Name: Decadent Caramel Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-487112H53M45S
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 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 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup whole milk, room temperature 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) Caramel Frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup whole milk 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted pinch of salt

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If you’re a sucker for melt-in-your-mouth desserts, you simply have to try this Decadent Caramel Cake. Imagine two fluffy, golden layers infused with the buttery richness of caramel, blanketed in a cloud of silky frosting and finished with a glorious caramel drizzle. Every slice practically glows with Southern charm, and the sweet, nostalgic flavors are like a heartfelt hug. It’s pure comfort and celebration in cake form, perfect for making any moment feel a little more special. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, this recipe is bound to become a treasured favorite.

Decadent Caramel Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Decadent Caramel Cake are simple, but each one plays a unique role in crafting its soft crumb, rich flavor, and luscious caramel frosting. Let’s break down what you’ll need and how these essentials work their magic.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its classic tender structure without heaviness.
Baking powder: Ensures your layers rise beautifully and stay light.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the caramel flavors.
Unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich base for both the cake and frosting, lending irresistible flavor.
Granulated sugar: Helps create a light, lofty crumb while sweetening the cake just right.
Large eggs (room temperature): Bring structure and moisture, ensuring every bite stays tender.
Vanilla extract: Infuses aromatic warmth that accentuates the caramel notes.
Whole milk (room temperature): Keeps the cake moist and fluffy, melding all the ingredients together perfectly.
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): Adds luscious, gooey ribbons of caramel flavor throughout the layers and on top.
Unsalted butter (for caramel frosting): The backbone of your caramel frosting, adding extra creaminess.
Light brown sugar (packed): Provides a deep molasses note to the frosting for true caramel depth.
Whole milk (for caramel frosting): Smooths out the frosting, helping you achieve that dreamy texture.
Powdered sugar (sifted): Ensures the frosting comes out silky smooth—no lumps allowed!
Pinch of salt: Just a pinch in the frosting keeps it from being too sweet and elevates all the flavors.

How to Make Decadent Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and set yourself up for success. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This simple step makes unmolding the cakes a breeze—and means no precious crumbs left behind!

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening, so your cakes rise evenly and have a perfect, tender crumb every time.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3–4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which gives your cake its beautiful height and soft texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract. This gradual process keeps the batter silky and helps the cake hold together with moisture and richness.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to your butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This method creates a smooth, lump-free batter and ensures your Decadent Caramel Cake layers bake up even and delicate.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here to prevent cracks.

Step 7: Whip Up the Caramel Frosting

For that crowning glory, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cook while stirring for 2 minutes. Stir in the whole milk and bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in the sifted powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until your frosting is creamy and spreadable. If it thickens too much, add a splash more milk to loosen it up.

Step 8: Assemble and Decorate

Place the first cake layer on your favorite serving plate, then generously spread caramel sauce over the top. Add the second cake layer, then frost the top and sides with that luscious caramel frosting. Finish with a lavish drizzle of extra caramel sauce for eye-catching swirls and an irresistible finish.

How to Serve Decadent Caramel Cake

Garnishes

Crowning your Decadent Caramel Cake with a final flourish makes all the difference. Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a handful of toasted pecans, or a few delicate shards of caramelized sugar. Each element not only looks stunning but also adds a little crunch or a burst of flavor to complement the cake’s soft richness.

Side Dishes

Pairing is everything when it comes to desserts! A scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic and lets the caramel flavors sing, while softly whipped cream adds an airy counterpoint. For a little contrast, serve your cake with fresh berries or a bright fruit compote—raspberries or sliced pears are lovely choices.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the basic slice. For parties, cut the cake into cubes for caramel cake “petit fours” on skewers, or serve miniature Decadent Caramel Cake trifles layered with cream in pretty glasses. You can even stack slices with fresh fruit in between for a show-stopping layered parfait effect!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep any leftover Decadent Caramel Cake fresh and moist, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will be luscious at room temperature for two days or refrigerated for up to five days—just be sure to bring slices to room temp for best flavor.

Freezing

If you want to have a slice of happiness on hand for another day, you’re in luck! Wrap cooled, unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before assembling and frosting for a just-baked taste.

Reheating

Craving a warm, gooey bite? Microwave individual slices of Decadent Caramel Cake for about 10 seconds. This revives the richness and softens the caramel, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven feel. Just don’t overheat, as the frosting can melt away quickly!

FAQs

Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a personal touch and can be tailored to your taste, but store-bought works wonderfully in a pinch. Use whichever makes baking your Decadent Caramel Cake more enjoyable.

Can I bake this cake in advance for an event?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead. Just wrap them tightly and store at room temperature, then frost and assemble on the day you plan to serve for the freshest results.

Is it possible to turn this recipe into cupcakes?

You sure can! Divide the batter between lined muffin pans, bake for 18–20 minutes, and top each cupcake with a swirl of caramel frosting and a drizzle of caramel sauce for portable, adorable treats.

What if my frosting turns out too thick?

No worries—simply add a small splash of milk and whisk until it reaches a spreadable consistency. The key to perfect caramel frosting is patience and a little extra liquid if needed.

How do I keep the caramel sauce from spilling out between the layers?

To prevent caramel escape, create a “dam” by piping a border of frosting around the edge of the bottom cake layer. Fill the center with caramel sauce, then gently top with the second layer and frost as usual.

Final Thoughts

Few things make a special occasion sparkle quite like a homemade Decadent Caramel Cake fresh from your oven. The golden layers, glorious caramel ribbons, and creamy frosting guarantee a treat that feels like a warm, sweet hug. Take the plunge, bake up some memories, and let this cake steal the show at your next gathering!

Decadent Caramel Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes plus cooling time
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and luxurious flavors of this Decadent Caramel Cake. Moist layers of vanilla cake are sandwiched with luscious caramel sauce and topped with a velvety caramel frosting. Perfect for any special occasion or when you’re craving a truly indulgent treat.

Ingredients

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 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup whole milk, room temperature

1 1/2 cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Caramel Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup whole milk

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture.
Bake the Cake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool before removing from pans.
Make the Caramel Frosting: Melt 1/2 cup butter in a saucepan, add brown sugar, cook for 2 minutes. Add milk, boil gently, then cool slightly. Whisk in powdered sugar and salt until smooth.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a plate, spread caramel sauce, add second layer, then frost the cake with caramel frosting. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top.