Southern Comfort a Decadent Caramel Cake with Dreamy Creamy Caramel Frosting
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Southern Comfort: A Decadent Caramel Cake With Dreamy Creamy Caramel Frosting
Ever wondered what a hug tastes like? Honestly, I think it's this Caramel Cake With Creamy Caramel ! It's the kind of dessert that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
This Caramel Cake isn't just sweet; it's an experience, a journey back to simpler times and home baked goodness.
A Slice of Southern Charm
This recipe's got roots deep in Southern tradition. Think sweet tea on the porch and fireflies at dusk. It's a medium difficulty bake.
Prep takes around 45 minutes. Cooking is around 30- 35 minutes. Expect a total time of about 2 and a half hours, perfect for a relaxed weekend bake.
This Southern caramel cake yields 12-16 servings enough to share with your favourite people.
Why This Caramel Cake Is Special
Okay, listen up! This Caramel Cake Recipe isn't just about indulgence. Did you know that enjoying something sweet can actually boost your mood? (That’s my excuse anyway!).
It's the dessert for family gatherings or celebrating a special occasion. What makes it special? The homemade creamy caramel frosting recipe and the moist, tender cake, of course! Plus, it's made from scratch with love.
Can't beat that, can you?
Gather 'Round, It's Ingredient Time
Right, let's have a peek at what we're gonna need. Here's your list, perfect for a bake off style caramel layer cake :
- Flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt the usual suspects.
- Butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract for that classic cake base.
- Buttermilk makes it extra moist, you know?
- Caramel sauce the star of the show!
And for that creamy caramel frosting , grab even more butter, powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and caramel sauce. Trust me; you'll want extra caramel frosting .
Next, let's whip up this best caramel cake recipe !
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!
Ready to bake the best Caramel Cake with Creamy Caramel frosting? First, we need to gather all our bits and bobs.
Trust me, having everything prepped makes the whole thing a doddle. I learnt that the hard way when I first tried to make a homemade caramel cake from scratch .
Oh, the drama!
Main Ingredients for a Moist Cake
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g), plus extra for dusting. You want good quality flour. Avoid anything too past its date.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) - Makes it nice and fluffy.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) - Another crucial one.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) - Just a pinch.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (226g), softened. Proper butter is key. Don't skimp here.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 3/4 cups (350g). Normal sugar, nothing fancy.
- Large Eggs: 3. Free range if you can.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) - Adds a little oomph.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) - Makes the cake so moist!
- Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup (120ml) - home-made as recipe below
Caramel Sauce:
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g)
- Water: 1/4 cup (60ml)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml), warmed.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g), cut into pieces.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
Creamy Caramel Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (226g), softened
- Powdered Sugar: 4 cups (480g), sifted.
- Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup (60ml)
- Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup (120ml)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Pinch of salt
Seasoning Notes: Sweet Symphony
For the Caramel Cake Recipe , we're keeping it simple. A little vanilla extract goes a long way, and that touch of salt in the caramel frosting balances the sweetness.
Honestly, if you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk with a splash of lemon juice works just fine. I've done that tons of times! And as for the vanilla, feel free to use vanilla bean paste if you’re feeling fancy.
A Southern caramel cake needs that bit of something extra, you know?
Equipment Needed
- Two 9 inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixer (stand or hand held)
- Saucepan (heavy bottomed)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Candy thermometer (optional, but recommended for caramel)
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
- Cake stand (optional, for serving)
Right, that's all sorted. Let's bake this showstopper! I reckon this is the best caramel cake recipe you'll ever try.
Southern Comfort: Baking Our Caramel Cake With Creamy Caramel Frosting
Right, let's chat about baking a Caramel Cake With Creamy Caramel that'll knock your socks off! Honestly, this isn't just any cake.
This is a homemade caramel cake from scratch , a slice of sunshine, and pure, delicious comfort.
Think of it as a hug in cake form. This easy caramel cake recipe will definitely impress your friends and family.
Who knows? It might even get you on The Great British Bake Off ! Seriously, give this caramel layer cake a try.
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised
Before we even think about turning on the oven, let's get our ducks in a row. This is the mise en place , darling.
It's a fancy French term for "everything in its place". I've learned through hard knocks that being organised saves a ton of stress.
Essential mise en place:
- Measure out all your ingredients. No cutting corners!
- Grease and flour your two 9 inch cake pans. Don't forget the parchment paper rounds for the bottom. I sometimes skip this step, then the cake sticks. Big mistake.
- Have all your equipment ready: mixer, saucepan, spatulas.
Time saving organisation tips:
- Make the caramel sauce a day ahead. It's a real time saver. Honestly, who doesn't love making caramel frosting the easy way?
- While the caramel cools, prepare the dry ingredients.
step-by-step: Baking Magic
Alright, let's get baking!
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Make the caramel sauce: Cook sugar and water until amber. Then whisk in warm cream, butter, and salt. Be careful, it's hot!
- Cream butter and sugar: Mix until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: One at a time.
- Alternate wet and dry: Add dry ingredients and buttermilk gradually.
- Add caramel sauce: Fold gently.
- Divide and bake: Pour batter into cake pans. Bake for 30- 35 minutes . Check for doneness using a toothpick.
- Cool completely: Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then on a wire rack.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Success
I’ve baked this cake more times than I care to admit. And, trust me, I've made a few mistakes along the way. Now I can guide you to moist cakes without problems!
- Don't overbake: Overbaking means dry cake, and nobody wants that. This is the best caramel cake recipe , because it's foolproof when you pay attention!
- Cool the cakes completely before frosting. If you don’t, you'll end up with a melty mess. Eww.
- For creamy caramel frosting recipe , sift your powdered sugar. It's a game changer.
Now you have a Southern caramel cake to be proud of! Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Dreamy Caramel Cake With Creamy Caramel
Right, so you're about to bake this amazing Caramel Cake With Creamy Caramel frosting! Honestly, I’m excited for you! Before you start, have a quick peek at these notes.
They'll help you nail this Caramel Cake Recipe and make a proper showstopper!
Serving It Up Sweet: Plating & Pairings
So, how do you make this Caramel Layer Cake look extra fancy? First, a simple cake stand does wonders. A light dusting of icing sugar? Yes, please.
And, listen, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic for a reason. Want to be a bit extra? Drizzle some extra caramel sauce go on, you deserve it.
For drinks, think strong coffee or sweet tea like they do in the South. It just works .
Storage Savvy: Keeping Your Cake Fresh
Right, so you've baked this beautiful Homemade Caramel Cake From Scratch . Don't you want to keep it fresh. If you have leftovers, which is rare, wrap it up tight and pop it in the fridge.
It will last for about three days, okay? Fancy freezing it? You totally can! Wrap individual slices in cling film, then foil.
They'll be grand for up to two months. When reheating, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Don't microwave it .
That's a soggy cake disaster waiting to happen.
Twist It Up: Fun Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? Why not add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the Caramel Cake batter? It adds a cozy, warm vibe.
Now, if you're doing gluten-free, swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend, easy peasy. I added some chopped pecans.
Honestly, it's divine with Creamy Caramel Frosting Recipe .
Nutrition Nitty Gritty: Know What You're Eating
Alright, let's be real, this Best Caramel Cake Recipe isn't exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Each slice is around 650-750 calories with a fair bit of fat and sugar.
The cake doesn't really have a lot of fibre, but it is full of happiness. If you love a slice of Southern Caramel Cake every now and again, enjoy it!
Bake It 'Til You Make It
There you have it. Some simple notes for what I consider an Easy Caramel Cake Recipe . Now, go bake that Moist Cake . You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My caramel is grainy. What went wrong?
Oh dear, a grainy caramel is a common baking woe! This usually happens when sugar crystals form during the caramel making process. Make sure not to stir the sugar and water mixture after it starts simmering (before that, stirring is fine!).
If it does crystalize, you can try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a tiny splash of corn syrup, which can help break down those crystals. Failing that, you might have to bin it and start again, but don't let it get you down; even Mary Berry has kitchen mishaps!
Can I make this Caramel Cake With Creamy Caramel ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead can even enhance the flavor. The unfrosted cake layers can be baked a day or two in advance, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and stored at room temperature. The creamy caramel frosting can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature and re-whip it before frosting the cake. Assembly is best done no more than 24 hours before serving.
I'm a beginner baker. Is this Caramel Cake With Creamy Caramel too difficult for me?
While the recipe is rated as medium difficulty, don't let that put you off! If you’re new to baking, just take your time and read the recipe thoroughly before starting. Using a candy thermometer for the caramel and frosting is highly recommended, as it takes out a lot of the guesswork.
If you are concerned about the caramel, consider using store-bought caramel for ease. Baking is all about practice and a bit of patience; you'll be knocking out showstoppers in no time!
How should I store leftover Caramel Cake With Creamy Caramel?
To keep your cake moist and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to enjoy a slice, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften the frosting slightly.
You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
Can I adapt the Caramel Cake With Creamy Caramel recipe to be gluten-free?
Yes, you certainly can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum or add it separately, as it helps to bind the ingredients together in the absence of gluten.
You might also want to add an extra egg for additional binding and structure. Keep a close eye on it while baking, as gluten-free cakes can sometimes bake a little faster.
Is Caramel Cake With Creamy Caramel healthy?
Let's be honest, it's a cake, so it falls firmly into the "treat" category! It's definitely a delicious indulgence, and like all sweet treats, it's best enjoyed in moderation. The nutritional information is an estimate and a single slice contains a fair amount of sugar and fat.
Consider smaller slices or enjoying it as an occasional treat rather than an everyday staple.
Southern Comfort A Decadent Caramel Cake With Dr
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650-750 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35-45g |
| Fiber | low |