Caramel Cake Recipe

This recipe creates a moist and flavorful cake with a rich caramel sauce.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water.
- Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep golden brown.
- Remove from heat immediately and carefully add heavy cream (it will bubble up vigorously).
- Stir until smooth and return to low heat.
- Stir in butter and salt until melted and combined.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before using.

Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Drizzle the top of the cake with remaining caramel sauce.
- Decorate with additional caramel sauce, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings, if desired.

Tips & Variations:

For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the cake batter.
Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.

Enjoy your delicious Caramel Cake!