5 Secrets to Perfect Southern Caramel Cake Recipe Every Time!
This delicious Southern Caramel Cake is layered with rich caramel frosting, perfect for dessert lovers and special occasions.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5.5 cups all-purpose flour or 6 cups cake flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups unsalted butter softened
- 3.5 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs room temperature
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups buttermilk room temperature
For the Caramel Frosting
- 3.5 cups dark brown sugar packed
- 1.5 cups unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.25 cups evaporated milk room temperature
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3.5 cups powdered sugar sifted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For caramel frosting, mix brown sugar, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted and sugar dissolves.
- Add evaporated milk, cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until thickened.
- Remove from heat. Beat in powdered sugar until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread with half the frosting.
- Top with second cake layer, spread remaining frosting over top and sides. Let set for 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For enhanced flavor, use salted butter in the frosting.