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A three layer caramel cake with thick golden frosting on a cake stand.

Caramel Cake

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5 from 19 reviews

  • Author: Jasmine Padda
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This classic southern-style dessert features three layers of moist yellow cake enveloped in a rich, fudge-like cooked caramel frosting. It is the perfect centerpiece for celebrations, offering a nostalgic balance of buttery sweetness and a tender crumb.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
  2. Cream the white sugar and softened butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain the structure.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk, and finish by beating in the vanilla extract.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool the cakes in their pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. In a medium saucepan, melt the brown sugar, butter, and salt over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  9. Stir in the evaporated milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil for 4 minutes while stirring constantly.
  10. Remove the frosting from heat, let it cool for 5 minutes, then beat in the sifted confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
  11. Stack the cake layers with frosting between each, then ice the top and sides of the entire cake quickly before the frosting sets.

Notes

To achieve the best frosting consistency, ensure your confectioners’ sugar is sifted beforehand to prevent lumps in the cooked caramel. If the frosting begins to harden while you are assembling the layers, a very small splash of evaporated milk can help restore its spreadable texture.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://cakesavor.com/caramel-cake/