Decadent Caramel Cake (Printable Version)
Rich buttery cake layered with silky caramel frosting and topped with glossy caramel drizzle for special occasions.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cake Components
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk
→ Caramel Sauce
09 - 1 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/4 cup water
11 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
13 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Caramel Frosting
14 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
15 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
16 - 1/2 cup prepared caramel sauce
17 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until well blended.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating fully before each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
04 - Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to creamed mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
05 - Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then release onto wire racks to cool completely.
06 - Combine sugar and water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Swirl pan gently until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until mixture reaches golden amber color, approximately 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter, followed by cream and salt. Cool to room temperature.
07 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, then add caramel sauce, vanilla, and salt. Continue beating until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
08 - Place first cake layer on serving platter and spread with generous layer of caramel frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. Apply frosting to top and sides of assembled cake. Drizzle with reserved caramel sauce for glossy finish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to ensure clean slices.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The caramel frosting alone is worth the effort it is silky smooth and deeply caramel flavored without being overly sweet
- Three tender layers make this cake feel like something from a professional bakery yet it comes together with patience and practice
02 -
- Never walk away from caramel sugar, it goes from perfect to burned in seconds
- Room temperature ingredients are non negotiable for proper emulsification
03 -
- A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top takes this cake to restaurant quality status
- Use a kitchen scale for the most consistent and reliable results every single time