Description
This Southern Caramel Cake is a rich, buttery layer cake with tender crumbs and a thick, homemade caramel icing that melts into every bite. It’s a classic Southern dessert that combines elegance with comforting nostalgia—perfect for special occasions or just an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
3 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup light brown sugar (for frosting)
0.5 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
0.75 cup evaporated milk (for frosting)
0.25 to 0.5 cup powdered sugar (optional, for thickening frosting)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
5. With mixer on low, alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between pans, smooth tops, and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out on wire racks to cool completely.
7. In a saucepan, melt 0.5 cup butter. Add brown sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for 10–12 minutes until golden and thickened.
8. Remove caramel from heat. Cool slightly, then optionally whisk in powdered sugar to thicken.
9. Place first cake layer on plate, spread caramel frosting over the top. Add second layer and pour frosting over top and sides. Let set before slicing.
Notes
Let the caramel frosting cool slightly before pouring to control thickness and spreadability.
Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, well-emulsified cake batter.
The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle and the caramel absorbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 58g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: southern caramel cake, homemade caramel frosting, layer cake