Description
This Creamy Caramel Cake is a luscious layered dessert featuring moist vanilla cake layers infused with a smooth and rich homemade caramel sauce. Baked to perfection and topped with decadent caramel, it’s an indulgent treat perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Caramel Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk to the butter mixture, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the butter melts and sugar dissolves.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let cook for 3 to 5 minutes while stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of the caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and drizzle more caramel sauce over the top and around the edges for an elegant finish.
- Set and Serve: Allow the caramel to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving your delicious creamy caramel cake.
Notes
- For best results, bring all ingredients to room temperature before starting.
- Carefully monitor the caramel sauce to avoid burning; constant stirring is essential.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- To prevent the caramel from hardening too much in the fridge, gently warm it before serving.
- You can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.