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Homemade Caramel Cake
Introduction
Homemade Caramel Cake is a true Southern classic—a tender, buttery yellow cake layered with rich, cooked-from-scratch caramel frosting that’s smooth, sweet, and slightly chewy. This cake strikes the perfect balance between nostalgic comfort and indulgent elegance, making it a showstopper for birthdays, holidays, and Sunday dinners alike.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Caramel Cake hails from the American South, where traditional baking often emphasizes deep, comforting flavors and handmade techniques. Unlike trendy desserts that rely on shortcuts, authentic caramel cake involves slowly simmering sugar to golden-brown perfection—a labor of love passed down through generations. It symbolizes warmth, hospitality, and a flair for homegrown celebration. In many Southern households, it remains a treasured recipe brought out for weddings, family reunions, and milestone celebrations.
Ingredients Quantity (Serves 10–12)
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Optional Additions
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for a salted caramel twist
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for crunch
- Infuse frosting with a splash of bourbon or maple syrup
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream
Tips for Success
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy to ensure a soft cake crumb.
- Don’t rush the caramel—let it simmer low and slow until it reaches a thick, pourable consistency.
- Sift powdered sugar for lump-free frosting.
- Chill cake layers before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry.
Step 2 – Bake the Cake:
Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 3 – Make the Caramel Frosting:
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk and beat again.
Step 4 – Assemble and Frost:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of caramel frosting on top. Add second layer and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting. Work quickly, as the caramel frosting sets fast.
Description
This Homemade Caramel Cake is ultra-moist, golden, and rich with buttery notes and a dreamy, old-fashioned caramel glaze. It’s the kind of dessert that melts on the tongue but leaves a deep, lingering sweetness. The outer frosting forms a light sugary crust that cracks ever so slightly—just like grandma’s.
Nutritional Information (Per slice, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Sugar: 58g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 160mg
(May vary depending on frosting thickness and slice size.)
Conclusion
Homemade Caramel Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a heritage recipe that brings joy, nostalgia, and Southern charm to any table. Its decadent caramel frosting paired with a buttery crumb makes it a crowd favorite that disappears fast at any event.
Recommendation
Serve this cake with hot coffee, cold milk, or even a glass of sweet tea. It’s especially perfect as a birthday or celebration cake, but it also brings comfort and joy as a weekend baking treat.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To lighten up without sacrificing soul:
- Swap half the butter with Greek yogurt in the cake batter.
- Use almond milk or a reduced-fat milk alternative.
- Frost only the top and a thin layer on the sides for less sugar.
- Try whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and nutrients.
By thoughtfully adapting the ingredients, you can make this rich caramel indulgence a more balanced treat that still satisfies sweet cravings with soulful flavor.
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