Southern-Style Caramel Cake

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If you’ve ever had the pleasure of spending time in the South, a slice of Southern-Style Caramel Cake will surely evoke fond memories. This traditional dessert is a delightful combination of a moist, slightly sweet yellow cake topped with a rich, creamy caramel icing. The cake itself serves as a perfect vehicle for the luscious icing to melt in your mouth. Beware, the icing is so irresistible that you might find yourself sneaking a taste even before it adorns the cake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern-Style Caramel Cake is a true crowd-pleaser. The light and fluffy texture of the cake complements the silky caramel icing perfectly. This recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking less than 1.5 hours—but it also captures the authentic flavors of the South without requiring hours of labor over the stove.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 2 round cake pans
• Medium bowl
• Large bowl or mixer
• Large saucepan
• Rubber or offset spatula

Ingredients

Cake:
2 1/2 cups of sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable shortening
1 1/2 cups of whole milk
6 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt

Icing:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 can of condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F and lightly grease two round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl or mixer, beat sugar and shortening together for 2-3 minutes until smooth and moist.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until incorporated.
5. Slowly add milk and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let the cakes cool completely.
8. For the icing, combine brown sugar, sugar, butter, and condensed milk in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until thickened.
9. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
10. Let the icing cool slightly, then pour 2/3-3/4 cup over the bottom cake layer, cover with the second layer, and pour the remaining icing over the top and sides.
11. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

For the best results, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. When making the caramel icing, keep stirring to prevent it from burning. If the icing is too thick to pour, gently warm it until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Additional Tips and Variations

If you prefer a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans over the icing. For a deeper flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar in the icing.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 560
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 75g
Protein: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Make the icing fresh for the best texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

This Southern-Style Caramel Cake is a slice of nostalgia and a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of rich caramel and fluffy cake. We hope you enjoy making and tasting this delightful dessert. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you try!

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