Emily Laurae

Salted Caramel
1 Pour the sugar into a saucepan, and over medium-high heat allow the sugar to slowly melt and eventually shift in color to a deep amber-brown color. Make sure you continue to stir the sugar every minute or so in order to prevent it from burning!
18 Add the cream and butter to the sugar – expect the ingredients to bubble and foam for about 30  seconds or so. Then, over low heat, continue to melt down any large bits of caramel. Do this until the mixture is completely fluid and smooth before removing it from heat and adding sea salt. 
3 Pour caramel into a glass container and allow to cool before adding to buttercream.
Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting
5 In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter on high until light and fluffy,  about 5-6 minutes, scraping down the bowl and paddle every couple minutes. Turn the mixer to low and add the powdered sugar, scraping down the bowl while adding the vanilla.
6 With the mixer still on low, add the salted caramel and salt, mixing until fully combined.
Date Cake
8 Place the dates and baking soda in a bowl and pour boiling water over both ingredients. Press down the dates with a spoon so they’re submerged and let them sit for 10 minutes. 
9 In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter, and sugar on high until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to medium, add the egg. Continue to mix until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
10  Then with the mixer on low, add flour and baking powder mixing until just combined. 
11 Preheat the oven to 350˚F and puree the dates using a blender or food processor, and add the pureed date mixture into the batter, mixing on low until well combined.
12 Grease and line a 6-inch cake pan with parchment paper. Add batter into your cake pan and bake for 26-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Allow the cakes to cool for about 5 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack.
Assembly
15 Add as much of your caramel buttercream frosting on top of the cake and spread evenly. Utilizing a spoon or an offset spatula, create swirls and swoops to your liking into the buttercream!
17 Add the decoration of your liking on top! I added a couple of different layers of toppings, starting with dried layered fruits and adding organic flowers!