Southern Caramel Cake: A Rich and Decadent Delight
This Southern Caramel Cake is a classic dessert that features rich, buttery layers of cake topped with a luscious caramel frosting. Its deep flavor and moist texture make it a favorite at gatherings and a sure hit for anyone with a sweet tooth. This recipe walks you through creating a traditional treat that embodies the essence of Southern baking.
Crafting the Perfect Cake
The process of making this cake is a delightful journey into the art of baking. With precise steps and a focus on quality ingredients, you’ll create a cake that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly tasty. Let’s start by gathering the necessary equipment and ingredients to bring this sweet masterpiece to life.
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 17-20 minutes
- Serving size: Serves 12-15
- Equipment: Two cake pans, parchment paper, cooling racks, saucepans
Recipe Title: Southern Caramel Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated white sugar
- 2 sticks (1 cup) softened butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup butter
- 3 cups granulated sugar
Optional Topping:
- Toasted pecan halves
- Powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
Directions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two cake pans with cooking spray and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and 2 cups sugar until well combined.
- Combine Butter and Water: In a saucepan, melt the butter with the water and then pour over the flour mixture. Stir until blended.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the mixture, add the baking soda, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to parchment-covered racks to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons vanilla, 1 cup butter, and 2 cups sugar. Cook over low heat for 3 minutes. In another saucepan, caramelize the remaining 1 cup of sugar until amber in color, then carefully blend it into the cream mixture. Stir well.
- Assemble and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Pour about 1/3 of the frosting over the first layer. Add the second layer on top and then pour the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Spread evenly.
- Add Toppings: If using, decorate the top with toasted pecan halves and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Enjoy Your Creation
This Southern Caramel Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor and tradition. Each bite offers a comforting taste of sweet caramel and buttery cake, perfect for any occasion or simply as a treat to brighten a regular day. Enjoy the process of making this exquisite cake as much as you relish eating it!
