The Southern Caramel Cake is a cherished dessert in the southern United States, known for its rich caramel frosting and buttery, moist cake layers. Often made for special occasions such as birthdays or family gatherings, this cake is a celebration of sweetness and tradition. The dense caramel icing atop tender cake layers makes it a luxurious treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This recipe aims to bring that nostalgic taste of the South to your kitchen, creating a cake that’s sure to become a favorite at your family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups self-rising flour
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Southern Caramel Icing:
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cakes bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Prepare the Cake Pans: Grease three 9-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper at the bottom. This will help prevent the cakes from sticking and make them easier to remove from the pans.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to fully incorporate the eggs into the batter without over-mixing.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir the self-rising flour to break up any lumps.
Alternate Adding Flour and Buttermilk: Gradually add the flour and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined after each addition.
Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
Divide the Batter: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Bake the Cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Preparing the Southern Caramel Icing:
Melt the Butter and Sugar: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes.
Add the Evaporated Milk: Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for about 5 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Cool Slightly: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
Beat in the Powdered Sugar: Transfer the caramel mixture to a large mixing bowl. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling the Cake:
Level the Cake Layers: Once the cakes are completely cool, use a large serrated knife or a cake leveler to trim the tops of the cakes so they are flat.
Frost the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of caramel icing over the top. Repeat with the second layer. Place the final cake layer on top and spread the remaining icing over the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate: If desired, garnish the cake with chopped pecans or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 15-20 minutes to set the icing before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and enjoy with a cup of coffee or cold milk.
Variations and Substitutions
Nut Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Flavor Twists: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg into the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Different Frosting: Use cream cheese frosting instead of caramel for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free margarine and plant-based milk alternatives to make the cake suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Conclusion
The Classic Southern Caramel Cake is a delightful treat that combines rich, buttery cake layers with sweet, creamy caramel frosting. It’s a perfect dessert for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply indulging in a bit of Southern comfort. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create this timeless Southern classic to share with your loved ones.
