This Chocolate Cake with Caramel and Cheesecake Layers is a showstopper of a dessert, combining rich chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, and decadent buttercream, all finished with a luxurious caramel topping. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
For the Cheesecake:
- 4 packages (32 ounces total) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar, superfine
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (112g) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240g) buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 x-large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (237g) freshly brewed hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Chocolate Buttercream:
- 1 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups (500g) confectioners’ sugar
- 3/4 cup (94g) cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
For the Toppings:
- 1 jar salted caramel sauce
- 1 bag mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
Cheesecake:
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by spraying it with baker’s spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until incorporated.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Vanilla: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed and ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan. Place the springform pan in a larger pan and fill the outer pan with about 1 inch of hot water (water bath).
- Bake: Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the top is golden and set. Cool on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
Chocolate Cake:
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed. Slowly pour in the hot coffee, mixing until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into two greased 8-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30-40 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Buttercream:
- Whip Butter and Sugar: Whip unsalted butter and confectioners’ sugar on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add Cocoa and Flavorings: Add cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix on low for 30 seconds, then add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time.
- Final Whip: Increase speed to high and whip for another 3-5 minutes until fluffy and shiny.
Assembling the Cake:
- Layer Cake and Cheesecake: Place one layer of chocolate cake on a cake stand. Trim the chilled cheesecake to match the size of the cake layers, then place it on top of the first cake layer. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
- Add Second Cake Layer: Place the second chocolate cake layer on top.
- Apply Crumb Coat: Spread a thin layer of chocolate buttercream around the cake to seal in crumbs.
- Decorate: Press mini chocolate chips into the sides of the cake. Pipe dollops of buttercream around the top edge and drizzle with more caramel sauce.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
Enjoy your decadent Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake and Caramel Topping!
This rich and indulgent cake will be the highlight of any special occasion, with its layers of creamy cheesecake, fluffy chocolate cake, and luscious buttercream. Perfect for chocolate and caramel lovers alike!