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Elegant & Earthy Capricorn Cake: Deep Chocolate with Salted Caramel and Coffee Buttercream

A tall slice of dark chocolate capricorn cake with multiple layers of filling and a rich caramel drip topping.
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Create a bold, elegant Capricorn Cake inspired by the determined and earthy spirit of the sign. This recipe features rich chocolate cake layers, a decadent salted caramel filling, and smooth coffee buttercream for a sophisticated, grounded flavor profile perfect for birthday celebrations.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee (strong)
  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup strong cooled coffee (for buttercream)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: Black or deep gray food coloring for galaxy effect

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes.
  4. Carefully pour the hot coffee into the batter and mix on low speed until just combined. The batter will be thin.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the Coffee Buttercream: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the cooled coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. If coloring, add food coloring now to achieve a dark, structured color.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the salted caramel sauce evenly over the top.
  9. Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the coffee buttercream.
  10. For an elegant finish, you can use a dark gray or black coloring in a small amount of extra buttercream to create a subtle, structured design or a galaxy mirror glaze effect if desired.
  11. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a truly earthy Capricorn look, decorate with dark, structured colors like charcoal, deep navy, or metallic silver accents.
  • If you prefer a less intense coffee flavor, substitute the 1/4 cup of coffee in the buttercream with milk.
  • This cake pairs well with a strong espresso or a glass of dry red wine, fitting the sophisticated nature of the sign.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/capricorn-cake-deep-chocolate-salted-caramel/