Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

INGREDIENTS

2 cups

granulated sugar

1 cup

light brown sugar (packed)

and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (not packed!)

and 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)

3 tsp

baking soda

and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

and 1/4 teaspoons salt

large eggs + 2 large egg yolks (at room temperature)

and 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream

1/3 cup

whole milk

3/4 cup

vegetable oil (you may also sub in melted coconut oil)

2 tbsp

vanilla extract

and 1/2 cups hot water

2 cups

unsalted butter (4 sticks, 16 ounces, VERY soft)

and 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar (sifted)

3/4 cup

unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)

1 tsp

vanilla extract

1/2 tsp

salt

3 tbsp

heavy cream (more if needed)

2 tbsp

salted caramel sauce

and 1/4 cups salted caramel sauce

Flaky sea salt