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Decadent Southern Caramel Cake Recipe

Decadent Southern Caramel Cake Recipe

This tender vanilla layer cake is cloaked in a rich, spoonable Southern caramel icing. Simple ingredients, bakery-worthy results.
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2.75 cup all-purpose flour cake
  • 2.5 tsp baking powder cake
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda cake
  • 0.5 tsp fine salt cake
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened cake
  • 1.75 cup granulated sugar cake
  • 4 large eggs room temperature; cake
  • 0.5 cup sour cream cake
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil cake
  • 1 cup whole milk room temperature; cake
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract divided; cake and icing
  • 1.5 cup granulated sugar caramel icing
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed caramel icing
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter caramel icing
  • 1.5 cup evaporated milk caramel icing
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract caramel icing
  • 0.25 tsp fine salt caramel icing

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round pans.
  • Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  • Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until very fluffy and pale.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
  • Blend in oil. Alternate dry mix with milk, starting and ending with dry.
  • Divide batter between pans and smooth the tops.
  • Bake until golden and a tester is clean, 26 to 30 minutes.
  • Cool 10 minutes in pans. Turn out and cool completely.
  • Start icing: Combine both sugars, evaporated milk, and butter in a heavy pot.
  • Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, whisking to dissolve crystals.
  • Cook to 235–238°F, stirring often, about 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt, then cool 10 minutes.
  • Beat icing until thick, glossy, and spreadable, 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Set one cake layer on a stand. Spread a generous layer of icing.
  • Top with second layer. Frost top and sides. Let set 20 minutes.

Notes

For a nutty twist, press toasted chopped pecans onto the sides after frosting. Prefer a deeper caramel? Cook the icing one extra minute, watching closely. Store covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 4 days; bring slices to room temp before serving.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Decadent Southern Caramel Cake Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.