I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you: Southern Caramel Cake! There’s just something about this cake that makes me think of family gatherings and sweet Southern hospitality. I remember my grandmother making this luscious dessert for special occasions, and the entire room would fill with the warm scent of butter and caramel. It’s the kind of cake that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. I mean, who can resist a slice of fluffy cake topped with rich, gooey caramel?
This cake holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of rainy afternoons in the kitchen, whisking batter and giggling with my cousins, waiting impatiently for the cake to cool while sneaking spoonfuls of the sweet caramel frosting. Trust me; this recipe will give you those warm, fuzzy feelings, too. So, let’s dive into this delightful Southern classic!
What’s in Southern Caramel Cake?
Cake Flour: This is a must for a light and tender cake. I like to use Swans Down or another low-protein flour to keep the crumb perfectly soft.
Granulated Sugar: It’s the backbone of sweetness in this recipe. Brown sugar can be added for a slight molasses flavor, but I prefer the classic white for that perfect caramel touch.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These give the cake its lovely rise, making it fluffy and light, which is essential in Southern desserts!
Unsalted Butter: This is where the rich flavor comes from. Always use high-quality butter, as it’ll make a world of difference.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances out the sweetness. If you don’t have buttermilk, a quick blend of milk and vinegar works just as well.
Eggs: The binding agent that helps all the ingredients come together beautifully.
Heavy Cream: For the caramel frosting, this adds a luxurious richness that takes the cake up to decadent levels.
Brown Sugar: This is key for the caramel sauce; it gives it that deep flavor and color that’s irresistible!
Is Southern Caramel Cake Good for You?
Now, let’s be real—Southern Caramel Cake isn’t exactly a health food. But let’s look at it this way: life’s too short not to indulge in a slice (or two) of something scrumptious every once in a while!
Cake Flour: It contributes to a fluffy texture, but it’s lower in protein than all-purpose flour, which can be better for cake structure.
Butter: While it’s high in fat, it’s better to use real butter than margarine or spreads. Plus, the fat helps with flavor; you only live once, right?
Heavy Cream: This is rich and should be consumed in moderation, but it also brings joy and comfort. Just balance things out with a bit more greens at dinner!
In moderation, this cake is a delightful treat perfect for celebrations and gatherings. Just remember—when you take a bite, you’re not just tasting sugar and flour; you’re tasting memories and love!
Ingredients for Southern Caramel Cake
– 2 ¼ cups cake flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the caramel frosting:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– ½ cup heavy cream
– ½ cup unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This recipe serves about 10-12 people. Perfect for sharing!
How to Make Southern Caramel Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix!
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the caramel frosting. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter over medium heat. Cook until it begins to boil, stirring constantly.
10. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
11. Once cooled, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of caramel frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers and finish by spreading frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
12. Let the cake sit for a bit to set the frosting, then slice and serve!
Sweet Tips & Variations for Making Your Cake Shine
– If you want to take it to the next level, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel frosting for that extra crunch!
– You can also make this as a sheet cake—just adjust the baking time and keep an eye on it.
– This cake freezes well, so you can make it ahead of time for holidays or gatherings. Just wrap it tightly in plastic and foil before freezing, and thaw it in the fridge the night before your event.
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Southern Caramel Cake! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of nostalgia, warm memories, and the perfect way to bring people together. Give it a go, bake with love, and I’d love to hear how it turns out! Happy baking, my friends!
