Imagine a warm slice of Old Fashioned Caramel Cake resting on your plate, with its golden-brown exterior glistening like a treasure waiting to be unearthed. The aroma wafts through the air, wrapping you in a sweet embrace that whispers promises of rich butter and a hint of vanilla.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What makes Old Fashioned Caramel Cake special?
- Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
- How do I prevent my cake from sticking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This cake holds a special place in my heart—often featured at family gatherings where laughter and memories flow as freely as the homemade caramel sauce drizzled on top. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you nostalgic and brings everyone together around the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Old Fashioned Caramel Cake is incredibly simple to make and perfect for any occasion
- Experience an irresistible flavor profile that combines buttery richness with sweet caramel
- Its stunning visual appeal will impress guests at any gathering
- Versatile enough for birthdays or casual get-togethers, it’s sure to become a favorite
The last time I made this cake, my grandmother couldn’t stop raving about it—she even asked for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for an airy texture; it’s the foundation of our delightful cake.
- Baking Powder: Ensure you use fresh baking powder for that perfect rise; nobody wants a flat cake!
- Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness; plus, it adds richness.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten the deal with granulated sugar; it gives our cake that classic sweetness.
- Eggs: Large eggs provide moisture and structure; they bring everything together beautifully.
- Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and flavor; don’t skimp on it if you want indulgence!
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for depth of flavor; imitation just won’t cut it here.
- Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar enhances the caramel notes; it’s essential for that authentic taste.
- Cream: Heavy cream is crucial for making our irresistible caramel sauce; rich and luscious is the goal!
- Sea Salt: A pinch balances sweetness perfectly; it elevates all those fantastic flavors in our cake.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven : Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round 9-inch baking pans to prevent sticking.
Create Your Batter : In a large mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. You want it light in color and airy—this step is key!
Add Wet Ingredients : Mix in eggs one by one followed by milk and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy but not overly runny.
Sift Dry Ingredients : In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients while gently folding to keep that lovely airy texture.
Pour into Pans : Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth out the tops with a spatula—it’s like giving them a little spa treatment!
Bake Away : Place them in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The kitchen will smell heavenly!
Prepare Caramel Sauce : While cakes cool, melt brown sugar and cream in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbly. Stir constantly until it thickens—patience is key here!
Strongly drizzle some sea salt into your warm caramel sauce before removing from heat; this will take your flavors to new heights! Let it cool slightly before pouring over your cooled cakes.
Now assemble your masterpiece! Stack those layers high with some deliciously gooey caramel sauce in between each layer. Top off with more sauce and maybe some chopped nuts if you’re feeling fancy!
And there you have it—the ultimate Old Fashioned Caramel Cake ready to steal hearts at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- An Old Fashioned Caramel Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience
- The rich aroma fills the kitchen, and that first bite?
- Pure bliss!
- Make sure to watch your caramel closely; sugar can go from golden to burnt in seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the caramel, then cream the butter and sugar while it cools. This sequence ensures everything blends beautifully without a sticky mess.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with flavors like vanilla or even a hint of espresso for extra depth. You can also swap out regular flour for almond flour for a nutty twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Old Fashioned Caramel Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate and reheat slices in the microwave briefly before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always measure ingredients accurately to ensure perfect texture and flavor balance
- Let your cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting issues
- Using room-temperature eggs helps create a fluffier batter and better rise
One Thanksgiving, I made this cake, and my mother-in-law declared it her new favorite dessert, which was both a victory and an enormous pressure for future gatherings!
FAQ
What makes Old Fashioned Caramel Cake special?
The rich caramel flavor combined with soft cake layers creates a nostalgic delight.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, but homemade caramel brings a richer flavor to this Old Fashioned Caramel Cake.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking?
Grease your pans well and use parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Old Fashioned Caramel Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Old Fashioned Caramel Cake—a moist, buttery delight layered with rich, homemade caramel that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing in the milk and vanilla until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder; gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and smooth tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- For the caramel sauce, melt dark brown sugar and heavy cream over medium heat until thickened; stir in sea salt.
- Once cooled, layer the cake with caramel sauce between layers and drizzle remaining sauce on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg