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Southern Caramel Cake

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Southern Caramel Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert with layers of moist, buttery cake topped with luscious homemade caramel frosting. This classic Southern favorite is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any occasion. The sweet, melt-in-your-mouth frosting combined with the tender cake makes it a showstopper that will impress your guests!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Caramel Frosting:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prep Pans

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.

  • Prepare the Cake Batter

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
    • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
    • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
    • Stir in vanilla extract.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

  • Bake the Cake

    • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  • Cool the Cakes

    • Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

  • Make the Caramel Frosting

    • In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
    • Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar is dissolved and mixture starts to boil.
    • Let it boil for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt. Allow frosting to cool for 10-15 minutes until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.

  • Assemble the Cake

    • Once cakes have cooled, spread a generous amount of caramel frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.

  • Serve & Enjoy

    • Let the cake set for 30 minutes to 1 hour for the frosting to firm up before serving. Enjoy with family and friends!

Notes

  • Chocolate Caramel Cake: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate twist.
  • Salted Caramel: Sprinkle sea salt over the finished cake for a salted caramel twist.
  • Add a Filling: Add whipped cream or fruit preserves between the layers for extra flavor.
  • Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel frosting for crunch.

Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/southern-caramel-cake/