Caramel Cake
If you’re looking for a sweet, moist dessert that will impress your guests, look no further than this caramel cake. With its rich layers and luscious caramel glaze, this cake is perfect for celebrations or a cozy evening at home. The combination of velvety cake and a glossy caramel topping creates a heavenly experience for your taste buds. Follow this easy recipe to bring this decadent treat to your table!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup caramel sauce for drizzling
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 10 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and the cooking time is about 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g fat, 45g carbohydrates, and 4g protein. This is based on one person enjoying a standard-sized slice of the cake.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and drizzle more caramel on top.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk for a lighter flavor.
Serving and Pairings
This caramel cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. A cup of coffee or tea enhances its rich flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store the caramel cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense cake.
– Ensure your oven is preheated for even baking.
– Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
– Don’t skip the cooling time before icing the cake.
– Use a toothpick to check for doneness instead of relying on time alone.
Helpful Tips
– Use high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor.
– Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
– Experiment with flavored extracts like almond for a unique twist.
– Let the cake cool completely before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. Just add the caramel glaze when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
To make caramel sauce, melt 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Remove from heat and carefully stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 4 tablespoons of butter until smooth.
Is there a gluten-free option for this cake?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results.
Can I use a different frosting instead of caramel?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache can be delicious alternatives to caramel for this cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Conclusion
This caramel cake is a delightful dessert that combines a rich flavor with a moist texture. Perfect for any celebration or simply as a treat, it’s sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy every slice of this sweet indulgence!
Caramel Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and drizzle more caramel on top.
