Chocolate Job

Homemade Caramel Cake

Caramel cake is a classic Southern dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a special treat for yourself. This rich and buttery cake is made with layers of fluffy vanilla cake and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce, creating a sweet and decadent flavor that’s impossible to resist. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your guests, a homemade caramel cake recipe is a great option. While it may seem intimidating at first, with the right recipe and a little patience, you can create a delicious and beautiful cake that everyone will love. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, gather the ingredients, and get ready to make a delicious caramel cake that’s perfect for any celebration!

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Caramel Cake:

3¼ cups all-purpose flour (390g)
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups unsalted butter softened (340g)
2½ cups granulated sugar (500g)
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk (240ml)

For the Caramel Icing:

3 cups packed light brown sugar (660g)
1½ cups unsalted butter (340g)
½ cup whole milk (120ml)
½ cup heavy cream (120ml)
¾ teaspoon salt
1½ cups confectioners’ sugar (180g)

For the Caramel:

Here's a recipe for a delicious homemade Caramel cake!

1. Preparing your cake pans is an essential step in ensuring that your cake comes out perfect. Start by preheating your oven to 350F and then greasing and flouring three 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt by whisking them together. This step is crucial in ensuring the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which will result in a well-textured and delicious cake.

3. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter at medium speed until it turns creamy. Next, add the sugar and beat it for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. After that, add the eggs one at a time and beat each egg well before adding the next one. While mixing, scrape down the bowl occasionally. Finally, beat in the vanilla.

4. Mix in a third of the flour mixture, with the mixer on low, followed by half of the milk. Repeat this process, alternating with the remaining flour and milk until the ingredients are fully combined. During the mixing process, stop and scrape down the bowl a few times to ensure even mixing. Divide the resulting batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.

5. Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center of the cake springs back when lightly touched and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then gently tap the sides of the pan and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

Creating a Caramel Icing:

1. While waiting for the cake to cool, combine brown sugar, butter, milk, cream, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir the mixture frequently. This easy recipe produces a delicious homemade caramel icing that will complement any cake, especially a birthday cake or a special occasion cake.

2. After reaching the boiling point, stir the mixture constantly until it reaches a temperature of 230F to 235F, which should take around 5 to 10 minutes. Next, transfer the mixture to a medium mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer and let it cool for 20 minutes or until it starts to thicken, which is around 150F. Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally during the cooling process.

3. To make the Caramel Icing, use a hand or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat the mixture on medium-high for 10 minutes. Then, add the confectioners’ sugar and continue to beat until the mixture thickens to a spreadable consistency, yet still pours slowly. Note that the icing will thicken as it cools down.

4. Place one of the cake layers on a cake stand or serving plate. Pour a thin layer of the caramel icing (about ½ cup) over the top and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly to the edge of the cake. Smooth out any excess icing that drips down the sides of the cake. Add another layer of cake and repeat the process with the icing.

5. Arrange the last cake layer on top. Apply a thin layer of frosting to the cake’s exterior to catch crumbs, then use the remaining frosting to coat the cake’s top and sides, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula (Refer to notes for suggestions on frosting the cake). Chill the cake for 30 minutes or until the frosting solidifies. Keep the cake covered at room temperature for a maximum of three days.

Tips and Notes for Caramel Icing:

To make a darker caramel icing, use dark brown sugar.
Use a deep saucepan for the caramel icing, as the mixture will bubble up quite a bit while boiling.
If the icing is too runny after adding confectioners’ sugar, keep adding more until it’s spreadable. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a little extra milk.
When frosting the cake, keep in mind that the icing may sag or drip. Use a knife to smooth it out, and dip the spatula in hot water if it sets up too fast.
If the tops of the cake layers come out domed, use a serrated knife to cut them off. You can also use cake strips to ensure even rising.
Weighing flour is the most accurate method. If you don’t have a scale, spoon the flour into your measuring cups and level it off with a knife.

Room temperature ingredients prevent overmixing and lead to a tender cake.
Cold cake layers are easier to assemble, and you can make them in advance and keep them wrapped in the fridge.
Tap the cake pans on the counter to pop air bubbles in the batter.
Stir the caramel constantly and scrape the sides of the pot to prevent crystallization and a grainy texture.
Caramel is hot, so be careful when working with it.
Place a few drops of caramel icing on the cake stand before placing the first cake layer to help it stay in place.

Caramel Cake video recipe

Author of video content: Preppy Kitchen

How to Make Caramel:

If you want to add a touch of sweetness to your dessert, making caramel is an excellent choice. Follow these simple steps:

1. In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar and water together and stir until the sugar has dissolved.

2. Put the pan on medium-high heat and use a wet pastry brush to brush the inside of the pot to prevent crystals from forming.

3. Cook until the sugar turns a golden amber color, then remove from the heat and quickly whisk in the cream.

4. Add the butter and return the pan to medium-low heat. Keep whisking and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

5. Mix in the salt, transfer the caramel to a bowl, and set aside to cool to room temperature.

6. You can make the caramel in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.

Enjoy your homemade caramel sauce on top of your favorite desserts!

Homemade Caramel Cake Recipe - Perfect for a Birthday Celebration!

If you’re looking for a show-stopping birthday cake that will impress your guests, look no further than a homemade caramel cake. This classic Southern dessert features rich, buttery cake layers filled and topped with luscious caramel icing.

Making a Homemade Caramel Cake may seem daunting, but with a little patience and attention to detail, it’s actually quite manageable. The key to success is to make sure you follow the recipe carefully and don’t rush the process.

Looking for more sweet cake recipes?

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