Description
This Decadent Caramel Cake recipe features moist layers infused with rich caramel flavor, topped with a luscious caramel frosting. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful dessert treat, this cake combines a tender crumb with a smooth, buttery caramel glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully integrated. Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, stirring gently to maintain a tender batter.
- Fold in Caramel Sauce: Carefully fold in the caramel sauce until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter light.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare the Frosting: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before beating in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble and Decorate: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost them with the prepared caramel frosting. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top for a beautiful, glossy garnish.
Notes
- Ensure cake layers are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can use homemade caramel sauce or high-quality store-bought for convenience.
- For an extra caramel kick, add a layer of caramel sauce between the cake layers before frosting.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
