Description
Sweet Southern charm shines through this classic caramel cake, blending generations of family tradition with rich, golden layers kissed by silky caramel frosting. Southern bakers will savor each heavenly bite of this nostalgic dessert that brings comfort and joy to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base Ingredients:
- 3 cups self-rising flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Measurement Notes:
- 1 cup = 240 milliliters
- 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
- 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat three 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, approximately 3-5 minutes for optimal texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure even distribution and smooth batter consistency.
- Separately combine self-rising flour and buttermilk, then gently fold into the butter mixture in alternating increments, beginning and concluding with flour. Integrate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans, carefully smoothing surfaces to create uniform layers.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into cake centers. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
- Craft caramel icing by melting butter over medium heat, then introducing brown sugar and evaporated milk. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
- Gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar, whisking meticulously to achieve a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Enhance icing with vanilla extract, stirring until harmoniously blended.
- Assemble cake by layering each round with generous caramel icing, ensuring even coverage between layers and coating entire exterior.
- Permit cake to stabilize for several minutes before serving to allow icing to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Ensure butter and sugar are creamed thoroughly for a light, fluffy cake texture that melts in your mouth.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help them blend smoothly and create a more consistent batter without lumps.
- Test cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back when lightly touched, indicating perfect baking.
- For a gluten-free version, swap self-rising flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain cake structure.
- Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 462
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg