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Birthday cake decision making is not the sort of thing that should be taken lately.

You only get one a year, after all.  And it pretty much has to epitomize all that is right and good and amazing in this world.  Each bite should be borderline orgasmic. No pressure.

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My friends/boss/boyfriend always chide me for insisting on making my own cake, but really where am I going to get a cake that fits all of these criteria anywhere other than my own kitchen?

I mean, okay, if we’re being literal, in terms of this specific cake, I could have forced someone to go down to Red Hook (Brooklyn) to the Baked bakery and pick one up for me. Along with a side of horse meatballs from the IKEA next door.  But we all know that wasn’t going to happen.

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And besides. When you make your own cake, you get to take the day off from work to do so.

That’s totally a law-according-to-Joanne situation.

(But I refuse to take even an ounce of blame if you get in trouble for doing so, mmkay.)

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So yes, on Monday after I got home from NOLA, I set to making this baby.

It was exhausting.  And I will never understand how professional bakers do this all day without taking naps after every step. (Which I may or may not have done.)

But it was so worth it.

The cake was incredibly moist and intensely chocolatey. While the salted caramel and caramel ganache frosting were, respectively, intensely salty and intensely rich, which, together, made for some serious harmony.  In short, birthday-cake-worthy it most certainly was.

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Speaking of birthdays, I have a bit of a birthday wish to ask of you.  As some of you may know, I am running the NYC Half Marathon with Team in Training, in about three weeks.  In running with Team in Training, I am raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the proceeds of which goes to help fund treatment for patients as well as to fund research for new and improved treatments for all kinds of cancers, not just blood cancers.

As many of you know, my dad died unexpectedly from cancer in September and I know he would never want me to stop fighting or running for a cure.  I have $650 left to raise before I reach my goal, and if any of you could spare just five dollars to make a donation, I would really appreciate it.  Here’s the link to my fundraising page.  No one should ever have to suffer from this disease – not young children, not parents, not friends, not family – and we need to fight as hard as we can to make that the case.  Thank you all in advance!

(PS – See below the recipe for a fun GIVEAWAY!)

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One year ago…Lentil Pomegranate Stew with Spinach and Raisins, Grapefruit Cardamom Polenta Pancakes
Two years ago..Spaghetti and Spaghetti Squash with Lemon Garlic Sauce and Ricotta
Three years ago…Sesame Noodle Salad with Dried Pineapple, Baba Ganoush on Pesto Pine Nut Bread

Sweet and Salty Cake
Makes 1 (9-inch) triple layer cake, adapted from Baked

Ingredients
For the classic chocolate cake:  

  • 3/4 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/4 cups hot water
  • 2/3 cup greek yogurt
  • 2 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

For the salted caramel:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp fleur de sel
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup greek yogurt

For the whipped caramel ganache frosting: 

  • 1 lb dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp light corn syrup
  • 2 cups unsalted butter, soft but cool, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Instructions
For the cake:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325. Butter three 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper and then butter again. Dust with flour and knock out the excess.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the cocoa powder, hot water, and greek yogurt. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter on medium speed until ribbonlike, or for 5 minutes. Add in the sugars and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and beat until incorporated. Scrape down the bowl and mix again for 30 seconds.
  5. Add the flour mixture to the bowl in three additions, alternating with the cocoa mixture.
  6. Divide the batter among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Invert the cakes onto the rack, remove the pans and let cool completely. Remove the parchment.

For the salted caramel: 

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the cream and fleur de sel. Bring to a simmer over very low heat until the salt is dissolved. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
  2. In the meantime, in a medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup water, the sugar, and corn syrup, stirring together carefully so you get as little as possible on the side of the pan. Cook over high heat until the mixture is dark amber in color, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for 1 minute.
  3. Add the cream mixture to the sugar mixture. Whisk in the greek yogurt. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until you’re ready to frost the cake.

For the whipped caramel ganache frosting: 

  1. Put the chocolate in a large heatproof bowl. Set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer over very low heat.  Keep a close eye on it so that it doesn’t burn.
  3. In the meantime, combine 1/4 cup water, sugar, and corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Stir carefully. Cook over high heat until dark amber in color, 6-8 minutes. Let cool for 1 minute.
  4. Add the cream to the caramel and stir to combine. Stir slowly for 2 minutes. Pour the caramel over the chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Starting in the center of the  bowl and working your way out, slowly stir the chocolate and caramel in a circle until all the chocolate is melted. Let cool. Transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until the bowl feels cool to the touch.
  5. Increase the speed to medium-high and gradually add the butter, beating until thoroughly incorporated. Scrape down the bowl. Beat on high speed until it is fluffy.

For assembly: 

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread 1/4 cup caramel over the top. Let the caramel soak into the cake, then spread 3/4 cup of the ganache frosting over the caramel. Top with the second cake layer. Spread with another layer of caramel and then the frosting. Top with the third layer. Spread with caramel. Crumb coat the cake (apply a VERY thin layer of frosting) and then put in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up. Frost the sides and top with the remaining frosting. Garnish with a sprinkle of fleur de sel.
  2. This cake can remain at room temp in a cake saver for up to 3 days. If the room is not cool, then refrigerate it. Let sit at room temp for at least 2 hours before serving, if taking it from the fridge, to warm up.

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Are you guys chronic snackers?  Yeah, me too.  Thankfully, Whole Foods Market has recently launched a new line of products called the Engine 2 Plant-Strong products that make snacking so.much.healthier.  They are a new line of plant-based minimally processed snacks, breakfast items and pantry staples.  These products adhere to the “Engine 2 Diet” guidelines, meaning that they are low in fat, contain no added sugars, animal products, or added oils, and are low in sodium.  There are many new products in this line that are currently available nationwide ranging from multiple flavors of whole grain omega-3-packed cereal, hummus, almond milk, crispbreads, salsa, and tortillas.

I got to try the crispbreads and the jalapeno-cilantro hummus and have to say that these made for an awesome midday snack. The high-in-protein hummus made me feel satisfied and full and the cracker was such a fun crispy vehicle for eating it!

Every so kindly, Whole Foods has offered a to giveaway a package of the crispbreads to TWENTY of my readers!!  So all you have to do to enter is to tell me what your favorite healthy snack is!  The giveaway ends next Friday!

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You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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131 Responses to Sweet and Salty Cake (Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel Chocolate Ganache Frosting) {GIVEAWAY}

  1. This cake looks simply AMAZING.
    I am definitely a chronic snacker! I had the Engine 2 sweet potato lasagna a couple weeks ago, and it was awesome. I love that WF is carrying Engine 2 plant strong products – neato! My favorite healthier snack is…gosh, this is tough. Maybe veggies and hummus or dates and peanut butter?!

  2. Jessica says:

    Kale chips. I’ll take them over Doritos and I used to have a serious Doritos dependency problem. I also buy out all the Lacinato kale from every store in a 5 mile radius any time they’re kind enough to stock it.

  3. Mary Younkin says:

    This cake looks fantastic. That frosting is making me wish that my own birthday wasn’t sill 7 months away! Wow.

    My favorite snack (almost every afternoon) is a plate of raw veggies with some hummus or dip. Or when clementines are in season, I grab one out of the basket almost every time I’m in the kitchen this time of year!

  4. This looks like a n epic cake, Joanne. Way to go!

    I think is probably a snack I will look out for next time I travel to the US. It will be sooner than I think. It sounds perfect. 🙂 My favourite snack right now are apples.

  5. marian says:

    My favorite (marginally healthful) snack is soy crisps!

  6. Amy says:

    Can you imagine wedding cake creators? Um…no. They must have ulcers. That is a thing of beauty, Joanne! My post the other day didn’t deliver to Google Reader for some reason, but my white bean dip has become a permanent fixture in my fridge. I make it every Sunday for the week. I love beans! And cake. Love cake. And also? Did you actually eat that slice with a spoon? You’re such a rebel.

  7. alicooks3 says:

    hmmmm… favorite healthy snack would have to be popcorn or super sweet watermelon (but only in the summer!)
    that cake looks incredible… hope you enjoyed it 🙂

  8. Anonymous says:

    The cake and the hummus on the same page kinda through me off, which led me to read why you had it there. I would sure like to give it a try, sounds so good.
    [email protected]

  9. Abby says:

    Joanne,
    The cake cooks delicious. My favorite snack is fruit salad!

    Abby

  10. I love love love this cake. It is everything I would choose for my own birthday cake- and yours turned out so well!

    Andy asked me the other day; “What kind of birthday cake do you want to make for yourself this year?” Ha. He knows me too well. I want this one!

    xoxo

  11. a.) I’ve been meaning to make this cake ever since I’ve seen it in Baked…because…well…LOOK at it. I might need to make it for my birthday. b.) I obviously support the fact you make your own birthday cake. It’s the only way you are going to get what you want. c.) yay half marathons! d.) you rock.

  12. Joanne these salty n sweet cake is absolutely gorgeous, i love the frosting on top and the subtle salty flavor throughout. whatever you used to pipe that frosting is awesome – would you mind sharing?

  13. Linda @ [email protected] says:

    That cake looks so yummy, I think I will make it into cupcakes for my daughters baby shower. My favorite healthy snack is vegetables with dip.

  14. I love this cake, I’m a big fan of sweet and salty! And this hummus sounds great!

  15. Jill Hartley says:

    My hubby and I have become obsessed with roasted red pepper hummus with homemade crackers!

  16. Hey Joanne, I’m heading over to make a donation! I wish you the best of luck in your run! I know you will raise the rest of the money you need!

    The cake, oh my gosh the cake! I can see it’s so moist! Please bake me a cake!!!

    For snacking, my fvaorite thing is peanut butter and crackers or jalapeno hummus with veggies! I love it!

    You have me pumped! I took a half day at work today to go to Whole Foods. I cam soooooooo picking up the hummus!!!

    Enjoy your weekend!

  17. I’m all about baking my own birthday cake! This sounds perfect and might be my next on my cake list 🙂

    One of my favorite healthy snacks and Greek yogurt with a little fruit!

  18. Danielle says:

    This is my kind of cake – I could probably eat an entire bowl of that frosting!

  19. I think you nailed it. It really does look orgasmic! My favorite snack is a date stuffed with almond butter and a dash of cinnamon. It’s amazing!

  20. Happy Birthday To You! You certainly baked an outstanding cake…not only delicious sounding but beautiful.
    Nuts are what I snack on…usually roasted almonds.

  21. Happy Birthday!

    Now, please pass the cake.

  22. Shanna says:

    I love making smoothies for healthy snacks!

  23. Gloria says:

    Happy birthday dear Joanne!!! You have a beutiful and amazing blog!
    Love this cake you have with salted caramel sounds delicious!!! xo

  24. Yes indeed the Baked boys are the go-to when one makes it at home.
    And seeing that you took the day off, then it’s ok for you to make your own.
    (love the nap part btw)
    favorite snack?
    oh healthy?
    blueberries–2 cups a day!

  25. Anonymous says:

    Happy Birthday, that cake sure looks delicious. I love to have a handful of nuts to snack on. Thanks for the giveaway. k(dot)larsen(at)comcast(dot)net

  26. happy birthday friend! i totally understand the deal with making your own cake. yes, on my birthday, i want to eat cake that is edible and delicious and has ingredients that i put in it myself, not some mysterious food coloring and frostingish stuff.

    also, i know this is your first birthday without your dad… it’s hard to celebrate something so special when you don’t feel like you should be celebrating anything, but i am sure your dad would want you to face this day with a big smile and a happy heart… so celebrate and enjoy being alive in this world for another year!

  27. oh man, what a cake!! so glad you had salted caramel on your birthday 🙂

    my go-to snack of late has been tamari almonds and dried (unsweetened) mango!

  28. Deborah says:

    Best. Birthday. Cake. Ever.

  29. Liz says:

    My go-to snack is carrots and hummus; or really anything in hummus!

  30. Mary says:

    What a gorgeous cake, Joanne. Happy early or belated birthday, whichever it may be. Have a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary

  31. Shawnda says:

    A perfect choice for a birthday cake! And good luck on your run!

  32. Gorgeous cake – you need to open a bakery!

    Fave healthy snack is fresh fruit or veggies with dip!

  33. The cake looks delicious! My favorite healthy snack is greek yogurt and grapes!

  34. Jessie says:

    This cake, this CAKE. It should be a written rule that we get to take the day off to make cake (among other things). I often make my own birthday cake because I know just the amount of chocolate I like (the precise measurement = A LOT). I’m glad you enjoyed yours 🙂

    My favorite healthy snack is fruit and nuts. LOVE it.

  35. sandra says:

    You are the stunning-est cake maker around. This is beautiful. Hope your B-day was nice and relaxing.

    Favorite healthy snack – an apple

  36. Pam says:

    Will you come to Portland in July and make me this exact cake for my birthday? Please? Pretty please with a cherry on top? Seriously drool worthy!

    Happy happy birthday lady!

  37. megan says:

    Hummus and crackers!

  38. SallyBR says:

    Happy Birthday! Mine is coming up in a little over a week, no way I could bake my own cake. Well, I guess I “could”, but it would look so pathetic… better not (sigh)

  39. philby b. says:

    I love making my own parfaits. Fresh fruit, granola, ground flax, and low-fat plain yogurt. Yum!

  40. My favorite healthy snack…. I think fruit 🙂

  41. Allie says:

    Delicious looking cake! Apples and peanut butter are a go to for me!

  42. wow, absolutely drooling over your cake 🙂

  43. You definitely chose a fabulous recipe. I loooove the sound of this, and it turned out perfectly! I wish I could have tried it! xx

  44. Pam says:

    My favorite healthy snack is hummus. Love that stuff! AND, I had no idea that they had such flavors of it! I will definitely sponsor you, I do every year 🙂

  45. Ashley says:

    I always had a “don’t work on my birthday” rule. Well, by “work” I mean actually go in to an office. Ick. Anyway, this looks FANTASTIC! How did the salted caramel go this time around? 😉

  46. Favorite snack of late is probably fruit…really any kind…

  47. Katie says:

    I mainly try to snack on fruit and veggies during the day, but my fave snack is popcorn!

  48. ilene says:

    I love munching on baby carrots

  49. Colynn O says:

    Ummm..that cake looks so awesome! Happy birthday by the way. 🙂 I’m going to make a donation too.

    I generally don’t have the patience or execution to bake a cake this beautiful, but I may have to for my birthday in April. I’m sure it’s so worth it.

    As far as my favorite snacks go, I’m a pretty savory girl ,so I love crackers with hummus (especially my buffalo hummus) and chips and salsa.

  50. I think I should make more cakes so I can take time off of work! This cake here is gorgeous, and I desperately need a slice with my lunch! And thanks for the awesome giveaway. My favorite snack is Chobani yogurt 🙂

  51. Anonymous says:

    My favorite healthy snack is fresh fruit…whatever is in season!!bjn1957{at}gmail{dot}com

  52. Katie says:

    That cake looks incredible!

    My favorite healthy snack is red grapes, or pita chips & hummus.

  53. Erica says:

    Whoa, that frosting looks off the hook good… I must try it!

  54. Lora says:

    Luscious looking cake. Donation done and wishing you a wonderful birthday.

  55. My favorite healthy snack is grapes with low fat cottage cheese

  56. teresa says:

    amazing cake!! i get so worn out baking too, i don’t think i would thrive in a bakery, delicious as it may be. this would be worth it though, all those chocolatey layers look delicious!

    i’m gonna scope out that hummus, yum!

  57. Debbie says:

    A beautiful cake! Just perfect! My favorite healthy snake would be almonds and dried cranberries.

  58. Your cake looks awesome Joanne! I know I wished you happy early birthday, now I’ll wish you a belated too since I didn’t show up on “the day.” My favorite healthy snack just happens to be hummus – I’m an addict big time! I’m off to your fundraising page now…

  59. Hotly Spiced says:

    What a perfect birthday cake. It looks amazing. I would want more than one slice for sure. I always make my own birthday cakes too and people think I’m weird! xx

  60. OohLookBel says:

    Salted caramel cream + birthday cake = happy day!

  61. Anonymous says:

    I need to make a birthday cake for a coworker and I am seriously thinking this may be the one I make ~ who cares that everyone in the office won’t ‘get’ this cake? LOL

    My favorite healthy snack is either fresh fruit or lowfat Greek yogurt with some granola mixed into it.
    phantomcg at aol dot com (Cheryl)

  62. Jenn Kendall says:

    hope you had a fabulous birthday! oh my gosh, what a gorgeous and delicious cake! i’m totally obsessed with the sweet and salty combination!

  63. Christina says:

    Let’s see, a healthy snack…nuts, nuts, and oh, more nuts. I really appreciate nuts and dried fruits for quick snacks that are healthy and don’t include extra ingredients. 🙂

  64. That Girl says:

    I’m going to chide you for making your own birthday cake too! Let others celebrate you on your special day! You can make a cake for yourself the day after.

    I go through phases with healthy snacks. Right now I’m all about the fruit – I actually need to get some coconuts cracked open tonight!

  65. What choice do you have but to make your own cake when you’re a discriminating foodie who knows your own tastes! I completely understand, and encourage it! And this cake looks like it was worthy every second you spent making it…yum!!!

    Hmm, my favorite snack is fresh fruit. My latest obsession that my uncle introduced me to is a pomelo. It’s a citrus fruit that you have to completely peel every segment apart…it’s a lot of work and it forces you to eat it slowly and enjoy every bite 🙂

  66. I don’t supposed that cake counts as a healthy snack, huh?

  67. Von says:

    I know what you mean……store bought cakes aren’t quite perfect enough for birthdays! Except when I’m too lazy to make something for myself haha 🙂 This cake looks amazing! Happy Birthday! 🙂

  68. My favorite healthy snack is just an apple- filling and crunchy!

  69. Kari says:

    Oh gosh Joanne, this cake looks like it could deliver orgasmic bliss even through the computer screen. Definitely worth all those steps! I’m glad you got it done for your celebrations 🙂

    Wishing you lots of luck with the running training and fundraising – I’m about to follow your fundraising link.

  70. Emily says:

    This cake looks glorious. I need to bake it soon. Wow! You rock.

    Good luck with your fundraising and training! You will do fabulous in NYC!

  71. Anonymous says:

    would it be possible to swap out the Greek Yogurt for sour cream ??

  72. Kim says:

    That is one swoon-worthy cake! I’d love a few bites of it right now:)

    My favorite snack is probably hummus with crackers! Might need to make a trip to Whole Foods to check those out.

  73. I think you made the perfect birthday cake! Happy Birthday!

  74. Barbara says:

    Wow! You did a super job with the cake. I am a decorating failure. Always have been…I think it’s lack of patience. 🙂
    Actually going to Whole Foods this afternoon. I’ve not heard of these products, so will check them out.
    Favorite snack? Wheat Thins. (don’t tell)

  75. Christina says:

    I love hummus with vegetables or pita crackers.

  76. Ok next year we’re totally going to celebrate our birthday together – Ikea meatballs and Red Hook cake, I am so in 🙂 The cake you made looks amazing, is there anything better than salty and sweet in a dessert?

  77. latanya t says:

    I like eating nuts as a healthy snacks. Cashews are my favorites.

  78. Katerina says:

    Happy belated birthday Joanne! With you making such a delicious and impressive cake, why on earth would you go out and buy something? It looks perfect!

  79. Somia says:

    Almonds are my favorite snack.

  80. Patsy K says:

    Now, that’s the cake I want for MY birthday! Hope you enjoyed every last bite of that incredible looking cake!

  81. Candace says:

    I’m pinning this cake and asking David to make it for my birthday this year. It looks amazing!

  82. Beautiful cake Joanne and I love the little grains of fleu de sel on the top. I think you are remarkable to have a nap between each stage,good on you

  83. Natalie G says:

    Holy moly this looks like a super professional cake! Great job! Sweet and salty is the best, I would love this. As for my fave healthy snack, I would go with apple slices with almond butter and sprinkled cinnamon OR PB and Banana smoothie 🙂

  84. Happy bday darling. I don’t know if I missed it! What day is it on? As for the cake…totally bday worthy. Rich, chocolaty and decadent. The way it should be!

  85. Jennifer says:

    You just can’t beat plain greek yogurt with fresh fruit for a healthy snack; yum!

  86. Elizabeth says:

    Birthday cakes truly are a serious matter! It’s really bad if something goes wrong or it doesn’t taste good, but this one looks the perfect accessory to a perfect birthday 🙂

  87. Vikki says:

    That cake is GORGEOUS! Kudos my friend 🙂

    And favorite snack? Easy…mashed avocado + crusty bread + drizzle of honey and a couple grinds of sea salt (I add some red pepper flakes if I’m feeling festive) Cannot be beat!

  88. Christine says:

    When I first saw the cake photos I thought maybe the.boy. bought you a cake then I read, no, you made it!! Holy smokes! What skill! Sounds like a tricked out version of death by chocolate.
    As far as my favorite snack, it used to be potato chips (yes, I know…). But currently have switched to apples, oranges and tangerines. If the price is right another fav is cooked fresh artichoke with yogurt and 2 spice mixes for dipping. MMMM. 🙂

  89. So wonderful that you’re raising money for this cause. Sending you good wishes. As for this cake… well, darn… it looks magnificent. And I’m not really a cake person.

  90. What a gorgeous, bakery-worthy cake! I love making my own birthday cake too, that way it’s exactly how I like it 🙂 Hope you had a great birthday!

  91. Chris says:

    Happy Birthday!!!

    That cake looks flawless, Joanne. Seriously PERFECT, even the cut slice.

    I asked the IKEA manager if they had horse in their meatballs in the US and he said, “Neigh”. I asked how many came in a bag and he stomped 24 times. I’m suspicious.

  92. This cake looks incredible. I’m not a big cake person, but when I do eat cake, it has to be chocolate! And bonus points for the salted caramel!

  93. Dining Alone says:

    my favorite healthy snack is anything brine pickled! I love how packed with good bacteria it is and it tastes great. The cake looks amazing, just thinking about baking makes me want to take a nap.

  94. Vicki S says:

    My favorite healthy snack is peanut butter smeared on a crisp apple 🙂 I also like peanut butter and honey in plain greek yogurt. Did I mention I like nut butters? 🙂

    sswpss at yahoo dot com

  95. Spencer says:

    Looks absolutely delicious! I would so love to try some. I am sure it tastes as good as it looks.

  96. Mmmm…sweet and salty…my fave!

  97. Reeni Pisano says:

    What a gorgeous cake! LOVE salty caramel! One of the best things on Earth. I’m off to donate! Hope you make your goal.

  98. Lily says:

    My favorite healthy snack: Homemade sriacha kale chips!

  99. Anonymous says:

    plain old popcorn made in a paperbag in the microwave with nothing added. yummm

    fruitcrmble AT comcast DOT net

  100. I would just take this cake into a corner and not share it. Salted Carmel are two of the world’s most beautiful words. 😉 It is a work of art!

    I am curious to try the Engine 2 prepared foods. I have done the E2 challenge a couple of times now with Whole Foods–including making the hummus. Hummus is probably my favorite healthy snack.

    Going to go donate. 😉

  101. Cathleen says:

    Yikes! This cake looks sinfully delicious! Salty and sweet is my favorite. I have never tried it in cake form, but definitely on my to-do list 🙂

  102. Donna says:

    This cake would be PERFECT with some IKEA horse meatballs!

  103. I have never tried Sweet and Salty Cake. I’m so glad that I’ve found this recipe. Its looks so yummy. I will try this for my next tea party.

  104. grace says:

    i gave this a look-see when you talked about it on twitter, and it’s dynamite! bravo!
    my favorite healthy food is ice cream. think of the calcium! 🙂

  105. Beautiful Joanne and great flavors!

  106. Eliza says:

    My favorite healthy snack is an apple and a small handful of raw almonds.

  107. Sarah says:

    i love a cut up apple & pistachios for a quick healthy snack!

  108. Tanya says:

    I usually have any kind of fruit and some yogurt for a healthy snack!

  109. Um… this cake! Now I’m even more sad that I missed out on celebrating your birthday! This looks amaaaazing.

  110. trail mix, fruit or veggies + fruit are my favorite healthy snacks!

    that cake looks absolutely divine!

  111. Alisa says:

    Oh my goodness, I’m so into salted chocolate right now! This looks out of this world decadent!

  112. Pierce says:

    Joanne, That is incredibly generous of Whole Foods! Wow……my healthy snacks are grapes or a handful of almonds. Love those best!
    But lately, the salted caramel tooth here has been acting up and I get my fix whenever I see a starbucks or any place selling a salted caramel creation. That way I get one serving and it isn’t in the house!!

  113. Wow!!!! I loved the rich chocolate cake! hmmm…coming to my fav healthy snack- it is hummus and crackers!!! I also like tahini-greek yogurt sauce and cucumber raita with some pita bread.

  114. Julia Menn says:

    wow. this cake looks most excellent! Maybe I should make my own birthday cake next year…

    I love snacking on blackberries 🙂

  115. Barb Hayes says:

    My favorite snack is my homemade hummus served with carrots or celery. I use LOTS of garlic, no oil and cumin as the main seasoning. I also add turmeric for its anti-inflamatory properties (I sneak it into just about everything). Looking forward to trying the Engine2 products.

  116. rachel says:

    I love almonds or baby carrots with hummus.

  117. Hannah says:

    Chocolate cake counts as a healthy snack, right? At least, that’s what I’m craving right now after seeing your photos… Holy heck, does that thing look luscious beyond belief!

  118. This cake is fabulous. You are fabulous!

  119. omg that FROSTING! It’s almost too much for a pregnant gal to take!

  120. Johanna GGG says:

    happy birthday (I guess I have missed it) that cake looks amazing and I don’t expect many people could produce such a work of art – in fact if you sold it you would have to charge a lot just for all the time spent sleeping that is crucial to making cake (now we knew why shop bought cakes can be so expensive)

  121. Natalie says:

    catching up on my blog reading and wow, this is absolutely fantastic! I can’t believe there’s Greek yogurt in the caramel!

  122. Felycia Sani says:

    Fav snack is watermelon!

  123. Having taken a week off for vacation, I’m hopelessly behind in reading my favorite blogs. So, at last, I’m back. I miss your recipes, but also reading what’s up in your life (I’m a shameless voyeur.) Of course, I HAD to read about this cake. Caramel is my drug of choice. Any excuse to make a cake is something I’m game for. Especially on my own birthday. I make what I want, and I have a good excuse for eating my fair share. I’d go for seconds on this one. It’s gorgeous!

  124. Laura says:

    Mmmm, love salty and sweet. And I so hear you about birthday cakes/desserts. Honestly, it has gotten to the point for me that I rarely even order dessert out anymore (now remember I live in a small town with no bakery). Whatever I have made or am about to make at home is better and what I am in the mood for, so why bother?

  125. Anonymous says:

    This cake looks amazing! I cannot wait to make and savor every bite. I accidentally found your blog looking for this exact recipe and will definitely be back for. One thing that caught my eye is you running the NY marathon. My former sister-in-law is a big mucky-muck with Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and travels all over organizing different marathons and fund raisers. Anyways… thanks for the great recipes, I can’t wait to dive in!

  126. […] off of the Baked: New Frontiers in Baking recipe – so I used that recipe, as well as this one from Joanne Eats Well With Others and tinkered with it a […]

  127. […] Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel Chocolate Ganache Frosting […]

  128. […] One year ago…Sweet and Salty Cake (Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel Chocolate Ganache Frosting) […]

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