Description
Silky Southern Caramel Cake celebrates classic Southern baking with rich, golden layers draped in smooth caramel frosting. Warm kitchen memories blend perfectly with sweet nostalgia, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this timeless dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for cake)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cake)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Thoroughly coat three 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
- Create the cake base by whipping sugar and butter until they transform into a light, airy mixture. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
- Separately combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Methodically integrate dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix thoroughly to maintain a smooth, consistent batter. Fold in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Distribute batter equally among prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center – it should emerge clean.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.
- Craft caramel frosting by melting butter over medium heat. Introduce brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil while continuously stirring. Reduce heat, simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, incorporate vanilla extract. Cool to room temperature.
- Whip powdered sugar with caramel mixture until achieving a silky, smooth consistency. Once cakes are completely cooled, apply generous frosting layers between cake tiers and across entire surface.
- Optional: Embellish with additional caramel drizzle or preferred decorative elements. Slice and present this decadent, luxurious dessert for immediate enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother, more even cake batter mixing.
- Use fresh baking powder and baking soda to guarantee the cake rises properly and maintains a light texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.
- Create a dairy-free alternative by using plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and egg substitutes like applesauce or flax eggs.
- Measure ingredients precisely using weight measurements for consistent results every time.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the caramel frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 519
- Sugar: 49 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 69 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg