Description
This Creamy Caramel Cake is a show-stopping dessert with rich, buttery cake layers and a silky, homemade caramel frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for easy dessert ideas, dinner party treats, or a sweet ending to a cozy weekend. With familiar pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe checks all the boxes for an easy recipe, decadent flavor, and beautiful presentation. Ideal for quick dessert ideas, food ideas for gatherings, or birthday and holiday cake inspiration.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups whole milk (room temperature)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup whole milk
4 to 5 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a mixer, beat butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each, then mix in vanilla.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients with milk and sour cream, starting and ending with dry. Mix just until combined.
6. Divide the batter into the pans, tap to remove air bubbles, and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely on racks.
7. To make frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and salt, stir until bubbly. Add milk, stir until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
8. Beat in powdered sugar gradually, adding vanilla. Adjust texture with more sugar or milk if needed.
9. Assemble cake with frosting between layers, on top, and around the sides. Chill slightly for best slicing.
10. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Always let the caramel frosting cool slightly before beating in powdered sugar to avoid runny or split frosting.
Bake the layers a day ahead and wrap them tightly for easy make-ahead prep.
Toasted pecans or a pinch of sea salt on top add fantastic flavor contrast and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: creamy caramel cake, caramel frosting cake, easy cake recipe, caramel dessert, southern caramel cake