A Classic Southern Caramel Cake is a rich and moist layer cake topped with a decadent caramel icing. Here’s a recipe to make this delicious and iconic Southern dessert:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 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 Icing:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
For the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Add Vanilla:
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
For the Caramel Icing:
- Prepare Icing:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Simmer and Stir:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel reaches the soft-ball stage (about 234°F or 112°C).
- Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cool and Beat:
- Allow the caramel icing to cool slightly, then beat it until it thickens to a spreading consistency.
Assembly:
- Frost the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of caramel icing over the top. Repeat with the remaining layers.
- Frost the Sides:
- Frost the sides of the cake with the remaining caramel icing.
- Optional: Decorate with Nuts:
- If desired, you can decorate the cake with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice and serve this delicious Classic Southern Caramel Cake.
Enjoy the rich flavors of this Southern classic – the moist cake layers paired with the indulgent caramel icing make it a truly delightful treat.