Indulge in the ultimate rich and decadent treat with this Chocolate and Salted Caramel Crunch Cake. With layers of moist chocolate sponge, creamy chocolate icing, a surprise caramel center, and a satisfying crunch from crispy rice cereal, this cake is a show-stopper for any special occasion. Perfect for chocolate lovers who enjoy a touch of salted caramel magic!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 150g 72% Extra Dark Chocolate
- 150g Unsalted butter
- 150g Light brown sugar
- 3 Medium eggs
- 150g Self-raising flour
- 10g Fine Dark Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 50g Rice cereal
For the Salted Caramel Filling:
- 200g Tinned caramel
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
For the Chocolate Icing:
- 100g 72% Extra Dark Chocolate
- 100g Unsalted butter
- 200g Icing sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Rice cereal
- Chocolate Stars
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan oven) or Gas Mark 4. Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder into the mixture and fold through until combined.
- Stir through the rice cereal.
- Divide the mixture equally between the two prepared tins and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the filling, stir the sea salt into the tinned caramel.
- For the icing, melt the chocolate and butter together, then beat in the icing sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Place one cake on a serving plate, spread the salted caramel over the top, then sandwich with the second cake.
- Cover the cake with the chocolate icing, smoothing it over the top and sides.
- Decorate with extra rice cereal and Chocolate Stars.
Nutrients
(Approximate values per slice if cut into 12 slices)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Sugar: 29g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
History of Salted Caramel and Its Popularity in Desserts
Salted caramel has a relatively recent history in the culinary world, but it has quickly become a staple in modern dessert recipes. The combination of sugar, butter, and salt, which originated in France, was initially used for candies and sauces. It wasn’t until the 1980s that salted caramel began to gain widespread popularity, thanks to chefs like Dominique Ansel, a French pastry chef, who experimented with the combination of salty and sweet flavors in desserts.
In the early 2000s, salted caramel surged in popularity in the United States, becoming a trendy ingredient featured in everything from ice creams to chocolates, cakes, and even cocktails. Its rich, buttery texture, combined with the unexpected savory contrast of sea salt, proved to be a winning combination that appealed to a broad audience. Today, salted caramel is a beloved flavor profile that enhances both sweet and savory dishes.
The success of salted caramel in mainstream desserts is also due to the growing demand for desserts with complex flavor profiles. Traditional sweets like chocolate cake and caramel sauce are being reimagined and reinvented to create new experiences for the taste buds. The use of sea salt, in particular, enhances the natural sweetness of caramel and provides an exciting contrast that appeals to those seeking more than just the standard sugary desserts.
The Appeal of Chocolate Cakes
Chocolate cake is one of the most popular desserts in the world, known for its moist texture, rich flavor, and ability to pair well with various fillings and toppings. Whether it’s a simple chocolate cake with frosting or a more elaborate creation, chocolate is the go-to flavor for many cake enthusiasts. The key to a successful chocolate cake lies in its ability to provide a deep, rich taste without being overwhelmingly sweet.
Chocolate cakes come in many variations, but one of the most important factors in any chocolate cake recipe is the quality of the chocolate used. High-quality dark chocolate provides a strong, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the cake. This recipe calls for dark chocolate, which adds depth to the overall flavor, creating a cake that’s not overly sweet but still indulgent.
Another essential aspect of chocolate cake is its texture. A good chocolate cake should be soft, moist, and light, with just the right amount of density to hold its shape while still being easy to cut and eat. This cake achieves that balance perfectly, with its layers of rich, fudgy chocolate sponge that melt in your mouth.
Chocolate cake is often associated with celebration, making it the perfect base for a variety of topping options, from whipped cream and fresh berries to the decadent salted caramel filling in this recipe. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature make it the ideal choice for everything from casual gatherings to formal events.
Combining Salted Caramel and Chocolate for a Luxurious Dessert
The combination of salted caramel and chocolate has been a revelation for dessert lovers around the world. The reason why these two ingredients work so well together lies in the way they complement each other. Chocolate is rich, slightly bitter, and velvety, while caramel is smooth, sweet, and buttery. The addition of salt in salted caramel brings an unexpected savory note that balances the sweetness, creating a more sophisticated flavor profile.
Salted caramel works particularly well with chocolate because it enhances the natural bitterness of the chocolate, while the chocolate helps mellow out the intensity of the salt. The contrast between the rich chocolate and the sweet-salty caramel creates a layered flavor experience that makes each bite of the cake more exciting than the last.
When paired with the crunch of rice cereal, this combination creates a dessert that provides multiple textures and flavors in one bite. The smooth and creamy caramel filling, rich and moist chocolate sponge, velvety chocolate icing, and crispy rice cereal all come together in a harmonious balance that satisfies both the palate and the senses.
The Role of Rice Cereal in Adding Crunch
While salted caramel and chocolate are the stars of this cake, the addition of rice cereal adds a delightful crunch that takes the texture of the cake to a whole new level. Rice cereal, such as crisped rice or puffed rice, provides a light, crispy element that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cake.
The crunchiness of the rice cereal is particularly important because it adds a textural component that helps to balance the otherwise smooth and soft consistency of the cake. It also provides a nice contrast when you take a bite, as the crunch of the rice cereal gives the dessert a satisfying bite and adds an unexpected twist to each forkful.
In addition to its texture, the rice cereal also helps enhance the overall visual appeal of the cake. When sprinkled on top as part of the decoration, it creates an eye-catching, rustic look that adds a playful and whimsical element to the cake’s presentation. It’s the perfect finishing touch to a dessert that already looks stunning and tastefully indulgent.
A Dessert That’s Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this Chocolate and Salted Caramel Crunch Cake is its versatility. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a dinner party, or simply looking for a delicious treat to enjoy at home, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its rich flavor profile and elegant presentation make it suitable for everything from birthdays and holidays to intimate get-togethers and afternoon tea.
The cake is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy hosts who want to serve an impressive dessert without the last-minute rush. You can also experiment with different fillings and toppings, such as adding crushed nuts or drizzling extra caramel sauce on top, to personalize the cake to your liking.
For those who enjoy making homemade cakes, this recipe provides the perfect opportunity to showcase your baking skills while indulging in a treat that’s both sophisticated and comforting. The salted caramel and chocolate elements elevate the cake beyond your typical dessert, making it a memorable treat for any occasion.
Conclusion: A Cake That Delights Every Sense
The Chocolate and Salted Caramel Crunch Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of dark chocolate, salted caramel, and a satisfying crunch. It is an indulgent treat that appeals to both chocolate lovers and those who appreciate the sophisticated combination of sweet and salty.
The versatility of this cake makes it the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a milestone event or simply enjoying a slice with friends and family. The cake’s rich, moist layers, complemented by the creamy caramel filling and velvety chocolate icing, provide an unforgettable dessert experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.