Classic Southern Caramel Cake Recipe

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Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cake Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans and line with parchment paper (optional).
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating for 5 minutes.
  3. Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Add Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternately add flour and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix well after each addition.
  5. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Cool completely before frosting.

Southern Caramel Frosting Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup Crisco (vegetable shortening)
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Frosting Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a 3-4 quart cast iron Dutch oven, mix all frosting ingredients.
  2. Cook to Softball Stage: Swirl the pan occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook the mixture until it reaches the softball stage (235°F–245°F on a candy thermometer) or passes the cold water test (see below).
  3. Beat Until Creamy: Remove from heat and beat with a wooden spoon until the frosting is creamy and ready to spread.

Cold Water Test:

  1. Drop a small amount of caramel into a bowl of cold water.
  2. Let it cool for a few seconds, then retrieve it.
  3. If you can form the caramel into a soft ball that holds its shape, it’s ready.
  4. If it remains gooey or doesn’t hold a shape, continue cooking.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of caramel frosting over the top.
  2. Add the second layer and repeat.
  3. Top with the final cake layer and frost the top and sides.
  4. Allow the frosting to set before serving.

Enjoy your rich and decadent Classic Southern Caramel Cake! 🍰

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