CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CARAMEL FROSTING RECIPE - (4.1/5)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tins with cupcake liners (or use a 9X13 prepared baking pan or cake pans. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, & salt in a large bowl or in bowl of stand mixer. Add eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil, & vanilla. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. (Batter will be thin.) Scoop about 1/4 cup batter into each cupcake liner, or into a baking sheet, or cake pans. Bake for 20 about minutes (for cupcakes) or 28 minutes (approximately) for a baking pan at 350°F or until toothpick comes out clean. NOTE: I always check my cakes at 5 minutes less than the recommended baking time, just to be sure I don't overbake the cake. A toothpick inserted, should come out clean. Cool completely and frost. TO MAKE THE CARAMEL FROSTING: In a small saucepan, cook butter until browned. Pour through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl; set aside to cool. Pour cool browned butter into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add powdered sugar. Add cream, vanilla, caramel syrup, and salt and beat until powdered sugar is completely incorporated. *The original recipe listed 1 pound of powdered sugar. I like my icing a little thicker, but adjust to your preferences **I would say that the heavy cream is optional...maybe add more caramel syrup, to suit your taste Be sure to have all of your ingredients pre-measured and close at hand. In a large, deep skillet, over high heat, mix together sugar and 1/4 cup water. Cook until mixture turns a dark amber color. Reduce heat to medium. To avoid dangerously hot splatter, protect arms with long sleeves & hand with oven mitt, & cautiously, and very slowly, add 1/2 cup water. Stir until mixture has reduced slightly. Remove from heat and cool completely.