Creamy Caramel Cake

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This Creamy Caramel Cake is the kind of dessert that brings Southern comfort straight to your plate. With its velvety, buttery layers of golden cake smothered in rich homemade caramel icing, it’s a showstopper that tastes like something straight from Grandma’s kitchen. The frosting is thick and dreamy with a deep caramel flavor that melts beautifully between moist cake layers.

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, birthday, or just looking for a cozy weekend bake, this cake delivers. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and buttery, with an old-fashioned caramel taste that lingers in the best way. Serve it with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk and let every bite take you home.

What Kind of Caramel Should I Use?

For this recipe, homemade caramel is key. You want a deep, almost toffee-like flavor that only comes from simmering butter, brown sugar, and cream together until it’s smooth and luscious. Pre-made jarred caramel can work in a pinch, but making your own gives you that thick, spreadable consistency needed to layer and frost the cake.

Ingredients for the Creamy Caramel Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cake structure, giving it a soft yet stable crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden crust on the cake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cake.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and moist texture to the cake layers.
• Buttermilk: Brings a tender texture and slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor and enhances the caramel notes.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• Brown Sugar, Heavy Cream, Unsalted Butter (for frosting): These are the stars of the caramel icing, creating that deep, creamy, spreadable frosting that defines the cake.

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How To Make the Creamy Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Divide batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Frosting

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before whipping or spreading.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are cool, spread a generous amount of caramel frosting between each layer, then cover the entire cake. Let it set before slicing.

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Serving and Storing This Cake

Serve the Creamy Caramel Cake at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. It’s a perfect centerpiece dessert for holidays, potlucks, or family gatherings. Store any leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let it come back to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.

What to Serve With Creamy Caramel Cake?

Hot Coffee or Espresso

The bitterness of coffee pairs perfectly with the cake’s sweetness.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

For an indulgent twist, serve a scoop on the side.

Salted Pecans

Sprinkle some roasted salted pecans over the frosting for a crunchy, salty contrast.

Fresh Berries

Raspberries or sliced strawberries help cut through the richness.

Whipped Cream

A lightly sweetened dollop on the side keeps things airy.

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Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If this Creamy Caramel Cake hits your sweet spot, you might also love these other decadent dessert creations:

• Brown Sugar Caramel Pound Cake for a dense, buttery delight.
• Chocolate Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake when you crave chocolate with your caramel.
• Coconut Cream Cake for a tropical, fluffy slice.
• Salted Caramel Cupcakes in adorable individual servings.
• Banana Caramel Nut Cheesecake with a nutty twist.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to bake again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe added a layer of banana or topped it with pecan praline? Share your version or questions in the comments!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

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