Here’s a rich and moist caramel cake recipe—layered with caramel frosting for a truly decadent dessert.
Classic Caramel Cake (8–9 inch, 2 layers)
Ingredients
Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Caramel Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1½ cups brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Make the cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans. Bake 25–30 min, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 min in pans, then transfer to wire racks.
2. Make the caramel frosting
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
- Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Cool slightly before frosting.
3. Assemble
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a layer of caramel frosting.
- Top with second layer. Frost the top and sides with remaining caramel.
- Chill slightly for easier slicing if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature eggs and butter for a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added.
- Cool cake completely before frosting, or frosting may melt.
- For extra flavor: drizzle a little salted caramel sauce over each layer before frosting.
Variations
- Salted Caramel Cake: Add ½ tsp sea salt to frosting and caramel drizzle.
- Caramel Pecan Cake: Top with toasted pecans.
- Caramel Buttercream Frosting: Whip caramel into buttercream for a lighter, fluffier frosting.
I can also give a quick one-bowl caramel cake that’s super easy and still super moist if you want a simpler version 🍮🎂.
Do you want me to do that?
