There’s nothing quite like a classic Southern Caramel Cake to bring comfort and joy to any gathering. With its tender, buttery layers of homemade yellow cake and a thick, luscious caramel icing, this cake is a showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or special Sunday dinners. The magic lies in its rich, velvety caramel flavor paired with the moist texture of the cake. If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that melts in your mouth while satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients: Why Each One Matters
For the Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups + 2 tbsp, sifted (plus extra for dusting)
Provides the base for a stable, soft cake texture. - Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. - Sugar: 2 cups
Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake. - Butter: 2 sticks (unsalted)
Ensures a rich, buttery flavor and moist crumb. - Water: 1 cup
Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency. - Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
Leavens the cake, making it light and fluffy. - Milk: 1/2 cup
Adds richness and tenderness to the batter. - Eggs: 2 large
Provide structure and a tender, moist crumb. - Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to complement the caramel.
For the Caramel Frosting:
- Sugar: 3 cups (granulated)
The star of the show—this caramelizes beautifully for the frosting. - Butter: 1 stick
Creates a silky-smooth texture in the caramel icing. - Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Adds richness and creaminess. - Pinch of Salt
Balances the deep sweetness of the caramel. - Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
Enhances the caramel’s deep, buttery flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Southern Caramel Cake
1. Prepare the Cake Layers
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups + 2 tbsp flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the butter and water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Mix the Batter: Add the boiling butter mixture to the flour mixture, whisking until smooth. Add in the baking soda, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring until fully blended.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking around the 15-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
- Cool the Layers: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in their pans for 15 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack lined with parchment paper to cool completely.
2. Make the Caramel Frosting
- Cook the Base Caramel: In a large saucepan, combine 2 1/2 cups sugar, butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until almost boiling.
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup sugar over medium heat without stirring. Shake the pan occasionally to evenly distribute the sugar as it caramelizes into a deep amber color.
- Combine Syrups: Carefully pour the melted sugar syrup into the large saucepan with the caramel base. Stir constantly to combine and cook until the mixture reaches 232°F on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage).
- Cool and Beat the Frosting: Remove the caramel mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool for 15 minutes, then beat the caramel using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed for 15-20 minutes until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If it thickens too quickly, add a bit of heavy cream to adjust.
3. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cooled cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of the caramel frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining caramel frosting.
- Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula or let it set for a rustic, textured look.
Pro Tips for Perfect Southern Caramel Cake
- Don’t Overbake: Start checking your cake at 15 minutes to ensure it stays moist and tender.
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Reaching the soft-ball stage (232°F) is critical for achieving the perfect caramel icing consistency.
- Caramel Timing Is Key: Melt the sugar for the caramel syrup slowly to avoid burning. Keep shaking—not stirring—the pan to prevent crystals.
- Fix Thick Frosting: If the frosting stiffens too much, add a splash of heavy cream and beat again.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this decadent Southern Caramel Cake with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. For a special touch, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream to balance the richness.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
The combination of tender, buttery cake layers and a creamy caramel frosting makes this recipe a true Southern classic. It’s perfect for celebrations, holidays, or any time you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug. The homemade caramel icing has a deep, rich flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t replicate.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Caramel Cake is the ultimate dessert that combines classic baking techniques with rich, indulgent flavors. It’s simple to make yet impressive to serve, guaranteed to delight family and friends alike. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at caramel for the first time, this recipe will give you foolproof results.
Try it today and savor every irresistible bite of this Southern favorite!