Satisfy Your Cravings with this Epic Caramel Cake Recipe – A Heavenly Dessert Adventure Awaits
Indulge in pure caramel bliss with this exquisite 5-layer caramel cake. Each luscious layer is tender, moist, and delicately flavored, boasting the perfect balance of caramel sweetness.
As you bite into the velvety cake, your taste buds will be greeted by a cascade of rich caramel sauce that generously coats every layer. Topped with a dreamy caramel frosting, this masterpiece truly celebrates caramel’s decadent allure. Prepare to be swept away by the irresistible charm of this sensational caramel confection.
Here’s a recipe for a delicious 5-layer caramel cake:
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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the caramel sauce: (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the caramel frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (reserved from above)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—grease and flour five 9-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- While the cakes are baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Allow the mixture to simmer without stirring until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream, followed by the butter and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
- Once the cakes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the caramel frosting, cream the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cooled caramel sauce and the vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread generous caramel frosting over the top. Repeat with the remaining layers, spreading caramel frosting between each layer.
- Once all the layers are stacked, frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining caramel frosting.
- Drizzle the top of the cake with some additional caramel sauce for decoration, if desired.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set.
- Slice and serve this decadent 5-layer caramel cake to enjoy its rich caramel flavor!
Note: Caramel cake pearls can be hard to find and expensive. Another option would be to use caramel chips in lieu of crispearls.
Did you know?
Caramel cake has a rich history dating back to the American South. It is believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century as a variation of the classic yellow or white cake. Caramel cake gained popularity due to its irresistibly sweet buttery flavor, often served as a special treat for holidays and celebrations.
The traditional Southern caramel cake is typically made with a moist yellow cake base and covered in a luscious caramel frosting, creating a comforting and indulgent dessert. Its timeless appeal has made caramel cake a beloved classic, cherished by generations of dessert enthusiasts.
A little history:
Caramel cake can be traced back to the American South, where it emerged as a beloved dessert with deep roots in Southern culinary traditions. The origins of caramel cake date back to the late 19th or early 1900s, when creative bakers began experimenting with classic yellow or white cake variations. They sought to enhance the flavor profile by incorporating caramel into the cake and frosting.
Caramel cake quickly gained popularity, particularly in the Southern states, where it became a staple at family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. The cake’s allure lay in its irresistible combination of rich, buttery sweetness and moist, tender crumb. The use of caramel added depth and complexity to the flavor, creating a comforting and indulgent dessert.
In traditional Southern caramel cake recipes, a moist yellow cake forms the base. The caramel frosting, made by cooking sugar to a deep amber color and combining it with butter and sometimes cream, is generously spread between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake. The result is a beautifully caramelized confection that captivates the senses.
Over the years, caramel cake has become synonymous with Southern hospitality and is often passed down through generations as a cherished family recipe. It has earned a special place on dessert tables across the region, bringing joy and nostalgia to those who savor its delectable slices.
Caramel cake continues to enchant dessert lovers worldwide, transcending its Southern origins to become a celebrated treat in various culinary cultures.
Whether enjoyed as a classic, homestyle delight, or given a modern twist with additional flavors and decorations, caramel cake remains an enduring symbol of indulgence and comfort. This timeless favorite truly satisfies the sweet tooth.