Homemade Caramel Cake

Here’s a decadent and nostalgic recipe for a Homemade Southern Caramel Cake — a true classic, especially loved across the American South. It features buttery yellow cake layers and rich, slow-cooked caramel icing that sets into a fudgy, candy-like glaze.

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🍰 Homemade Caramel Cake

🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 25–30 minutes (plus time for icing)

🍽️ Serves: 10–12

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Ingredients

🔸 For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

🔸 For the Caramel Icing:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

• 2 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3–4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)

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Instructions

🍰 Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or three 8-inch pans. Line bottoms with parchment if desired.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.

5. Alternate dry and milk: Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with flour. Don’t overmix.

6. Bake: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool: Let cakes cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

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🍯 Make the Caramel Icing:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add brown sugar and milk or cream. Stir and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for about 3–5 minutes.

3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Let it cool slightly for 5–10 minutes.

4. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar, a cup at a time, until smooth and spreadable. (Use a hand mixer if needed.)

   • Tip: For a thicker, fudge-like texture, let the icing sit a bit before spreading. If too thick, add a splash of cream or warm slightly.

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Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a platter. Spread a generous amount of caramel icing on top.

2. Add the next layer and continue until all layers are stacked and covered.

3. Pour and spread remaining icing over the top and sides. Let it set at room temperature.

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Optional Touches:

• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for salted caramel flavor.

• Add pecans for a praline twist.

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Would you like a shortcut version using a cake mix or a caramel glaze without powdered sugar?