Southern Caramel Cake

Try this Southern Caramel Cake recipe, or contribute your own.

Southern Caramel Cake
Southern Caramel Cake

Try this Southern Caramel Cake recipe, or contribute your own.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Served Person: 10
  • Carbohydrate 125.726160331381 g
  • Cholesterol 3136.52875003941 mg
  • Fat 116.216157440038 g
  • Fiber 2.44633340192636 g
  • Protein 53.9567049987471 g
  • Saturated Fat 49.6641583005824 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 -15 (557g)
  • Sodium 374.210666675502 mg
  • Sugar 123.279826929455 g
  • Trans Fat 6.80243641760516 g
  • Calories 1774 calories

Step-by-step

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Grease and flour 3 9-inch cake pans and then cover bottom with parchment paper.
  • Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
  • Cream butter and vegetable oil for 5-7 minutes.
  • Add sugar to butter and mix well for several minutes.
  • Add eggs and yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Add flour and milk alternately, starting and ending with flour.
  • Stir in vanilla.
  • Pour into prepared cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and springy to the touch.
  • Cool on parchment paper covered racks until ready to frost.
  • NOTE: You will have two pots going while making this frosting so have everything ready to go and have a large hot pad.
  • In large saucepan, place 2 1/2 cups sugar, butter, cream, and a dash of salt. Cook on medium until almost to a rolling boil then pour in sugar syrup that you are making in another skillet.
  • At the same time, in a small skillet, put 1/2 cup sugar and melt on medium until it becomes an amber color. You don't stir this sugar but you will need to shake the skillet every few minutes to help distribute the sugar. This is the sugar syrup that you will pour into the saucepan.
  • Once you pour in the syrup, cook on medium to medium-high, stirring constantly until almost soft ball stage or 232 on thermometer.
  • Remove pot from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool for about 15 minutes.
  • Either transfer to large stand mixer and beat on medium speed or use hand mixer on medium and whip until it becomes frosting consistency, 15-20 minutes.
  • If frosting sets too quickly or gets too thick, you can add a little additional cream.

My Southern Caramel Cake Adventure: A Baker's Tale

The aroma of freshly baked cake, rich with the intoxicating scent of caramel, is a memory I cherish. It's the kind of memory that transports you back to simpler times, to warm kitchens filled with the comforting sounds of family and laughter. My grandmother, a woman whose hands knew the magic of flour and sugar, made the most incredible Southern Caramel Cake. It wasn't just a cake; it was an experience, a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Growing up, watching her whip up this cake was like witnessing a sacred ritual. The precision, the love poured into each step – it was mesmerizing. She never used a recipe, her measurements guided by intuition and years of experience. The result was always perfection – a moist, tender cake perfectly balanced by a rich, creamy caramel frosting that was never too sweet, never too cloying. It was a cake that brought people together, a symbol of shared joy and happy memories.

Years later, I find myself trying to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. It's not just about following a recipe; it's about understanding the heart of the process, the love that goes into each ingredient, the patience required to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. While my cake may never perfectly replicate my grandmother's masterpiece, the attempt itself is a journey, a chance to reconnect with those treasured memories and, in a way, to honor her legacy.

This Southern Caramel Cake isn't just a dessert; it's a story, a narrative woven into every crumb. It's a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, the importance of family, and the enduring power of a good home-cooked meal. More than just a recipe, it's a piece of my family history, a treasure I’m delighted to share.

The rich caramel frosting, a symphony of sweet and buttery notes, complements the cake beautifully. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, not overpowering the delicate flavors of the cake itself. The process is a bit involved, but the results are undeniably worth the effort. It’s the kind of cake you savor, each bite a moment of pure indulgence.

Making this cake has become a meditative practice for me. The rhythmic mixing, the careful measuring, the anticipation of the golden-brown perfection in the oven – all these moments contribute to a sense of calm and focus. It’s a time to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and connect with something more profound.

So, if you're looking for a cake that's more than just a dessert; if you’re seeking a culinary adventure that will transport you to a place of warmth and comfort, then this Southern Caramel Cake is the perfect choice. It’s a recipe for memories, a recipe for love, and a recipe for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

The journey of making this cake has been as rewarding as the final product. Each attempt has been a learning experience, a chance to refine my skills and to explore the nuances of flavor and texture. And with each successful bake, the joy is immeasurable. It's a joy that's not just about the cake itself, but about the journey, the process, and the memories created along the way.

So go ahead, try this recipe. Don't be afraid to experiment, to make it your own. Let the aroma fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness. And remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love.

Beyond the delicious taste and satisfying texture, baking this cake offers a deeper connection to the past. It's a link to my family history, a way to honor the generations of women who came before me and passed down their culinary wisdom. The recipe itself is a legacy, a piece of family history that continues to evolve and adapt with each new generation.

Making this cake is also a way for me to connect with my own family. The process, from the initial preparation to the final frosting, is a wonderful opportunity to involve others, to share the joy of creating something delicious together. It's a bonding experience, a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Southern Caramel Cake is more than just a cake; it's a symbol of family, tradition, and love. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, combined with love and care, to create something truly extraordinary. It’s a taste of home, a taste of history, and a taste of happiness that will warm your heart and soul.