Salted Caramel Mocha Cake
Ingredients
Coffee-Flavored Chocolate Sponge:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee cooled
- 1 cup dairy-free buttermilk plant-based milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- ½ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup canned coconut milk full-fat
- 1 tsp sea salt
Mocha Buttercream:
- 1 cup dairy-free butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 2-4 tbsp plant-based milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Coffee-Flavored Chocolate Sponge:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the brewed coffee, dairy-free buttermilk, melted coconut oil, dairy-free yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and golden brown.
- Add the coconut milk and sea salt, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Allow the caramel to simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
Prepare the Mocha Buttercream:
- In a large bowl, beat the dairy-free butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and instant coffee or espresso powder, mixing until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and plant-based milk (one tablespoon at a time) until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a layer of salted caramel sauce over the cake layer.
- Spread a layer of mocha buttercream over the caramel.
- Repeat with the remaining layers, finishing with a layer of buttercream on top and around the sides of the cake.
Serve:
- Allow the cake to set before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy this rich, indulgent cake!
Notes
- Dairy-Free Buttermilk: Make this by combining plant-based milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Brewed Coffee: Ensure the coffee is strong for a pronounced mocha flavor.
- Caramel Sauce: Be careful when adding the coconut milk to the melted sugar as it will bubble up.