Classic Southern Caramel Cake

This Classic Southern Caramel Cake is a timeless dessert known for its tender, buttery layers and rich, decadent caramel frosting. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet caramel flavor, this cake is a centerpiece-worthy treat for holidays, family gatherings, or special celebrations.

Each bite combines light, fluffy cake layers with a smooth, creamy caramel frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and richness. Let’s dive into this iconic Southern dessert and create a show-stopping cake that’s sure to impress.

A Timeless Southern Dessert

Southern Caramel Cake is all about layers—soft, buttery cake and a silky caramel frosting that drapes elegantly over every inch. While it requires a bit of care and patience, the results are absolutely worth the effort.

Let’s walk through this step-by-step recipe to ensure every layer comes out flawless.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Southern Caramel Cake:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
2. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Begin and end with the dry ingredients when mixing for a uniform texture.
3. Cool Cakes Completely: Frost only when the cake layers are fully cooled to prevent the frosting from sliding off.
4. Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add a splash of cream if the frosting is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
5. Work Quickly with Frosting: Caramel frosting can set quickly, so work efficiently while spreading.

Classic Southern Caramel Cake Recipe:

• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12 slices
• Equipment: 3 (8-inch) round cake pans, mixing bowls, hand or stand mixer, wire cooling racks

This Southern Caramel Cake combines tender, buttery cake layers with a rich, smooth caramel frosting for a truly indulgent dessert.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Caramel Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup heavy cream, plus more as needed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Bake the Cakes:
   • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
   • Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
4. Make the Caramel Frosting:
   • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
   • Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Cook, stirring, until the sugar is fully dissolved.
   • Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
   • Gradually beat in powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add more cream if needed to adjust consistency.
5. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of caramel frosting on top.
   • Repeat with the second and third layers.
   • Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing as you go.
6. Let Set and Serve:
   • Allow the cake to sit for about 30 minutes to let the frosting set before slicing and serving.

Ready to Enjoy

This Classic Southern Caramel Cake is rich, decadent, and filled with layers of sweet nostalgia. With its tender crumb and velvety caramel frosting, it’s a dessert that will steal the show at any gathering. Slice generously, serve with a cup of coffee or tea, and savor every bite!

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