Description
A rich and tender caramel cake layered with buttery homemade caramel frosting. This Southern-inspired classic combines moist vanilla sponge with a deep, golden caramel topping that makes every slice unforgettable.
Ingredients
-
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra moisture)
Caramel Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix in sour cream and vanilla.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For frosting: In a heavy saucepan, cook sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly, until deep amber (8–10 minutes). Carefully whisk in warm cream, then stir in butter and salt.
- Remove from heat. Once slightly cooled, beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until thick but spreadable.
- Assemble cooled cakes by spreading caramel frosting between layers and around the outside. Smooth with a spatula. Garnish with extra caramel drizzle or chopped pecans if desired.
Notes
- Use sour cream in the batter for added moisture and a tender crumb.
- Don’t rush the caramel—cook until dark amber for the richest flavor.
- Frosting sets quickly, so work while it’s still warm and spreadable.
- Add cocoa powder to the cake for a chocolate-caramel twist, or instant espresso in the frosting for mocha flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 58 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
