Introduction
Caramel cake is a true Southern classic, featuring tender, buttery cake layers coated in a rich, homemade caramel frosting. The deep, nutty caramel flavor makes it a standout dessert, perfect for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving feasts, or Christmas celebrations.
This recipe will guide you through making the perfect caramel cake from scratch, including how to achieve a moist crumb, a silky caramel frosting, and tips for decorating. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking to impress your family and friends, this guide has everything you need to master caramel cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- 3 cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour, sifted)
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream (adds moisture)
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
For Garnish (Optional):
- Caramel drizzle
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Flaky sea salt
Equipment Needed
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
- Whisk and spatula
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan (for caramel frosting)
- Cooling racks
- Offset spatula for frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray, then line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures a light and airy texture.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). This incorporates air into the batter, creating a tender cake.
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Add Eggs One at a Time:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps emulsify the batter, ensuring a smooth consistency.
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Incorporate the Vanilla and Sour Cream:
- Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
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Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
- Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to prevent overmixing.
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Final Mix:
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix just until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 2: Baking the Cake
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Divide the Batter:
- Evenly distribute the batter between the two prepared cake pans.
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Bake:
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cooling:
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Making the Caramel Frosting
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Melt the Butter and Brown Sugar:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the brown sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and starts bubbling (about 3 minutes).
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Add Heavy Cream and Simmer:
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Remove from Heat and Add Flavoring:
- Take the caramel off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes.
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Incorporate Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a thick yet spreadable consistency. If it thickens too much, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to loosen it.
Step 4: Assembling the Cake
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Trim and Level the Cakes (If Needed):
- If your cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them.
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Layer the Cake with Frosting:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of caramel frosting evenly on top.
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Add the Second Layer:
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
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Smooth the Frosting:
- Use an offset spatula to create a smooth or rustic texture, depending on your preference.
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Garnish (Optional):
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped pecans or flaky sea salt.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
- For best results, let the cake sit for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the caramel flavors to settle.
- Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: If storing for longer, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
Tips for the Perfect Caramel Cake
- Use Cake Flour: Cake flour creates a finer texture, but you can substitute all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and replacing it with cornstarch.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and buttermilk should be at room temperature to ensure even mixing.
- Caramel Frosting Consistency: If the caramel frosting thickens too much, add a splash of warm cream or milk to loosen it.
- Chill the Cake Before Slicing: For clean slices, refrigerate the cake for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
Variations
- Salted Caramel Cake: Add extra sea salt to the caramel frosting for a sweet-savory contrast.
- Caramel Pecan Cake: Fold ½ cup of toasted pecans into the batter for added crunch.
- Chocolate-Caramel Cake: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for a chocolatey twist.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Cake is a holiday showstopper, delivering a perfect balance of buttery cake and rich caramel frosting. Whether served at a festive gathering or as a comforting homemade dessert, it is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Now that you have all the details, give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, indulgent flavors of homemade caramel cake this holiday season!
