Wholesome Cook
Birthday + Entertaining

Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel and Sesame Snaps

Can a low sugar, gluten-free cake be anything special? It’s my birthday next week and I can say with confidence, it sure can! This recipe was first shared on the Kidspot website as part of the Voices of 2014 competition but I could not not share it here. Enjoy! 

Gluten-free Low Sugar Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel and Sesame Snaps  (1)

The kitchen bench is a mess. Eight half egg-shells are busy spilling any remaining contents onto a piece of scrap parchment dusted lightly, but unintentionally, with a mixture of rice flour, cocoa and arrowroot. Measuring cups strewn all over the place, the humming of the stand mixer whipping up egg whites is the only sound noticeable. The oven is on, I think – have I turned that thermostat knob? Allow me to check. Yes, it’s hot and ready. In goes the sugar, the yolks, the flours and cacao. It’s ready to bake!

Gluten-free Low Sugar Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel and Sesame Snaps  (1)

I am what you could loosely refer to as an occasional baker – I bake cakes mostly for special occasions. But when I do, the kitchen gets messy and I don’t want to skimp on the indulgence.

Recently, I’ve become utterly smitten by layer cakes.

Gluten-free Low Sugar Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel and Sesame Snaps  (1)

It might be because layer cakes are whimsical and fun. They fit perfectly somewhere between over-indulgently bold and childishly playful. I’ve pinned more than my share on Pinterest – this one, no doubt, will be saved there as well because it’s great for any occasion.

Let me tell you a little about this slightly over-the-top but oh-so-good Double chocolate and caramel cake.

Gluten-free Low Sugar Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel and Sesame Snaps  (1)

Sandwiched in between three layers of easy and light-as-air cacao sponge are layers of silky smooth dark chocolate whipped cream. Perfectly bitter-sweet, if you ask me. Because not much in this world can beat the combination that’s chocolate and caramel, the cake, once layered, is drizzled with a gooey salted caramel fudge sauce and sprinkled with crushed sesame snaps – a favourite childhood indulgence of mine – for an added sweet crunch and a touch of nostalgia.

Gluten-free Low Sugar Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel and Sesame Snaps  (1)

If you are making this an adult-only cake, feel free to drizzle a few tablespoons of coffee or chocolate liqueur over the sponge. It will become a slightly more decadent after-dinner delight.

Now, if you think that this decadent dessert is waaaaaaay too rich and indulgent, I’ve got good news.

Gluten-free Low Sugar Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel and Sesame Snaps  (1)

I’ve healthied it up quite a bit. Not stupidly, I still used sugar, but only unrefined and only a little, and all of the ingredients can be found at a regular supermarket. It’s gluten-free and nut-free because when catering for crowds nowadays it is best to be accommodating to those two common intolerances and allergies. Especially for kids. And I’ll be honest – it’s easier and quicker to make than you’d think!

Gluten-free Low Sugar Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel and Sesame Snaps  (1)

As for the caramel sauce – it is made with coconut cream and rice syrup, which means it is both dairy-free and fructose-free. That’s a win-win for many. And it is perfect for drizzling on ice cream if you prefer a healthier version of that classic drive-through sundae.

Gluten-free Low Sugar Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel and Sesame Snaps  (1)

Gluten-free Low Sugar Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel and Sesame Snaps (1)
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Chocolate Layer Cake with Caramel Sesame Snaps

Please feel free to use regular flour instead of rice flour, if you prefer. I used unrefined Demerara sugar (available from most supermarkets nowadays) because it contains some of the nutrient-rich molasses. And not too much. I also mill this same sugar to make icing sugar. If you prefer a sweeter indulgence, feel free to make that 1/2 cup sugar for the base and 1/4 cup icing sugar for the whipped cream. To keep the fructose levels lower, I used rice syrup for the caramel. You can use honey if you prefer. Fresh cream can be used instead of coconut cream. If you are making this an adult-only cake, feel free to drizzle a few tablespoons of coffee or chocolate liqueur over the sponge instead of tea as suggested. You will need a 6-inch round cake tin for this cake.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Servings: 8 -12

Ingredients

Sponge cake

  • 4 eggs
  • 1/3 cup Demerara sugar (80g)
  • 1/2 cup rice flour (75g)
  • 2 tbsp cacao powder
  • 2 tbsp tapioca flour

Chocolate cream filling

  • 35 g dark 85% cacao chocolate
  • 1 cup fresh cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • 2 tbsp icing sugar

Salted caramel and sesame snap topping

  • 1/3 cup rice syrup (80ml)
  • 1/3 cup coconut cream (80ml)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
  • 1 x 40g packet sesame snaps

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 170C (fan-forced 150C, 325F, gas mark 3). Line the base and sides of a 6-inch round cake tin with non-stick baking paper.
  • Separate eggs. In a small bowl mix together the rice flour, cacao and tapioca flour. Beat egg whites on high for 2-3 minutes or until the whites are fluffy and stiff. Continuing to beat on high, add sugar in two batches, followed by egg yolks, one at a time. Beat for a further minute on high, the mixture should be thick and glossy. Reduce mixer speed to low and, in three swift batches, add the flour and cacao mixture and mix on low until just incorporated.
  • Pour mixture into the prepared tin and bake on the middle shelf of a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until skewer comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack in the tin for 5 minutes, then gently lift the cake out and leave on a rack to cool completely (about 30 minutes). Once cooled, gently peel off the baking paper and using a serrated knife, cut the cake across into three even slices.
  • While the cake is cooling, prepare the chocolate cream filling. Finely chop chocolate and place in a small bowl. Add 1/8 cup cream and microwave for 20 seconds on high, then stir gently until the chocolate is melted and the mixture forms a glossy ganache (you can also do this in a small saucepan over very low heat, stirring to prevent the chocolate from burning, if you don’t want to use or don’t have a microwave).
  • Place remaining cream into a small bowl of a stand mixer, add vanilla essence and icing sugar. Beat on high until soft peaks. Reduce speed to medium and gradually add the ganache and allow to incorporate. Turn the speed up to high and beat until stiff (do not overbeat as the cream will turn into butter). Place in the fridge until ready to use.
  • In the meantime, make the salted caramel and sesame snap topping. Place rice syrup, coconut cream and sea salt flakes in a small saucepan set over low heat. Whisk together using a metal whisk. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for a minute. Turn off the heat and allow the caramel to cool down before using (it will be very hot). If it sets, heat it again over low heat until warm and melted.
  • Crush sesame snaps.
  • To assemble the layer cake, place the bottom sponge layer on a serving plate. Top with half the chocolate cream and layer with another cake round. Repeat the process. Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce onto the cake and allow it to drip over the sides. Sprinkle the top with crushed sesame snaps.
  • Store, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days. I found that a large Pyrex bowl fits perfectly over this size cake.
Tried this recipe?Mention @wholesomecook or tag #wholesomecook

 

21 comments

Sally @ The Fit Foodie March 4, 2015 at 2:12 pm

Mind blown.

Reply
Iron Chef Shellie March 4, 2015 at 4:56 pm

Oh
My
Giddy
Aunt
!!!

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook March 5, 2015 at 9:41 pm

Hehehe :-D

Reply
Brunswick Medical March 4, 2015 at 5:01 pm

Oh my glob. Do want.

Reply
Claire March 4, 2015 at 5:55 pm

Can I replace the cup of fresh cream with coconut milk as I have an intolerance to dairy.

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook March 5, 2015 at 9:41 pm

Hi Claire, yes, you would have to experiment with coconut whipped cream or thicken the cream with gelatine (or agar).

Reply
Rachel @ Bakerita March 5, 2015 at 9:24 am

What a gorgeous cake! The salted caramel looks amazing, and I love those sesame snaps on top. Stunning photography as well!

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook March 5, 2015 at 9:40 pm

Thank you! :-D

Reply
Food Favorites Friday - 3.6.15 | Steph in Thyme March 9, 2015 at 11:57 am

[…] Cook –  Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel and Sesame Snaps Martyna opens her blog post with a very poignant question, “Can a low sugar, gluten-free cake […]

Reply
Fliss March 14, 2015 at 3:38 am

Am currently whipping up a cupcake version of this… makes about 12 normal sized fairy cakes- came out of the oven after 20-25mins. They look fabulous- thank you for the recipe :)

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook March 14, 2015 at 9:39 am

Wow, you’re welcome! Would love to see the result! Please share on social media @ tagging me or email a pic :-D

Reply
Amanda March 17, 2015 at 7:17 pm

This was a lovely cake which was quite quick to make yet looked impressive. Good for a morning tea and sweet enough without feeling too naughty!

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook March 17, 2015 at 9:03 pm

Hi Amanda, thanks for stopping by, I am so glad you enjoyed it :-)

Reply
Cioccolato, caramello salato, mirtilli | Cardamomo & Co. May 25, 2015 at 10:05 pm

[…] Ne è nata questa torta, che è una rivisitazione di una torta vista qui. […]

Reply
anya clark May 27, 2015 at 6:48 am

Can i use corn flour instead of arrowroot flour and ground almonds/ground oats instead of rice flour in the cake. Thank you this looks like an amazing recipe especially for special occasions!

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook May 27, 2015 at 1:02 pm

Hi Anya, I have made this with almond flour as well and it works – I don’t use corn flour at all but given it is VERY similar in properties to tapioca, I think it might just work!
Enjoy! Special occasion treat indeed. :-)

Reply
Corinne May 27, 2015 at 12:34 pm

Hi, this looks amazing but is it necessary to use two different types of flour? I’m just making the cake part of this for someone’s birthday and am trying to stay on a budget. Thanks!

Reply
Martyna @ Wholesome Cook May 27, 2015 at 1:01 pm

Hi Corinne, thanks for your question. In gluten-free baking it is necessary to combine two, or sometimes three types of flour – one gives volume (rice) while the other helps the cake retain moisture (tapioca). I have made it simple by using two and to be honest they are two of the cheapest: white rice and tapioca (arrowroot). You can use arrowroot in the same way you use potato starch or corn starch (flour) – miz a little with cold water to thicken soups and sauces. Buying a small container will not set you back and you’ll be able to use it all up. Here in Australia the total cost for the flours would be around US$5 and as I said you could use the tapioca flour later. Hope they have a great celebration!

Reply
Corinne May 28, 2015 at 1:38 am

Awesome, thanks for the feedback!

Reply
5 Gloriously Gluten-Free Cake Recipes - Steph in Thyme June 22, 2015 at 1:23 pm

[…] Cook –  Chocolate Layer Cake with Salted Caramel and Sesame Snaps Martyna opens her blog post with a very poignant question, “Can a low sugar, gluten-free cake […]

Reply
Torta con crema al cioccolato senza glutine e mirtilli- Cardamomo & co March 6, 2018 at 10:56 am

[…] Ne è nata questa torta con crema al cioccolato senza glutine, caramello salato e mirtilli, che è una rivisitazione di una torta vista qui. […]

Reply

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