Ingredients with Measurements:
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- For the Salted Caramel Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Special equipment needed:
- 2 8-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Piping bag with star tip
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
5. Stir in the caramel sauce until evenly distributed.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on wire racks.
9. To make the salted caramel buttercream, beat the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
10. Stir in the caramel sauce and salt until well combined.
11. To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of salted caramel buttercream over the top of the cake. Place the second cake layer on top of the buttercream.
12. Use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe swirls of salted caramel buttercream around the top and bottom edges of the cake.
13. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the cake.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 580
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 260mg
Carbohydrates: 77g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 62g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and almond milk instead of butter and whole milk.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cake batter for extra texture.
- Use a different flavor of caramel sauce, such as salted caramel or bourbon caramel.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries between the cake layers.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting the recipe.
- Don't overmix the cake batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- To make the cake layers even, use a serrated knife to level off the tops before assembling the cake.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cake on a cake stand or platter.
- Garnish the cake with fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Sea salt
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Milk
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the batter.
- If the cake is too moist, reduce the amount of caramel sauce in the recipe.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
- Caramel cake is a classic Southern dessert that dates back to the early 20th century. It became popular during the Great Depression, when ingredients like sugar and butter were scarce.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet
- Rich
- Buttery
- Caramel-y
- Salty
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cake as a dessert after a Southern-style meal.
- Pair the cake with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Salty, Caramelized, Rich