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Chocolate Cake with Caramel, Strawberry & Peanut Topping Recipe

Chocolate Cake with Caramel, Strawberry & Peanut Topping Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 7 reviews

This decadent Chocolate Cake with Caramel, Strawberry & Peanut Topping combines a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with smooth homemade caramel sauce, fresh strawberries, and crunchy roasted peanuts. Finished with an optional chocolate drizzle, this layered dessert is perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • ½ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (from above or store-bought)
  • Optional: melted chocolate drizzle or chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
  2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Boiling Water: Reduce the mixer speed to low, then slowly add the boiling water to the batter. The batter will be thin, which is expected. This step helps achieve a moist cake texture. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
  4. Bake the Cakes: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cakes are fully baked. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir granulated sugar constantly until it melts and turns a rich amber color. Carefully add the butter cubes; the mixture will bubble vigorously, so stir until the butter is fully incorporated. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuously stirring. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Stir in the salt and allow the caramel to cool slightly before using.
  6. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Drizzle with caramel sauce, then top with sliced fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts. Add the second cake layer and repeat the caramel drizzle and topping application.
  7. Add Final Toppings: Drizzle extra caramel sauce generously over the top cake layer. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries, peanuts, and optionally, melted chocolate drizzle or chocolate shavings for an elegant finish. Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the caramel to set slightly. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Notes

  • If buttermilk is unavailable, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to substitute.
  • When making caramel, be cautious as melted sugar and caramel can cause severe burns.
  • Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the caramel from melting too much.
  • Chilling the cake before slicing helps the caramel topping set better and makes cutting neater.
  • For a nut-free version, omit peanuts or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
  • Leftover caramel sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chocolate Cake, Caramel Sauce, Strawberry Dessert, Peanut Topping, Layered Cake, Decadent Dessert, Baking

Find it online: https://maicook.com/chocolate-cake-with-caramel-strawberry-and-peanut-topping-recipe/