Decadent Caramel Cake (Printable)
Rich, buttery cake with silky caramel frosting and glossy drizzle. An indulgent American dessert perfect for celebrations.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake Components
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk
→ Caramel Sauce
09 - 1 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/4 cup water
11 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
13 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Caramel Frosting
14 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
15 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
16 - 1/2 cup prepared caramel sauce
17 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans, lining bottoms with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then blend in vanilla extract.
04 - Alternately add flour mixture and milk to creamed batter in three additions, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just incorporated.
05 - Distribute batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
06 - Combine sugar and water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, swirling gently until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until golden amber color develops, 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter, followed by cream and salt. Cool to room temperature.
07 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, then add caramel sauce, vanilla, and salt. Whip until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
08 - Position one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread with an even layer of caramel frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. Apply frosting to top and sides of the assembled cake. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top for a glossy finish.
09 - Refrigerate cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, professional cuts.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The homemade caramel sauce creates layers of flavor you cant get from a jar
- Everything comes together in just over an hour despite looking impressive
02 -
- Caramel burns quickly so have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start
- The cake layers must be completely cool before frosting or the caramel will slide right off
03 -
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for caramel to prevent hot spots that cause burning
- Room temperature ingredients incorporate better and create a smoother final texture