If you’re looking to impress your family and friends at your next gathering, Southern Caramel Cake is the dessert that will steal the show. This classic Southern treat features layers of moist, buttery vanilla cake smothered in rich caramel icing, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is simply irresistible. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any celebration, this cake embodies the warmth and hospitality of Southern cooking.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups self-rising flour
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Southern caramel icing (double the recipe for a layer cake)
Directions:
Prepare Your Baking Pans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans to ensure your cake layers release easily once baked.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat for about 8 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for your cake.
Incorporate the Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring you beat well after each addition to incorporate air into the batter for a fluffy texture.
Mix in Flour and Buttermilk:
Gradually add the self-rising flour, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until fully combined. This step is essential for achieving a moist cake.
Add Vanilla:
Stir in the vanilla extract and continue beating the batter until it’s smooth. The vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cake.
Bake the Cake:
Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with an enticing aroma!
Cool and Ice the Cake:
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Prepare your Southern caramel icing (following your preferred recipe) and generously ice the cooled cakes.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice into this indulgent Southern treat and watch your loved ones delight in each bite!
Serving Tips:
Slice with a Warm Knife: To achieve clean cuts when slicing the cake, dip your knife in warm water and wipe it dry before each cut. This helps to prevent the caramel icing from sticking to the knife.
Garnish for Presentation: For an elegant touch, consider garnishing each slice with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even toasted nuts like pecans for added texture and flavor.
Pair with Beverages: This cake pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Serve at Room Temperature: Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving to enhance its flavor and texture.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to consume the cake within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain its moistness and flavor.
Refrigeration: If you need to keep the cake for a longer period (up to a week), store it in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s covered well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Freezing: For extended storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. This allows the cake to maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Icing Consideration: If you’ve iced the cake, it’s best to freeze it uncut. Icing can sometimes become a bit messy when thawing if the cake is sliced prior.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour. If you do, make sure to add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for every cup of all-purpose flour to achieve similar results.
How can I make the caramel icing less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the caramel icing, you can incorporate a pinch of sea salt to balance the flavors. Additionally, you can use less sugar in the icing recipe or add a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder to create a chocolate-caramel variation.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to keep them fresh. Ice the cake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What should I do if my caramel icing turns out grainy?
If your caramel icing is grainy, it may be due to the sugar not fully dissolving. To fix this, you can gently reheat the icing over low heat while stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the icing to become too thick.
Conclusion:
Southern Caramel Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone wanting to indulge in a slice of Southern comfort. With its luscious caramel icing and fluffy vanilla cake layers, this dessert is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a cake that’s not just food, but a heartfelt memory.
📖 Recipe:
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Southern Caramel Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern Caramel Cake is a decadent Southern dessert featuring layers of moist vanilla cake topped with rich caramel icing. Perfect for any celebration, this classic cake delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will delight your guests. Indulge in the sweet, buttery flavor of this Southern favorite at your next gathering. Keywords: Southern Caramel Cake, caramel icing, Southern dessert, vanilla cake, celebration cake.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups self-rising flour
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Southern caramel icing (double the recipe for a layer cake)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar for about 8 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually add the self-rising flour, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing until fully combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and beat the batter until smooth.
- Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Southern caramel icing and generously ice the cooled cakes.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs.
You can double the caramel icing recipe for a more lavish layer cake.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
The cake layers can be frozen (un-iced) for up to 3 months; just ensure they are wrapped well.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 500 kcal per slice
