Paula Deens Dreamy Caramel Cake

Craving Comfort? look into into Paula Deen's Caramel Cake Recipe

Ever wonder what pure Southern comfort tastes like? Honestly, it's gotta be Paula Deen Caramel Cake Recipe . That rich caramel, oh my gosh, it just melts in your mouth.

A Slice of Southern History: Your Easy Caramel Cake Recipe Awaits

This isn't just any cake, darlin'. A good caramel cake recipe , especially a southern caramel cake , has roots deep in Southern tradition.

Think Sunday suppers and family gatherings. This old fashioned caramel cake recipe makes a three layer caramel cake , the perfect centerpiece! It takes a little time but is worth every minute! It makes about 12-16 servings.

Why This Cake is Simply the Best

One bite of this best caramel cake recipe and you will feel like you are in heaven! Beyond the amazing taste, this cake screams Southern comfort food! It's also perfect for bringing a little joy to any occasion.

Plus, the homemade caramel frosting is totally worth the effort. Seriously, nothing beats a caramel cake from scratch . Get ready to start the recipe, next are the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment: Paula Deen Caramel Cake Recipe Edition

Let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this Paula Deen Caramel Cake Recipe . Don't you worry; I'll break it down nice and easy.

This southern caramel cake is totally worth the effort. Trust me on this one!

Main Ingredients for Our Three Layer Caramel Cake

Okay, first things first, the cake itself. You'll need:

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour.
• 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder.
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) baking soda.
• ½ teaspoon (3g) salt.
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened. This is important, make sure it’s softened.
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar.
• 2 large eggs.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract.
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk. For the buttermilk cake recipe to work, you need buttermilk. If you don't have buttermilk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

For the homemade caramel frosting , you’re gonna need:

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter.
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar.
• 1 cup (240ml) evaporated milk.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract.
• A pinch of salt.

Quality indicators? Honestly, just use good butter, that's all. It really makes a difference in the frosting.

Seasoning Notes

This recipe is simple. The magic comes from the caramel itself. Vanilla extract is your friend here. Salt balances the sweetness.

Don't skip it! If you are really feeling fancy, use some sea salt for a little extra oomph in your recipe for paula deen caramel cake recipe .

If you don't have vanilla extract, a little almond extract can work, but it will change the flavor. You know? I actually prefer vanilla.

Equipment Needed for the Best Caramel Cake Recipe

Here's what you'll need:

• Three 9 inch round cake pans.
• Parchment paper.
• Electric mixer (stand or hand held). I love my stand mixer.
• Rubber spatula.
• Saucepan.
• Candy thermometer. Optional but REALLY helpful .
• Wire cooling rack.

Don't have a candy thermometer? That's okay. Just watch the caramel closely. It's ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

You know, I always burned my caramel the first few times I made it. Don't get discouraged! Just keep trying.

This easy caramel cake recipe is worth it. You’ll get your caramel cake from scratch the right way in no time.

Unlocking the Magic: Paula Deen's Caramel Cake Recipe

Oh my gosh, y'all! Are you ready to dive into the warm, gooey world of Paula Deen Caramel Cake Recipe ? I'm talking about that old fashioned caramel cake that tastes like a hug from your grandma.

We're going to tackle this caramel cake recipe together. It might seem a bit daunting, but trust me, it's easier than wrangling a greased pig at the county fair!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Caramel Cake Starting Line

First things first, mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means getting everything ready! Measure out all your ingredients before you even think about turning on the oven.

For this three layer caramel cake it is essential for a even distribution. This will save you time and prevent that dreaded "Oh sugar, I'm out of baking powder!" moment mid-bake.

Also, grease and flour those cake pans like your life depends on it!

Now, a word on safety. Remember that hot caramel is basically molten lava, so be careful! Keep kids and pets away while you're stirring that sugary goodness.

I once singed my eyebrows making caramel, and let me tell you, it wasn't cute!

Bake It Like Deen: step-by-step Caramel Cake Goodness

Alright, let's get baking this buttermilk cake recipe !

1. Cream the butter and sugar together until it's light and fluffy. Seriously, 3 minutes minimum!
2. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
3. Slowly add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Don't overmix.
4. Pour batter into your prepared pans, aiming for even layers.
5. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 35 minutes , or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Paula's Pro Pointers: Caramel Cake Edition

Want to take your homemade caramel frosting to the next level? Here’s the skinny. When making the caramel, watch it like a hawk! It can go from golden perfection to burnt city in seconds.

Critical temperature is 235- 240° F . The perfect southern caramel cake texture depends on it.

One common mistake? Overcooking the caramel. Trust me, burnt caramel is NOT delicious. Also, let the cake cool completely before frosting, or you'll end up with a melty mess.

Nobody wants that! If you’re looking for an easy caramel cake recipe shortcut, you can make the cake layers a day ahead.

Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Honestly, this best caramel cake recipe is a labor of love, but it's so worth it! The rich caramel frosting and the tender cake layers create a symphony of flavor that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Recipe Notes for the Best Paula Deen Caramel Cake Recipe

So, you're about to tackle this Paula Deen Caramel Cake Recipe ? Fantastic! It really is the best caramel cake recipe , but a few little things can make or break your experience.

I learnt a few tricks myself! Before you dive into making this Southern masterpiece, let's chat about a few extra tips and tricks to really nail that southern caramel cake goodness!

Trust me, these little nuggets will help you avoid some common pitfalls I stumbled upon when I first tried this caramel cake from scratch .

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, y'all. I like to slice a generous piece of this three layer caramel cake and serve it on a pretty plate.

A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream never hurts. Honestly, a simple dusting of powdered sugar looks lovely.

Some fresh berries brighten things up, too! For drinks? Sweet tea, naturally! Or maybe a glass of milk. Depends on if you're feeling fancy.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Leftover Paula Deen Caramel Cake Recipe ? (If there are any!) Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for about three days. You can freeze it, too. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag.

Thaw in the fridge overnight. I don’t recommend microwaving. Reheating caramel anything is usually a hot sticky mess.

Variations: Mixing It Up

Want to tweak this caramel cake recipe ? Go for it! For a gluten-free version, use a good quality gluten-free flour blend.

You might need to adjust the liquid slightly. To make it dairy-free, use a plant based butter and milk alternative, but expect a change in flavour.

During the Autumn, try adding a little apple pie spice to the cake batter, or a pumpkin spice during fall.

Seasonal ingredient swaps are always a good time!

Nutrition Basics: Know Your Numbers

Okay, let's keep it real. This old fashioned caramel cake is a treat, not a health food. Every serving will contain about 500 calories.

It’s also high in sugar and fat. But you know what? Life is too short to skip dessert! Enjoy a slice in moderation and savour every delicious bite.

It's a taste of pure Southern comfort. A little goes a long way.

Don’t be afraid to get stuck in and give this easy caramel cake recipe a go! With the best homemade caramel frosting it’s guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Remember, even if it’s not quite perfect the first time, it’ll still be delicious. Happy baking, friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My caramel frosting is too thin. What did I do wrong?

Bless your heart, honey! Thin caramel frosting is usually caused by not cooking it long enough. Remember, patience is key! Next time, use a candy thermometer and aim for the soft ball stage (235-240°F).

If it's already too late, you can try simmering it a little longer on low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning, until it thickens up. Let it cool slightly before spreading.

Can I make Paula Deen Caramel Cake Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely, darlin'! In fact, this cake is often even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together like a good Southern family. You can bake the cake layers and make the frosting separately, storing them in airtight containers at room temperature.

Assemble the cake a day or two before you plan to serve it, and keep it refrigerated until about an hour before serving to allow the frosting to soften slightly.

My caramel keeps burning! Any tips for perfecting Paula Deen's caramel frosting?

Oh, caramel can be a sassy beast! First, make sure you're using a heavy bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly. Second, keep the heat at a medium low setting and stir constantly, especially towards the end, to prevent scorching. A candy thermometer is your best friend here; aim for that 235-240°F range.

And remember, a little patience goes a long way don't rush it, or you'll end up with a burnt offering!

Is there a way to make this Paula Deen Caramel Cake Recipe a little healthier?

Well, honey, it is a caramel cake, so it's never going to be a health food! However, you can make a few tweaks. You could reduce the amount of sugar in both the cake and the frosting slightly, though it will affect the texture.

Another option is to use a lighter butter substitute, but be aware that this will also alter the flavor. At the end of the day, enjoy it in moderation as a special treat everything in moderation, as they say!

Can I freeze the Paula Deen Caramel Cake?

You sure can! To freeze the cake, wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. The caramel frosting also freezes well in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake layers and frosting overnight in the refrigerator.

You might need to re-whip the frosting slightly before assembling to get it back to a smooth consistency.

What if I don't have buttermilk? Can I still make Paula Deen's Caramel Cake recipe?

Don't you worry your pretty little head! If you're out of buttermilk, it's easy to make a substitute. Just put a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest of the cup with milk until you reach the 1-cup mark.

Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly, and there you have it homemade buttermilk! It works just as well in the recipe.