Caramel Cake Recipe - Mom On Timeout

July 2024 · 11 minute read
two image collage showing a whole caramel cake on a glass cake stand and then a slice of the caramel cake below. center text on the collage says caramel cake.

This amazing Caramel Cake recipe is a total showstopper and a must make for caramel lovers! A tender, moist cake with subtle caramel notes is generously frosted with a rich, decadent caramel frosting – superb! Enjoy with an afternoon coffee, share with friends and family during the holiday season or serve for dessert this weekend – you really can’t go wrong!

Love all things caramel? Make sure to check out these favorites: Caramel Sauce, Carmelitas and these Caramel Apple Empanadas!

Caramel Cake Recipe

Layer cakes have a tendency to intimidate novice bakers because they seem so fussy. This two layer Caramel Cake recipe is really very simple with the richest, most decadent caramel frosting.

There are two parts to this layer cake: the cake itself and the frosting. The cake is light and fluffy and has a subtle caramel flavor. The frosting however, is another story: rich, deep, caramel flavor that really shines.

This cake is really sweet, thanks to the over the top caramel icing, so keep some milk on hand to balance it out.

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Timesaver: The caramel frosting is the star of the show in this recipe so if you need to save some time, use a box mix (yellow cake mix or chocolate cake mix will work great) to cut down the time.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Cake

Cake Recipes

Craving cake? Here are some of our favorites:

  • Best Ever Texas Sheet Cake
  • Chocolate Chip No Bake Cheesecake
  • Easy Ice Cream Cake
  • Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Practically Perfect Pineapple Cake
  • Oreo Cheesecake
  • Chocolate Zucchini Cake
  • Pina Colada Cake
  • Caramel Cake Ingredients

    This incredible Caramel Cake recipe is always a good idea and is the perfect addition to holidays, potlucks and any party where good food is appreciated.. As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need…

    For the Caramel Cake

    For the Caramel Frosting

    The dark brown sugar really gives the caramel frosting incredible flavor with its extra molasses. If you can’t find dark brown sugar, additional light brown sugar can be used instead.

    How To Make This Caramel Cake Recipe

    Make the Cakes

  • Preheat the oven 350°F.
  • Grease two 9 inch round cake pans with baking spray and place parchment paper in the bottom of the pans. Spray the top of the paper with baking spray.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium size bowl.
  • Beat the oil and butter until combined in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if using a hand mixer).
  • Add the sugars and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes or until fully incorporated.
  • Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  • Next, add the eggs, one at a time, until completely mixed in. 
  • Add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk, alternating between the two, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. (Stir in half of the dry ingredients, then half of the buttermilk and then repeat.)
  • Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the top with an offset spatula.
  • Bake the cakes for 22 to 27 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pan.
  • Remove the cakes and cut off any doming or uneven parts of the cake if there are any.
  • Place one of the cakes on your cake stand or plate. Set aside.
  • Prepare The Caramel Frosting

  • Stir to combine the brown sugars, butter and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the evaporated milk and the heavy cream.
  • Simmer for 4 minutes (you will notice the mixture starts to thicken.) Transfer the mixture immediately to a heat safe bowl.
  • Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and then beat in the vanilla extract. 
  • Spoon ¾ cup of the frosting on top of the cake and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly.
  • Carefully place the remaining cake top side down on top of the caramel frosting. Spread the remaining frosting on the top and sides working quickly.
  • Let the frosting to set up completely, about 2 to 3 hours, before slicing and serving.
  • Storage Information

    Store and leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. 

    To Freeze: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Place in an airtight container or ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let defrost at room temperature or in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

    Trish’s Tips and Tricks

    This cake is really gorgeous and would make a tasty addition to your holiday dessert table!

    Caramel Cake FAQs

    Can I use a cake mix instead?

    Yes, you sure can. I would recommend a yellow cake mix, chocolate cake mix or butter cake mix. Those three will pair well with the caramel frosting.

    Can this caramel cake be made in advance?

    The cakes do need to cool completely so the cakes could be made a day or two in advance and then frosted on serving day. You could frost a day in advance too if needed.

    Do you add any decorations to this cake?

    I typically leave the cake as is because the frosting is so pretty but I’ve shared some ideas below on fun toppings for this caramel cake recipe.

    Caramel Cake Toppings

    This recipe for caramel cake is stunning in its simplicity and the gorgeous caramel icing is more than enough but if you wanted to, you could top it off with a sprinkling of sea salt, a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate sauce and perhaps some fresh berries.

    You could also top with your favorite caramel candy: Twix, Snickers, Rolos etc. Cut in half or chop and pile in the center or decorate the edges of the cake.

    More Delicious Cakes

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  • How To Make Caramel Cake

    Caramel Cake

    This amazing Caramel Cake recipe is a total showstopper and a must make for caramel lovers! A tender, moist cake with subtle caramel notes is generously frosted with a rich, decadent caramel frosting – superb! Enjoy with an afternoon coffee, share with friends and family during the holiday season or serve for dessert this weekend – you really can't go wrong!

    Course Dessert Cuisine American Keyword caramel cake, caramel cake recipe, southern caramel cake Prep Time 30 minutes Cook Time 22 minutes Servings 12 Calories 786kcal Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

    Ingredients

    Caramel Cake

    Caramel Frosting

    Instructions

    Prepare The Caramel Frosting

    Notes

    Storage Information Store and leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.  To Freeze: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Place in an airtight container or ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let defrost at room temperature or in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 786kcal | Carbohydrates: 108g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 314mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 86g | Vitamin A: 944IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 141mg | Iron: 2mg

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