Cinematic overhead view of a three-layer salted caramel drip cake on a white marble pedestal, topped with golden caramel drizzle and Maldon sea salt, accompanied by a piping bag and spatula, warm lighting and creamy textures enhance the inviting bakery atmosphere.

Salted Caramel Drip Cake: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert Experience

Salted Caramel Drip Cake: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert Experience

Key Information

Prep Time: 45-60 minutes

Cook Time: 25-40 minutes

Total Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

Servings: 12-16

Difficulty: Intermediate

Dietary: Contains dairy, eggs, wheat

Essential Equipment
Ingredients
Cake Base:
  • 400g unsalted butter, softened
  • 400g light brown sugar
  • 7 large eggs
  • 400g self-raising flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 4 tbsp whole milk
  • 1.5 tbsp vanilla extract
Salted Caramel Sauce:
Caramel Buttercream:
  • 250g unsalted butter
  • 600g powdered sugar
  • 175g caramel sauce
  • Pinch of sea salt
Preparation Method
1. Cake Preparation
  • Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F
  • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
  • Add eggs gradually, preventing mixture from splitting
  • Fold in flour and milk gently
  • Divide batter into prepared cake tins
  • Bake 25-30 minutes until golden

Close-up of bubbling amber caramel in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, with steam rising, warm kitchen lighting, a wooden spoon nearby, Maldon sea salt crystals on a marble countertop, and a digital thermometer reading 230°F.

2. Caramel Sauce Technique
  • Melt sugar without stirring until deep amber
  • CRITICAL: Watch temperature carefully (230-234°F)
  • Carefully whisk in butter and cream
  • Add sea salt, cool to room temperature
3. Buttercream Assembly
  • Whip butter until extremely fluffy
  • Gradually incorporate powdered sugar
  • Fold in caramel sauce
  • Add pinch of sea salt for depth
4. Cake Construction
  • Layer cakes with buttercream
  • Crumb coat and chill
  • Apply final buttercream layer
  • Chill cake for 30 minutes

Overhead view of a pristine white buttercream cake on an elegant stand, drizzled with golden caramel sauce and topped with sea salt flakes, with a piping bag and spatula nearby, captured in soft studio lighting.

5. Caramel Drip Magic
  • Ensure caramel is perfect pouring consistency
  • Pipe around cake edges, allowing natural drips
  • Fill top with additional caramel
  • Sprinkle with sea salt flakes
Crucial Tips
  • Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable
  • Don’t rush the caramel – patience creates perfection
  • Chill cake between layers for stability
  • Drip should be warm but not hot
Storage
  • Room temperature: 1 day
  • Refrigerate: 4-5 days
  • Freeze layers separately for up to 1 month
Variations
  • Chocolate sponge option
  • Vegan adaptations possible
  • Try different salt variations
  • Experiment with additional garnishes like caramel popcorn
Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Overbaking cake
  • Burning caramel
  • Pouring caramel when too hot
  • Inconsistent drip technique
Pro Chef Secrets
  • Use digital kitchen scale for precision
  • Practice caramel technique separately
  • Always taste and adjust salt levels

Elevate your baking game with this showstopping salted caramel drip cake that’s guaranteed to impress at any celebration!

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