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There’s nothing quite like a rich, buttery caramel cake made from scratch! This indulgent dessert features soft, moist cake layers with a luscious caramel frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress with a homemade treat.
Let’s dive in and make the most delicious caramel cake ever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Made from scratch – No shortcuts, just pure homemade goodness. Buttery, moist cake – The perfect texture for layering. Decadent caramel frosting – Sweet, smooth, and absolutely irresistible.
Crowd-pleaser – It won’t last long once served!
Ingredients You’ll Nee
the Cake:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
How to Make Homemade Caramel Cake
1: Preheat & Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk and mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
3: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Make Caramel Frosting
4: Prepare the Caramel Base
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and milk, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Let the caramel mixture cool to room temperature.
5: Make the Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cooled caramel mixture with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
6: Assemble the Cake
- Once cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of caramel frosting between each layer.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
- Decorate with extra caramel sauce or toppings of your choice (optional).
Tips for the Best Caramel Cake
Use room temperature ingredients – Ensures even mixing and a smooth batter.
Don’t overmix the batter – Mix until just combined to keep the cake soft.
Cool cakes completely before frosting – Prevents melting or sliding layers.
Add a pinch of sea salt – Enhances the caramel flavor beautifully!
Double the frosting – If you love extra caramel goodness, make a little more!
How to Store & Serve
Storing Leftovers
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Enjoy with a cup of coffee for a perfect balance of sweetness.
Add fresh berries for a fruity twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought caramel instead?
Yes, but homemade caramel frosting gives the best flavor!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost before serving.
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes! Use two 9-inch pans for a thicker cake and increase the baking time by a few minutes.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Caramel Cake!
This homemade caramel cake is rich, buttery, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this recipe is a guaranteed hit! If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Share a photo and tag me—I’d love to see your creations!
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caramel cake
Description
There’s nothing quite like a rich, buttery caramel cake made from scratch! This indulgent dessert features soft, moist cake layers with a luscious caramel frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress with a homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
There’s nothing quite like a rich, buttery caramel cake made from scratch! This indulgent dessert features soft, moist cake layers with a luscious caramel frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress with a homemade treat.