Walnut Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce

Walnut Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and crunchy walnuts, finished with a luscious caramel sauce drizzle. This cake is indulgent and perfect for special occasions or a treat for chocolate lovers. Here’s how to make it:

Walnut Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
• ½ cup hot water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp sea salt (optional, for a salted caramel twist)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Extra chopped walnuts
• Shaved chocolate

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

5. Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

6. Add hot water: Slowly stir in the hot water (this helps to enhance the chocolate flavor).

7. Fold in walnuts: Gently fold the chopped walnuts into the batter.

8. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 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 them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

1. Cook sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally (but do not stir), until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.

2. Add cream and butter: Once the caramel reaches the desired color, remove from heat and carefully add the heavy cream and butter. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious. Stir until smooth.

3. Add vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt (if using) for a salted caramel flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Level cake layers: If the cake layers have domed, trim the tops to make them flat.

2. Layer the cakes: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top.

3. Add second layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the first.

Step 4: Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

1. Drizzle caramel: Pour the caramel sauce over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts and shaved chocolate for added texture and decoration.

2. Serve: Slice and enjoy this rich, chocolatey cake with a drizzle of caramel in every bite.

This Walnut Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce is a perfect balance of nutty, chocolate richness and silky caramel, making it a luxurious dessert for any chocolate and caramel lover!