramel over the top.
2. Add Second Layer: Place the second layer of cake on top and pour the remaining salted caramel over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
3. Finish with Ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the entire cake, ensuring it covers the top and sides evenly. Let it set for a few minutes.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

1. Optional Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the ganache and drizzle with additional salted caramel.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Cut into slices and serve this indulgent cake to your friends and family.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to create a smooth batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting; this prevents the ganache from melting.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel and Chocolate Ganache is a delightful dessert that combines rich, moist chocolate cake with the sweet and salty goodness of caramel, all topped off with silky ganache. It’s perfect for any occasion and will surely become a favorite among your friends and family. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in this decadent treat—you won’t regret it!

Enjoy baking and savoring this delicious chocolate cake!