Quick & Sweet Homemade Caramel Cake Recipe – Golden Goodness

Sweet memories swirl around this decadent caramel cake recipe that promises pure comfort and indulgence.

Layers of soft, golden sponge create a dreamy canvas for rich, amber-hued caramel.

Generations of bakers have perfected this classic dessert with tender care and passionate techniques.

Velvety frosting whispers promises of delightful moments waiting to be savored.

Warm kitchen aromas will dance around you, beckoning with irresistible sweetness.

Each slice carries a story of tradition and love, carefully crafted to delight every palate.

We dare you to resist the temptation of this irresistible caramel masterpiece.

What Pairs with Caramel Cake

• Pair Creamy Caramel Magic with Rich Espresso: Strong, freshly brewed espresso cuts through the cake's sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that enhances the caramel's deep, buttery notes.
• Complement Sweet Layers with Nutty Dessert Wine: A glass of Pedro Ximénez sherry brings out the cake's rich caramel undertones, its nutty and raisin-like qualities perfectly matching the dessert's warm, sweet character.
• Elevate Flavor with Salted Caramel Whiskey: A smooth whiskey with salted caramel hints amplifies the cake's decadent texture, creating a sophisticated and indulgent tasting experience that highlights the dessert's complex sweetness.
• Refresh Palate with Cold Dairy Delight: A tall glass of cold milk provides a creamy counterpoint to the cake's intense sweetness, cleansing the palate and offering a classic, comforting accompaniment.

Caramel Cake Flavor Options

• Gluten-Free Caramel Cake: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's rich texture.
• Vegan Caramel Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and create dairy-free caramel frosting using coconut milk and organic cane sugar.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Option: Substitute white sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free caramel sauce to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use almond milk instead of buttermilk, swap butter with plant-based margarine, and create a coconut cream-based caramel frosting for those with dairy restrictions.

FAQs

• Why is buttermilk important in this cake recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist texture by adding acidity that breaks down gluten, resulting in a softer and more delicate cake crumb.

• How can I prevent my cake layers from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly grease the cake pans and dust them with flour, or use parchment paper liners to ensure easy cake removal and prevent sticking.

• What's the key to creating a smooth caramel frosting?

Constantly stirring the butter, brown sugar, and milk mixture prevents burning and ensures a smooth, creamy caramel base for the frosting.

• How do I know when the cake layers are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is fully baked and ready to be removed from the oven.

What Makes Homemade Caramel Cake a Family Treasure

• Master Southern Comfort Dessert: Perfect for Family Gatherings offers a delightful baking experience that anyone can enjoy.
• Celebrate Effortless Baking: The recipe requires basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques, making it approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Layer Up Deliciousness: Creating multiple cake layers adds visual appeal and allows for delectable caramel frosting between each beautiful tier.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: This homemade caramel cake delivers rich, sweet flavors that will impress guests and become a memorable centerpiece for special occasions like birthdays, potlucks, and family celebrations.

Caramel Cake (Homemade) Ingredients

• Granulated Sugar: Sweet base for the cake's structure.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
• All-Purpose Flour: Main dry ingredient for cake texture.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tangy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall cake flavor.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Help cake rise and balance flavors.

• Butter: Creates smooth, rich frosting base.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel flavor.
• Milk: Helps create creamy consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to caramel flavor.

• Caramel Sauce: Extra sweet drizzle for decoration.

Homemade Caramel Cake Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F. Grab three 9-inch round cake pans and coat them with butter and flour, making sure every nook and cranny is covered.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend sugar and butter until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture. Add eggs one by one, giving each a thorough beating to create a smooth batter.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly introduce the dry ingredients to the creamy mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix gently after each addition to keep the batter silky smooth. Stir in vanilla extract for that extra flavor kick.

Step 5: Fill the Pans

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cakes are ready.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 5-10 minutes. Carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Create Caramel Frosting Magic

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 9: Whip the Frosting

Once the caramel mixture cools to room temperature, beat it with powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

When the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of caramel frosting between each layer. Cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.

Step 11: Final Touches

Optional: Drizzle extra caramel sauce or add your favorite toppings to make the cake uniquely yours.

Caramel Cake Tips That Deliver Sweet, Buttery Layers

Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, which guarantee the cake’s perfect texture and rise.

Control Butter Temperature: Soften butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to create a smoother, more even cake batter.

Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to prevent a tough, dense cake texture.

Test Cake Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick in the cake’s center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely wet or completely dry.

Chill Frosting for Stability: Let caramel frosting cool completely before spreading to achieve a thick, spreadable consistency that won’t slide off the cake layers.

Homemade Caramel Cake Storage Tips

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place plastic wrap directly on exposed cake surfaces to prevent drying.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap single cake slices separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 1 month for quick individual servings.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes. Microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture and texture.

Homemade Caramel Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Caramel cake brings Southern charm straight to your dessert table with rich, golden layers of sweet nostalgia. Buttery crumb and silky caramel frosting create an irresistible masterpiece you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and prepare three 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip sugar and butter until they transform into a light, airy mixture.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure smooth integration.
4. Separately, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt through a gentle whisking process.
5. Methodically blend dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk and ensuring complete incorporation after each addition.
6. Infuse the batter with vanilla extract, stirring until evenly distributed.
7. Distribute the batter uniformly across the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center.
9. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.
10. For caramel frosting, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
11. Introduce brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil while continuously stirring.
12. Reduce heat and simmer for two minutes, maintaining constant stirring to prevent burning.
13. Remove from heat and blend in vanilla extract.
14. Cool the caramel mixture to room temperature.
15. Whip powdered sugar and caramel mixture in a large bowl until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
16. Once cakes are entirely cooled, layer generously with caramel frosting between each cake layer and completely cover the exterior.
17. Optionally embellish with additional caramel sauce or preferred decorative toppings.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even cake texture.
• Cream butter and sugar thoroughly for at least 3-4 minutes to incorporate maximum air and create a lighter cake.
• Avoid overmixing batter after adding flour to prevent dense, tough cake layers.
• Check cake doneness early, as oven temperatures can vary; start checking at 18 minutes to prevent overbaking.
• Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• Create a smooth frosting by sifting powdered sugar to eliminate lumps.
• For a more intense caramel flavor, brown the butter before mixing with other ingredients.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 67 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 77 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg