Southern Caramel Cake

Southern Caramel Cake is a rich, buttery classic featuring a tender, golden cake topped with a luscious homemade caramel frosting that melts in your mouth. With its deep caramel flavor and moist texture, this cake is a true indulgence, perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a decadent dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and moist texture – The buttermilk ensures a soft, tender crumb.
• Decadent caramel frosting – A silky, buttery topping with deep caramel flavor.
• Classic Southern dessert – A nostalgic favorite that never goes out of style.
• Perfect for celebrations – Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or gatherings.
• Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples for an easy homemade cake.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Caramel Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Making the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar – In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla – Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate dry ingredients – Gradually add the dry mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined.
6. Bake – Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Making the Caramel Frosting:

7. Melt butter and sugar – In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
8. Whisk in powdered sugar – Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
9. Frost the cake – Pour warm caramel frosting over the cooled cake, spreading evenly. Let it set before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Variations

• Layer Cake Version – Divide the batter between two 9-inch cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Frost between layers for extra caramel goodness.
• Nutty Caramel Cake – Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch.
• Salted Caramel Twist – Increase salt in the frosting to enhance the sweet-salty balance.
• Spiced Caramel Cake – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Cupcake Variation – Divide batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
• Reheating: Microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! The cake can be baked a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature. Frost just before serving.

Why is my caramel frosting grainy?

This happens if the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve. Stir constantly and ensure it reaches a smooth consistency before adding powdered sugar.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

For best results, make the homemade frosting, but in a pinch, store-bought caramel can be used.

Can I use whole milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk adds extra moisture. If using whole milk, add 1 tsp of lemon juice or vinegar for a similar effect.

How do I keep the frosting from hardening too quickly?

Work quickly while spreading the frosting, as caramel thickens as it cools. If needed, reheat slightly to loosen.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make this into a bundt cake?

Yes! Bake in a greased bundt pan at 350°F for about 45 minutes.

How can I make the frosting pourable?

Add an extra tablespoon of cream while whisking to achieve a thinner, drizzly consistency.

What should I serve with caramel cake?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements it perfectly.

Can I add caramel between cake layers?

Absolutely! Spread a thin layer of caramel frosting between layers for extra richness.

Conclusion

Southern Caramel Cake is a classic dessert that combines a buttery, moist cake with a rich, velvety caramel frosting. Whether for a family gathering, holiday, or special celebration, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation!