There’s something undeniably magical about a slice of caramel cake. Imagine the rich, buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the sweet scent of caramel as it bubbles away. perfect pairing with caramel cake Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the soft, moist cake and the smooth, luscious frosting. cozy breakfast treats light and creamy dessert option cinnamon rolls for dessert It’s like a warm hug from grandma on a rainy day. For more inspiration, check out this banana bread cookies recipe.
This caramel cake has been part of my family gatherings for years. I can still picture my cousin’s face lighting up when he took the first bite at our annual birthday bash. The excitement in the air was palpable, and it became the centerpiece of every celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just because—this cake never fails to impress!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This caramel cake is incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice bakers
- Its rich flavor profile combines sweetness with buttery goodness, making it irresistible
- The beautiful golden-brown frosting instantly catches the eye and elevates any dessert table
- Perfect for birthdays or casual get-togethers, this cake is versatile enough for any occasion
I vividly remember my best friend making this for her son’s birthday party; everyone raved about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cake; choose high-quality flour for better structure and texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor profile.
- Baking Powder: Essential for helping your cake rise; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room-temperature butter to create a creamy batter that blends smoothly. For more inspiration, check out this peanut butter brownies recipe.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind ingredients together and add moisture; always use fresh eggs.
- Milk: Whole milk provides richness; you can substitute with buttermilk for extra tenderness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely aroma and flavor depth; opt for pure vanilla whenever possible.
- Brown Sugar: For the caramel frosting; it brings warmth and complexity to the sweetness.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for achieving that velvety caramel consistency; don’t skimp on quality!
- Salt: A pinch enhances flavors and rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Create the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes will do! Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.
Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add this to your creamed mixture while alternating with milk. Stir gently until just combined.
Bake the Cakes : Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans before transferring them to wire racks.
Make the Caramel Frosting : In a saucepan over medium heat, melt brown sugar and heavy cream together while stirring constantly until it reaches a soft ball stage (around 235°F or 113°C). Remove from heat and let cool slightly before whisking in vanilla extract.
Assemble Your Cake : Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread an even layer of caramel frosting on top. Add the second layer and generously frost the top and sides with more caramel icing.
Now you’re ready to dig in! You can practically hear your guests’ gasps of delight as they take their first bites of this luscious creation. Enjoy sharing this decadent treat at your next gathering!
You Must Know
- A good caramel cake brings sweet memories; the buttery aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone smile
- The texture is soft yet firm, and the taste?
- Oh, it’s like a hug on a plate!
- Just remember—don’t rush the caramel; it’s worth the wait
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your caramel first, allowing it to cool while mixing the cake batter for efficiency. This way, you ensure both elements are ready simultaneously, leading to a perfectly layered caramel cake that won’t make you pull your hair out.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to your caramel for a delightful contrast. You can also swap vanilla extract for almond extract if you want to surprise your taste buds with something unexpected. Get creative and make it yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover caramel cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to bring back that dreamy softness without melting away its charm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always measure your ingredients accurately; this ensures perfect texture and flavor balance
- Don’t rush the caramel process; patience leads to rich color and flavor
- Lastly, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting; this prevents any melty disasters!
I once made this cake for my best friend’s birthday, and let’s just say it was gone in minutes—the compliments kept pouring in, making me feel like a superstar chef!
FAQ
What makes a caramel cake different from other cakes?
A caramel cake features rich caramel flavor both in the batter and frosting.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought sauce saves time and still tastes delicious on your cake.
How can I make my cake more moist?
Adding sour cream or yogurt enhances moisture while balancing sweetness effectively.
Caramel Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Caramel cake is a timeless dessert that combines the rich flavors of buttery cake with smooth caramel frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat anytime, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends. With its moist texture and delightful sweetness, each slice feels like a warm embrace. Get ready to create a show-stopping cake that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar (for frosting)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour.
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add to the creamed mixture while alternating with milk until just combined.
- Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans before transferring to wire racks.
- For the caramel frosting, melt brown sugar and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches soft ball stage (around 235°F). Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract.
- Assemble by layering the cakes with frosting in between and generously frost the top and sides.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (95g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of sea salt into your caramel or substituting vanilla extract with almond extract. Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.