If you’re craving something irresistibly sweet, warmly nostalgic, and packed with buttery richness, this Classic Southern Caramel Cake Recipe will instantly become your new favorite. This beloved Southern dessert perfectly marries tender, fluffy cake layers with the creamiest, most luscious caramel frosting you can imagine. Every slice offers that melt-in-your-mouth caramel goodness that feels like a cozy hug from the South itself. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake captures the heart and soul of Southern bakeries with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list because these are all pantry staples that come together to create magic on your plate. Each one plays a key role: the butter brings richness, the sugar adds sweetness, and the milk keeps everything moist and tender, culminating in a caramel cake that’s nothing short of perfection.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and lightness to the cake layers.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully, creating a soft crumb.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich creaminess and tender texture to both the cake and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with its moist texture.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor, complementing the caramel perfectly.
- Whole milk (room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and moist for tender cakes.
- Light brown sugar: Key for the frosting’s classic caramel flavor and rich color.
- Powdered sugar (sifted): Creates that velvety sweetness in the caramel frosting.
How to Make Classic Southern Caramel Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring your three cake pans with parchment paper on the bottom to prevent sticking. Whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl to distribute everything evenly. Then, cream the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light—this develops the perfect texture for your cake. Beat in the eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla for that essential fragrant touch.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry mixture alternately with the milk to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. This alternating method keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can cause toughness. Once the batter is uniform and thick, divide it evenly among the prepared pans.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Tender
Bake your cake layers for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When done, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial to prevent your frosting from melting when assembled.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Frosting
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in the brown sugar and salt until the sugar dissolves and everything bubbles gently. Adding milk next creates that silky caramel sauce base. After cooling slightly, mix it with powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy and smooth. Adjust the consistency with milk or powdered sugar as needed for spreading.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Lay your cooled cake layers on a serving plate and generously spread caramel frosting between each one. Be sure to cover the top and sides with a smooth coat of frosting for that classic layered look. Allow the cake to rest for 20 to 30 minutes so the frosting firms up beautifully before slicing.
How to Serve Classic Southern Caramel Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted pecans adds a nutty crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the caramel’s softness. For an elegant touch, scatter a few edible gold flakes or flaky sea salt atop the frosting—it heightens the caramel flavor and looks stunning for guests.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance its sweetness. For beverages, a cup of strong black coffee or sweet iced tea keeps with the Southern tradition and cuts through the rich caramel notes delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake on a rustic wooden cake stand for that Southern charm vibe. You can also slice it into petite squares for a charming dessert buffet or layer cupcake versions with the same caramel frosting for smaller, shareable treats perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your masterpiece, keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and the caramel frosting luscious without drying out. For longer storage, pop it into the fridge, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to preserve that soft texture.
Freezing
This Classic Southern Caramel Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to keep the frosting intact and the cake moist.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cake slightly warmed, allow the slice to reach room temperature first, then heat gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This enhances the gooey caramel sensation without melting the frosting completely.
FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help with structure and texture.
What if I don’t have whole milk?
You can use 2% milk or even a milk alternative like oat milk, but whole milk gives the richest flavor and best texture. If using alternatives, pick unsweetened versions to avoid altering the sweetness balance.
How long does the frosting keep its texture?
The caramel frosting stays perfectly creamy for about two days at room temperature. After that, it might firm up or dry out, so storing the cake chilled is best if keeping longer.
Can I prepare parts of the cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to two days ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. The frosting is best made fresh, but you can prepare it a day in advance and keep it tightly covered in the fridge, then re-whip before assembling.
What’s the best way to slice this cake without it sticking?
Use a sharp serrated knife and warm the blade slightly under hot water, wiping it dry before slicing. This ensures clean cuts without dragging the frosting or crumbling the cake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely special about this Classic Southern Caramel Cake Recipe that makes it a keeper in any baker’s repertoire. It’s rich but balanced, sentimental but crowd-pleasing, and every bite reminds you why Southern desserts have such a devoted following. Don’t hesitate to dive in and create this incredible dessert—you’ll love sharing it almost as much as eating it.
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Classic Southern Caramel Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling and assembly)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Southern Caramel Cake is a rich, moist layer cake featuring tender vanilla-flavored layers and a luscious homemade caramel frosting. This traditional dessert is perfect for gatherings, offering a perfect balance of buttery cake and sweet caramel notes that deepen after resting.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet mixture in three parts, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Caramel Frosting: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the light brown sugar and salt, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar starts to dissolve. Gradually stir in the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Transfer the caramel mixture to a large bowl and beat in the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash of milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with a layer of caramel frosting. Repeat with the second and third layers. Finish by frosting the top and sides evenly. Allow the frosting to set for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing to serve.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better after sitting for a day, as the caramel flavors deepen beautifully.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
- Before serving, bring the cake to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
