Whip Up Decadent Homemade Caramel Cake for Your Next Celebration

Welcome to Afterka’s kitchen! If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests at the next celebration, look no further than our Decadent Homemade Caramel Cake. This indulgent treat combines moist cake layers with rich caramel frosting, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into how to create this heavenly caramel delight that’s perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Caramel Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Extra caramel sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Frosting

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm.
3. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches spreading consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a little more cream.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of caramel frosting over the top.
2. Repeat with the remaining layers, stacking them and frosting between each layer.
3. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Smooth with a spatula for a clean finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. If desired, garnish the top of the cake with chopped pecans or walnuts, and drizzle with extra caramel sauce.
2. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.
3. Slice and serve this decadent caramel cake to wow your guests!

Tips and Variations

• Caramel Sauce: For an extra caramel flavor, drizzle additional caramel sauce between cake layers.
• Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture and complement the caramel flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Thaw before frosting.

This Decadent Homemade Caramel Cake is a celebration-worthy dessert that combines moist cake layers with luscious caramel frosting. It’s sure to be the star of any gathering, from birthdays to holidays. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible homemade delight!

We hope you enjoy creating and sharing this caramel cake masterpiece! Share your baking adventures with us in the comments below or tag us on social media.