Indulge in the timeless Southern Caramel Cake, a dessert that’s rich, moist, and drenched in a luscious homemade caramel sauce. With layers of tender cake and a decadent caramel frosting, this recipe is a true celebration of Southern baking tradition. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday feasts, this cake promises to be the star of the show.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. - Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix. - Bake the Cake Layers:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Caramel Frosting:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes while stirring, and then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, whisking until the frosting is smooth and thick. - Assemble the Cake:
Place the first cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of caramel frosting over the top. Add the second layer of cake and repeat. Top with the third cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining caramel frosting. - Serve and Enjoy:
Let the cake sit for a few minutes for the frosting to set, then slice and enjoy the moist, rich layers of this classic Southern Caramel Cake.