Decadent Old Fashioned Caramel Cake Recipe | Sweet & Simple

The moment you take a bite of Old Fashioned Caramel Cake, it’s like a warm hug from your grandma on a chilly day. The sweet aroma of rich caramel wafts through the kitchen as it bakes, wrapping you in nostalgia. This cake is a slice of heaven that melts in your mouth with its buttery layers and luscious frosting. Imagine hosting a family gathering where every slice is met with gasps of delight; that’s the magic of this cake.

Now let me tell you about the time I tried making this masterpiece for my cousin’s wedding. Picture me in the kitchen, flour dust everywhere, trying to juggle ingredients like I was part of a culinary circus act. The result? A caramel cake that had everyone asking for seconds… and thirds! This dessert is perfect for weddings, birthdays, or just because you deserve something sweet!

I still remember the smiles on my family’s faces when they tasted my first attempt at this cake.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Using high-quality flour ensures your cake has the perfect structure and texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness; feel free to use brown sugar for added depth.
• Unsalted Butter: Opt for good quality butter for that creamy richness; room temperature is best for mixing.
• Eggs: Fresh eggs contribute moisture and stability; always use large eggs unless specified otherwise.
• Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; you can also use buttermilk for extra flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile—skip imitation vanilla if possible.
• Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh to ensure your cake rises beautifully.
• Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip this step!
• Corn Syrup: Essential for that glossy caramel finish; prevents crystallization during cooking.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: For frosting consistency; sifting helps avoid lumps in your icing.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Kitchen Space: Gather all your ingredients and tools—mixing bowls, measuring cups, and a whisk will make life easier as we dive into baking.

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when we pour in our batter. Grease two round baking pans with butter or nonstick spray.

Create the Batter: Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time while mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract.

Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while alternating with milk until fully combined.

Bake the Layers: Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Make the Caramel Frosting: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and corn syrup until melted and golden brown. Remove from heat; stir in butter until smooth then let cool slightly before spreading on cooled cakes.

Now you have yourself an old-fashioned caramel cake that not only tastes divine but also brings back fond memories with every bite! Whether it’s shared among friends or enjoyed solo with coffee on a lazy Sunday afternoon, indulge guilt-free because happiness deserves to be celebrated!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, followed by adding eggs one at a time. Then gradually mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk for a smooth batter without overmixing.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap regular flour for cake flour for an even lighter texture. You might also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to elevate the flavor profile and add some crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm and gooey.

Creating this Old Fashioned Caramel Cake always reminds me of my childhood kitchen escapades with my grandmother, who believed that dessert was simply non-negotiable after dinner.

FAQ

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but add a tablespoon of vinegar for acidity to mimic buttermilk’s tanginess.

How long can I store the Old Fashioned Caramel Cake?

The cake lasts up to three days if stored properly in an airtight container.

What’s the best way to frost the cake?

Ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying frosting to prevent melting.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Old Fashioned Caramel Cake

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• Author: mydishtoday
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 12

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Description

Old Fashioned Caramel Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich, buttery layers with a luscious caramel frosting. Perfect for celebrations or cozy afternoons, this classic cake evokes warmth and nostalgia with every bite.

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Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour
• Granulated Sugar
• Unsalted Butter
• Large Eggs
• Whole Milk
• Vanilla Extract
• Baking Powder
• Corn Syrup
• Confectioners’ Sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round baking pans.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk until smooth.
4. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
5. For the caramel frosting, heat sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and golden brown. Stir in butter until smooth; cool slightly before spreading on the cooled cakes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg