Description
Southern charm meets sweet indulgence in this classic caramel cake. Rich caramel frosting and moist layers create a delectable dessert that delivers pure comfort with each delightful slice you savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients:
- 3 cups (720 milliliters) cake flour (sifted)
- 6 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2½ cups (500 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) pure vanilla extract
Butter Ingredients:
- 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1½ sticks (170 grams) butter
Milk Ingredients:
- 2 cans of evaporated milk (12 ounces / 340 grams each)
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) pure vanilla extract (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat three 9-inch round cake pans with baking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Gradually introduce eggs into the butter mixture, one at a time, thoroughly incorporating each egg before adding the next. Blend in pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl to eliminate any potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Alternately fold the dry ingredient mixture and sour cream into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to maintain the batter’s airiness and prevent overmixing.
- Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to smooth the tops and ensure uniform layers.
- Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through to promote even baking. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cake layer – it should come out clean.
- Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks to cool completely.
- For the caramel icing, melt unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add evaporated milk and granulated sugar, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Continue cooking for 45-60 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a rich golden caramel color.
- Remove the caramel from heat and stir in pure vanilla extract. Allow the icing to cool for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and generously spread a thick layer of caramel icing. Carefully position the second and third layers, covering the entire cake with the remaining icing.
- If the caramel icing becomes too firm while decorating, gently warm it over low heat to restore spreadability.
- Optional: Garnish the cake with chopped pecans or a delicate drizzle of additional caramel sauce for extra visual appeal and flavor.
- Slice and serve the caramel cake at room temperature, allowing guests to enjoy its rich, decadent layers.
Notes
- Elevate your baking skills with this mouthwatering caramel cake that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent dessert masterpiece.
- Precise oven temperature and pan preparation ensure each cake layer bakes evenly, creating a perfectly golden and tender crumb.
- Mixing techniques matter: gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Patience is key when crafting the caramel icing, allowing it to simmer and develop a rich, golden color that’s pure culinary magic.
- Layering the cake requires a delicate touch, spreading warm caramel between each tender layer for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
- Final touches like pecan garnishes or caramel drizzles elevate this homemade dessert from delicious to absolutely unforgettable.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 56g
- Sodium: 295mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 186mg