Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake

Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake is a classic Southern dessert that is rich, decadent, and full of caramel flavor. This cake is perfect for special occasions or just when you're craving something sweet and indulgent.

History

Caramel cake has been a beloved dessert in the South for generations. The combination of rich caramel frosting and moist, fluffy cake layers has made it a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations. This recipe has been passed down through families and is a true Southern tradition.

Ingredients

3.5 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup softened butter
2 cups sugar
6 eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel frosting

3 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 cups milk
4 tbsp softened butter
2 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Butter 2 layer cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment or waxed paper.
Butter the waxed paper.
Sift the flour with the baking powder and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until fluffy, then gradually add the sugar, beating until creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, and beat thoroughly after each addition.
Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Stir well after each addition, but do not overmix.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Turn the batter into the prepared pans.
Bake for 35 minutes.
When the cake is done, let it cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then turn it out onto cake racks to cool completely.

Caramel frosting

Combine the brown sugar and milk in a large saucepan.
Bring it to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, until it reaches a soft-ball stage.
Remove it from heat.
Add butter and vanilla, and beat at high speed until it thickens enough to hold to the cake when spread.
If the frosting becomes too thick, beat in a few drops of hot water.
Spread the caramel frosting over one layer of the cake, top with the other layer, and cover the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel frosting for added crunch and flavor.
Use a different flavor extract, such as almond or rum, in place of the vanilla for a unique twist.
Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the cake for a more decadent presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cake.

- Alternating the dry ingredients with the milk will help prevent overmixing and ensure a light and airy texture.

- Be careful when making the caramel frosting, as it can quickly go from soft-ball stage to hard-crack stage. Stir constantly and watch carefully to avoid burning.

- If the frosting becomes too thick, simply add a few drops of hot water and continue beating until it reaches the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is essential for a tender cake.

- Beating the caramel frosting until thick enough to hold to the cake will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use cake flour in place of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.

- Margarine can be substituted for butter in both the cake and frosting.

Make Ahead Tips

The cake layers can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The caramel frosting can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cake with additional caramel drizzle, chopped nuts, or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake contains approximately 60g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake contains approximately 20g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, milk) and eggs.

Summary

Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake is a classic Southern dessert that is rich, decadent, and full of caramel flavor. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a beloved tradition in the South. Enjoy a slice of this indulgent cake for a special treat or celebration.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy kitchen in the heart of the Southern countryside. Martha was known for her incredible baking skills, and that day she was preparing a special treat for her family - a rich and decadent caramel cake that had been passed down through generations.

As I watched her work, I was mesmerized by the care and attention to detail that Martha put into every step of the process. She started by making a velvety smooth caramel sauce from scratch, using nothing but butter, sugar, and a splash of cream. The scent of the caramel as it bubbled and darkened on the stove was intoxicating, filling the kitchen with a warm, sugary aroma that made my mouth water.

Next, Martha prepared the cake batter, which was a simple buttermilk-based recipe that she had learned from her own grandmother. She mixed the flour, sugar, and eggs together with a gentle hand, folding in the buttermilk and a generous helping of vanilla extract to create a light and airy batter that promised a moist and tender crumb.

Once the cake was baked and cooled, Martha slathered each layer with a thick coat of the homemade caramel sauce, allowing it to seep into the cake and infuse every bite with its rich, buttery flavor. She then stacked the layers together, forming a towering masterpiece that was as beautiful as it was delicious.

As Martha served slices of the caramel cake to her family, I watched with awe as they closed their eyes in bliss, savoring each bite as if it were a piece of heaven itself. The combination of the moist cake and the sticky-sweet caramel was truly irresistible, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this recipe for myself.

After thanking Martha for her hospitality and her generosity in sharing the recipe with me, I returned home and set to work in my own kitchen, determined to recreate the magic of that caramel cake. I followed Martha's instructions to the letter, taking my time to craft the perfect caramel sauce and bake the cake to golden perfection.

When the cake was finally assembled and ready to be served, I couldn't wait to share it with my own family. As they took their first bites, their eyes widened in surprise and delight, and I knew that I had succeeded in capturing the essence of Martha's masterpiece.

From that day on, the Down South Old-fashioned Caramel Cake became a staple in our family gatherings and celebrations. Every time I make it, I am transported back to Martha's kitchen, to that hot summer day when I first saw the recipe come to life in her skilled hands.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will carry on the tradition of making this decadent dessert with love and care. May it bring joy and sweetness to your own family gatherings, just as it has to mine for all these years. And remember, the secret ingredient in every recipe is the love that you pour into it. Enjoy!