A stunning vanilla layer cake swirled with rich salted caramel, filled with a luscious caramel buttercream, and finished with a glossy caramel drizzle. This elegant dessert is perfect for weddings, special occasions, or as a showstopping centerpiece for a spring gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent and Elegant – The combination of moist vanilla cake, creamy caramel buttercream, and a silky caramel drizzle makes for a luxurious treat.
Perfectly Balanced Flavor – The richness of caramel is enhanced by a touch of sea salt, creating a harmonious sweet-salty contrast.
Visually Stunning – The caramel swirls and drizzle give this cake a bakery-style finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Great for Special Occasions – Ideal for celebrations, birthdays, or even weddings.
Homemade Caramel – The salted caramel sauce is made from scratch for an authentic, deep caramel flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake Layers:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
½ cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon sea salt

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup salted caramel sauce
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions

Prepare the Cake Layers:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in 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.

Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Stop stirring and allow the mixture to bubble and caramelize until it turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream (it will bubble up).
Stir in the butter and sea salt until smooth. Let cool completely before using.

Make the Buttercream Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
Mix in the salted caramel sauce and heavy cream, whipping until smooth and spreadable.

Assemble the Cake:

Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a layer of caramel buttercream over the top.
Drizzle a spoonful of salted caramel sauce over the frosting and use a knife or spatula to swirl it in.
Repeat with the second cake layer, adding frosting and swirled caramel.
Place the final cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
Use a spoon to swirl extra caramel on the outside for a decorative effect.

Decorate and Serve:

Drizzle additional salted caramel over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top for a finishing touch.
Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the caramel to set.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Calories: 480 kcal per slice

Variations

Chocolate Caramel Cake – Swap the vanilla cake for a chocolate sponge for a rich chocolate-caramel flavor.
Nutty Caramel Cake – Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for extra crunch.
Espresso Caramel Cake – Stir 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into the caramel sauce for a bold coffee-caramel flavor.
Caramel Apple Cake – Add diced cooked apples to the cake batter for a fall-inspired twist.
Dairy-Free Alternative – Use dairy-free butter, coconut milk, and coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Let chilled cake slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make the caramel sauce in advance?

Yes! The caramel sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it slightly before using.

How do I prevent my caramel from burning?

Watch the sugar carefully as it caramelizes—once it turns amber, remove it from the heat immediately to avoid burning.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, but homemade caramel has a richer, more authentic flavor. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality, thick caramel sauce.

Why is my cake dry?

Be sure not to overbake the cake. Check for doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Can I make this as a two-layer cake instead of three?

Yes, divide the batter between two 8-inch pans and bake for about 35-40 minutes.

How do I get smooth frosting?

Beat the butter and sugar well, and use heavy cream to create a silky texture. Spreading the frosting with a warm spatula helps smooth it out.

Can I add a filling between the layers?

Absolutely! Try adding caramelized bananas, toffee bits, or even a layer of whipped cream for a unique twist.

How do I make a caramel drip effect?

After frosting, slightly warm the caramel sauce and gently spoon it along the edges, letting it drip naturally.

What type of salt works best for salted caramel?

Sea salt or flaky salt works best, as it enhances the flavor without overpowering the sweetness.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the additional salt in the caramel and frosting to avoid over-salting the cake.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Swirl Cake is an indulgent, elegant dessert with layers of soft vanilla cake, silky caramel buttercream, and a rich caramel drizzle. Whether for a wedding, birthday, or special gathering, this cake is guaranteed to impress with its stunning appearance and perfectly balanced flavors. Enjoy the sweet and salty magic in every bite!

Salted Caramel Swirl Cake