- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23cm) cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Frosting
- In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns a deep amber color (6–8 minutes).
- Carefully whisk in heavy cream (it will bubble up!).
- Stir in butter, salt, and vanilla, then remove from heat.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, then mix in powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a plate and spread a generous layer of caramel frosting.
- Add the second cake layer and pour the remaining caramel frosting over the top.
- Let set for 10–15 minutes, then slice and serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
🍰 Best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
🍰 Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
🍰 Freeze cake layers for up to 2 months (wrap tightly).
Variants
- Salted Caramel Cake – Add an extra sprinkle of sea salt for a salted caramel twist.
- Caramel Pecan Cake – Fold chopped pecans into the frosting for crunch.
- Chocolate Caramel Cake – Drizzle with melted chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting – Mix cream cheese into the frosting for a tangy contrast.
- Caramel Drip Cake – Frost with buttercream and drizzle warm caramel on top.
FAQ
1. Why is my caramel frosting grainy?
✔ Ensure sugar is fully melted before adding cream.
✔ Stir constantly to prevent crystallization.
2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! Just mix with powdered sugar for a thicker frosting.
3. How do I make my cake extra moist?
✔ Use buttermilk and room-temperature ingredients.
✔ Avoid overmixing the batter.
4. Can I make this into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes.
5. What’s the best way to cut a caramel cake cleanly?
Use a sharp, warm knife and wipe between slices.
Final Thoughts
Caramel cake is a rich, comforting, and utterly delicious dessert that never goes out of style. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, its buttery layers and smooth caramel frosting will always be a crowd-pleaser.