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Southern Salted Caramel Cake: A Decadent Dessert Recipe to Savor


  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This decadent layered cake features a moist vanilla base, rich salted caramel sauce, and creamy frosting, making it perfect for celebrations or a delightful everyday treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for salted caramel sauce)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces (for salted caramel sauce)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (for salted caramel sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (for salted caramel sauce)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • ½ cup salted caramel sauce (from above)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting with a third of the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined, then adding half of the buttermilk. Repeat, ending with the dry ingredients.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  9. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color, about 10 minutes.
  10. Carefully add the butter, stirring until melted and combined.
  11. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until well combined.
  12. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Allow to cool slightly before using in the frosting.
  13. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  14. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
  15. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  16. Mix in the salted caramel sauce until well combined.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
  • The salted caramel sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
  • This cake can be decorated with additional caramel sauce and sea salt for an extra touch.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes