Caramel Cake is a timeless dessert that blends the rich, buttery flavors of caramel with a moist, tender cake base. This recipe for Caramel Cake is straightforward yet decadent, making it perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat to enjoy with family and friends. The cake features a classic caramel frosting that adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness. Here’s how you can create this delightful dessert from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons: This ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- 2 cups white granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup water: Adds moisture to the cake batter.
- 2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), softened: Gives the cake its rich, buttery flavor.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps to tenderize the cake.
- 2 large eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the cake and helps it rise.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
For the Frosting:
- 3 cups granulated sugar: Creates the sweet, caramelized flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
- 1 stick butter (½ cup): Enhances the smoothness of the frosting.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds depth to the frosting flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of water and 2 sticks of butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the butter mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the combined flour and butter mixtures. Stir until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 stick of butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Allow the mixture to boil for 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches the soft ball stage (235-240°F or 113-115°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Let the frosting cool slightly before spreading it on the cooled cakes. It should be thick but still spreadable.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
- Spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
4. Serve:
- Allow the cake to set for about 30 minutes to let the frosting firm up before slicing and serving.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or additional caramel sauce if desired.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients blend together more smoothly.
- Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
- Caramelize Carefully: When cooking the frosting, be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning the sugar.
Variations
- Add Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the frosting for added texture and flavor.
- Layered Delight: Add layers of caramel sauce between the cake layers for extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Twist: For a chocolate version, add cocoa powder to the cake batter and use a chocolate ganache instead of caramel frosting.
Caramel Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions or enjoying as a sweet treat. With its moist, buttery cake and rich caramel frosting, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves classic desserts. By following these simple steps, you can create a show-stopping cake that’s both elegant and delicious. Enjoy baking and indulging in this timeless favorite
