Southern Caramel Cake

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Here’s your full, rich, bakery-style Southern Caramel Cake recipe—written the way you love: detailed, cozy, and full of flavor 🤎

🍰 Southern Caramel Cake (Classic & Decadent)

✨ Introduction

Southern Caramel Cake is a timeless dessert straight from the heart of the American South. Known for its soft, buttery layers and rich, melt-in-your-mouth caramel frosting, this cake is often served at family gatherings, holidays, and Sunday dinners.

It’s the kind of cake that feels like something grandma made—slow, loving, and unforgettable. If you enjoy rich desserts like your favorite Death by Chocolate Dump Cake, this one will absolutely win your heart too!

🧾 Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup (226 g) butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups (396 g) sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 cups (360 g) self-rising flour
  • 1 cup (227 g) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Southern Caramel Frosting:

  • 1 cup (226 g) butter
  • 2 cups (400 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 cups powdered sugar (for thickness)

🥣 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour 2–3 round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Alternate adding flour and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Divide batter evenly into pans.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Frosting

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Pour in evaporated milk and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. Add vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a plate.
  2. Spread warm caramel frosting over the top.
  3. Add next layer and repeat.
  4. Frost the entire cake quickly (caramel sets fast!).

🍳 Methods & Tips

  • Room temperature ingredients = smoother batter and better texture
  • Work quickly with caramel frosting before it thickens
  • Use cake strips or even baking for flat layers
  • Add a pinch of salt for a salted caramel twist

📜 History

Southern Caramel Cake has deep roots in the American South, especially in states like and .

It became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when caramel was made from scratch on stovetops—no shortcuts, just patience and skill. It was often considered a “special occasion cake” because of the time and care required.

🎂 Formation (Texture & Flavor)

  • Cake layers: soft, fluffy, buttery
  • Frosting: thick, glossy, rich caramel
  • Taste: deep, sweet, slightly smoky from brown sugar
  • Overall: comforting, nostalgic, and indulgent

❤️ Lovers of This Cake

This cake is perfect for:

  • Caramel lovers 🤎
  • Fans of classic homemade desserts
  • Family gatherings & celebrations
  • Anyone who enjoys rich, old-fashioned baking

If you already love baking things like your Cloud Cake twice a week, this one will feel like a special upgrade for weekends or guests!

🍽️ Conclusion

Southern Caramel Cake isn’t just dessert—it’s tradition, comfort, and love baked into every layer. Whether you’re making it for family or just treating yourself, this cake delivers that deep, homemade satisfaction that never goes out of style.

If you want, I can also give you a super easy version or a Moroccan-style twist (with dates or orange blossom) 🍊

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