1. Make the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to the flour mixture and mix together until well combined. Carefully add boiling water to the cake batter, mixing well until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Salted Caramel:
- Heat sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula. The sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick brown liquid as you continue to stir.
- Once sugar is completely melted, add the butter. Be careful as the caramel will bubble rapidly when the butter is added.
- Slowly drizzle in heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will once again bubble violently. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Allow to cool down before using.
3. Make the Chocolate Fudge Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Add cocoa powder and beat until combined.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, alternating, starting and ending with powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and beat until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on your serving plate and evenly cover the top with salted caramel, letting some drip over the edges.
- Spread a layer of chocolate fudge frosting over the caramel. Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat of frosting to the entire cake.
- Chill for 30 minutes, then apply the final coat of chocolate fudge frosting. Drizzle the top with more salted caramel and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
This Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth with its moist layers, creamy caramel, and rich frosting. The balance of flavors makes it a sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of baking and the joy of sharing this delicious cake with friends and family.