Description
This Creamy Caramel Cake is a luscious dessert featuring moist layers of buttery cake paired with rich homemade caramel sauce and fluffy whipped cream frosting. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, this cake is ideal for celebrations or indulgent treats at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Caramel Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prep the pans and dry ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your batter.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the cake with flavor.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until just combined to ensure a tender crumb without overmixing.
- Bake the cake layers: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing from pans.
- Make the caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring occasionally until it turns amber in color. Add the unsalted butter and stir until melted. Carefully pour in the warmed heavy cream while stirring continuously, add salt, and let the caramel cool to room temperature.
- Whip the frosting: Using a mixer, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form, creating a light and creamy frosting.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of caramel sauce over it, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Top with the second cake layer, spread caramel sauce over the top, and finish with the remaining whipped cream.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake, enjoying the rich balance of creamy caramel and fluffy frosting.
Notes
- Ensure the caramel sauce is cooled to room temperature before assembling to prevent melting the whipped cream frosting.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar in the caramel sauce.
- Store the finished cake refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
