Classic Southern Caramel Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Frosting:
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Pinch of salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Cake Pans:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
– In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
– Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:**
– In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Alternate Mixing:
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined after each addition.
– Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Bake the Cakes:
– Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
– Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Remove from oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Caramel Frosting:
– In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt.
– Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
– Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the caramel reaches the soft ball stage (about 235°F to 240°F on a candy thermometer).
– Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
7. Frost and Assemble the Cake:
– Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of caramel frosting over the top.
– Repeat with the second and third layers, stacking them on top of each other and frosting between each layer.
– Use the remaining frosting to generously coat the top and sides of the cake.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
– Allow the cake to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the caramel frosting to firm up slightly.
– Serve slices of this decadent Southern caramel cake and enjoy the rich, buttery goodness!
Benefits of Ingredients:
– Butter: Provides richness and flavor to both the cake and the frosting.
– Eggs: Contribute to the structure and moisture of the cake.
– Sugar: Sweetens the cake and forms the base of the caramel frosting.
– Flour:Gives structure to the cake when combined with baking powder.
– Baking Powder: Helps the cake layers rise during baking.
– Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake batter.
– Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of both the cake and the frosting.
– Heavy Cream: Makes the caramel frosting creamy and smooth.
– Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors in both the cake and the frosting.
This Classic Southern Caramel Cake is a labor of love that results in a moist, flavorful cake with a rich caramel frosting that’s sure to impress any dessert lover. Enjoy baking and indulging in this Southern favorite!