Step 1

Preheat oven to 360°F. Spray three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick spray and line the bottoms with rounds of parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine the hot water and espresso powder until the powder is dissolved. Set aside to cool

Step 4

In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add in the cooled water and espresso powder mixture. Mix until combined.

Step 5

With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, scraping the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

Step 6

Evenly distribute batter between the three pans. Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7

Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, beat the butter until it is light and fluffy. Add the caramel sauce and mix until combined.

Step 9

With the mixer on low speed, add in the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Add the salt and milk (you can add more if the frosting is too thick).

Step 10

Increase speed of the mixer to medium and beat frosting until light and fluffy.

Step 11

Level each cake layer using a serrated knife. I like to save the scraps for toppings on ice cream or yogurt!

Step 12

Place the first cake layer bottom side down on a flat plate or cake board. Using an offset knife, spread about ¾ cup of the frosting onto the top. Spread a tablespoon or two of caramel sauce on top of the frosting.

Step 13

Place the second layer on top of the first. Frost the top of the second layer and spread another tablespoon or so of caramel sauce on top.

Step 14

Place third cake layer, top side down, on top of the frosting.

Step 15

Crumb coat the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting. Freeze cake for about 10-15 minutes to set.

Step 16

Continue frosting cake with remaining frosting. You can drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top if you want, or swirl in bits of caramel like I did.