Oh, you’re in for a treat with this delightful caramel cake recipe! Picture this: layers of moist yellow cake, generously coated with a luscious homemade caramel icing. This Southern classic is a rich and decadent dessert perfect for any special occasion.
What sets this caramel cake apart is the painstaking process of creating the caramel icing from scratch. No shortcuts here – just pure, old-fashioned goodness. The velvety caramel frosting is the heart of this dessert, slowly caramelizing on the stovetop to achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and depth of flavor.
If you’re a caramel enthusiast, this recipe is a must-try. While it may require a bit of effort, the end result is a labor of love that will leave you craving more. Get ready to indulge in the tender, buttery layers of yellow cake enveloped in the rich, velvety embrace of homemade caramel icing.
Ingredients
Caramel Cake
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 2 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- Eggs
- 2/3 cup of buttermilk
- 8 ounces of sour cream
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter
- Sugar
- Evaporated milk
- Vanilla extract
Tools and Equipment Needed
To successfully create this delicious Southern caramel cake with homemade caramel icing, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment. Here is what you’ll need:
Tools:
- Mixer (stand mixer or handheld mixer)
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cake pans (two 9-inch round pans)
- Wire rack (for cooling cakes)
- Offset spatula (for icing the cake)
- Saucepan
- Oven
- Cake tester or toothpick
- Stove
- Refrigerator
- Serving platter or cake stand
Preparation Steps
Prepping Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans to prepare them for baking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine white sugar and butter for the cake batter.
- Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, mixing briefly after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake pans from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing the cakes.
Directions
In this section, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a delectable caramel cake with rich caramel icing. From making the cake batter to baking the layers and creating the luscious caramel icing, I’ll walk you through each stage for a successful outcome.
Making the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Start by mixing together butter, oil, and sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate vanilla extract into the mixture.
- Sift cake flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by spraying them with baking spray or greasing and flouring them.
- Divide the batter evenly among the pans.
Baking the Cake
- Bake the cake layers in the preheated oven for 23-30 minutes. Be cautious not to overbake to prevent dryness.
- Check for doneness by lightly touching the center of the cakes; they should spring back.
- Once baked, remove the cake pans from the oven and allow them to cool on wire racks for 10 minutes.
- After cooling slightly, remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool completely before icing.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the caramel icing following your preferred recipe or using a traditional Southern Caramel Icing recipe.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, assemble the cake layers by spreading a layer of caramel icing between each layer.
- Allow the assembled cake to set for about 30 minutes to allow the icing to firm up.
- Ice the top and sides of the cake with the remaining caramel icing, ensuring an even and smooth finish.
- Finally, let the cake set before serving to enjoy a slice of delicious homemade caramel cake.
Assembling the Cake
- Prepare the Caramel Cake Layers: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, it’s time to assemble the cake. Melty, sliding cakes are not appealing, so ensure your layers are at room temperature.
- Create the Foundation: This cake bakes relatively flat, eliminating the need for a cake leveler. To start, add a small dollop of icing to the center of your cake stand, then place the first layer on top. This step helps secure the layer in place.
- Layer and Spread Icing: Using an offset spatula, spread a quarter of the caramel icing over the first layer, ensuring it reaches the edges. Allow it to set for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Repeat the Layering Process: Carefully place the next layer on top, directly aligning it with the first layer. Continue this process by adding another quarter of the icing and spreading it evenly. Let it set for another 5 minutes.
- Final Layer and Frosting: Complete the cake by adding the final layer on top. Spread the remaining caramel cake icing over the top and around the sides. Embrace the homemade look; it doesn’t have to be perfect. Let the cake set for approximately 30 minutes before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll assemble a delicious caramel cake with layers of caramel icing that deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and rich flavor.
Storage and Preservation
Refrigeration Guidelines
After making this decadent caramel cake with luscious caramel icing, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and maintains its delicious flavor.
Conclusion
Creating a caramel cake with caramel icing is a delightful experience that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. The process of crafting this flavorful dessert is a labor of love that rewards both the baker and the lucky individuals who get to indulge in its rich taste. From preparing the cake batter to layering on the decadent caramel icing, every step is essential in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. By following the detailed instructions provided in this article, you can master the art of making a moist yellow cake with a luscious caramel topping that will impress your family and friends. Remember to store any leftovers properly to ensure the cake retains its freshness and deliciousness for days to come. Embrace the joy of baking and treat yourself to a slice of homemade caramel cake with caramel icing today!