Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Southern Caramel Cake is the epitome of Southern comfort food. The cake itself is light and fluffy, thanks to the combination of butter, eggs, and all-purpose flour. The rich caramel frosting, which is the star of the show, is smooth and decadent with just the right amount of sweetness. The flavor of the caramel complements the soft, airy cake perfectly. It’s a showstopper that combines simple ingredients into a stunning dessert that everyone will love. Whether you're baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, this cake never fails to delight!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Directions
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with a bit of milk (or buttermilk if preferred), starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Caramel Frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the frosting cool for a few minutes until it thickens enough to spread on the cake.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of caramel frosting on top of the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining caramel frosting. Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: Makes 12 servings
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Bake time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including cooling)
Variations
- Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the frosting for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
- Caramel drizzle: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top of the cake before serving for an even more indulgent finish.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter to give it a warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
- Chocolate version: For a chocolate version, substitute ¼ cup of the flour for unsweetened cocoa powder in the cake batter.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake and frost as usual.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, but reduce or omit the salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Allow the cake to cool completely, then cover it and store it at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and serve.
Can I use a different frosting instead of caramel?
Yes! While caramel frosting is traditional for this cake, you could substitute it with a buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or even a chocolate ganache if you prefer.
How can I make the frosting thicker?
If your frosting is too runny, cook it for a minute or two longer, or let it cool for a bit before applying it to the cake. If it's still too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it.
Can I use a bundt pan for this cake?
Yes, you can use a bundt pan, but keep in mind that the baking time may vary. Start checking for doneness at around 30 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it is a 1:1 replacement for regular flour.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for the frosting?
Heavy cream is recommended for the frosting because it creates a rich and creamy texture. However, you can substitute with whole milk, though the frosting might be slightly less thick and rich.
How can I make this cake more moist?
You can add buttermilk or sour cream to the cake batter to make it even more moist and tender. This also adds a subtle tang that complements the caramel flavor.
Can I decorate this cake with something else?
Yes, you can decorate the cake with additional toppings like whipped cream, caramelized nuts, or even some fresh berries for a fresh contrast to the richness of the cake.
Conclusion
Southern Caramel Cake is a delicious, decadent dessert that will undoubtedly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With its light, fluffy texture and indulgent caramel frosting, this cake is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion or simply enjoy a sweet treat. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Southern classic is easy to make and sure to impress everyone at the table!
Southern Caramel Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 10-12 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern Caramel Cake is a rich, moist dessert that combines fluffy cake layers with a decadent caramel frosting. This classic Southern treat is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or any time you want to indulge in a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth cake. Its golden, soft texture and sweet, buttery caramel flavor make it a showstopper at any celebration. Learn how to make this delicious cake with simple ingredients and steps for a dessert that everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with a bit of milk (or buttermilk if preferred), starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Caramel Frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, cooking for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let frosting cool for a few minutes until it thickens enough to spread on the cake.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on the first cake layer.
- Place the second layer on top and cover with the remaining frosting. Let the frosting set before serving.
Notes
- Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the frosting for extra flavor and texture.
- Caramel drizzle: Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for a more indulgent finish.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate variation: Add cocoa powder to the cake for a chocolate version.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
