Description
This Southern Caramel Cake Recipe features tender yellow cake layers covered in rich caramel frosting. A true classic of Southern baking, it’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
For the Caramel Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups packed light brown sugar
½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Add to butter mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to racks.
5. For frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Add milk and bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Beat in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
7. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, frost the top, then add the second layer. Frost top and sides with remaining caramel frosting.
8. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
If frosting thickens too much, add a splash of milk and beat until smooth.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for extra depth.
Store covered at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Unfrosted cake layers freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg