If you're looking for a rich and decadent cake that will satisfy your sweet tooth, then look no further than this extra dark chocolate cake with salted caramel sauce. This recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers who want to take their dessert game to the next level.
Ingredients:
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For the cake:
* 2 cups of all-purpose flour
* 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
* 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 3 large eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk
For the salted caramel sauce:
* 1 cup unsalted butter
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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### Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans with cooking spray or butter and flour them lightly.
### Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
### Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
### Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir until just combined. Pour in the buttermilk and stir again. Add the remaining flour mixture and stir until evenly incorporated.
### Step 5: Divide the batter between the pans
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes and then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
### Step 6: Make the salted caramel sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until it has dissolved and turned golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the salt until the caramel has a nice glossy finish.
### Step 7: Assemble the cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of salted caramel sauce over the top of the cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and spread another layer of caramel sauce over the entire cake. If desired, drizzle more caramel sauce over the top of the cake for added decoration.
### Step 8: Serve and enjoy!
Serve your extra dark chocolate cake with salted caramel sauce to a group of friends or family members and watch them savor every delicious bite.