If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for luscious, melt-in-your-mouth desserts, the Creamy Caramel Cake Recipe is going to become your new best friend. This cake marries a tender, buttery crumb with an irresistible caramel sauce that’s rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced with a touch of vanilla. It’s the kind of treat that brings comfort and celebration together whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon indulgence. Every bite is like a warm hug wrapped in caramel goodness, and making it is easier than you’d think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these ingredients right is the key to achieving the perfect balance of fluffy cake and creamy caramel. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the ideal texture, flavor, and appearance that will make your Creamy Caramel Cake Recipe shine.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy structure and soft texture every cake needs.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture for that perfect tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to a delicate crumb.
- 3 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that complements the caramel.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and ensures a moist cake.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Essential for making the creamy caramel sauce with a luscious texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Gives the caramel its deep, rich flavor with a hint of molasses.
- 1/4 cup butter: Combines with brown sugar and cream to create the luscious caramel topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel): Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the caramel sauce.
How to Make Creamy Caramel Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Go ahead and preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans so your cakes will come out beautifully without sticking. This simple first step ensures everything is set for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination is what will give your cake that light fluffiness and the right structure. Whisking them ahead helps to evenly distribute those leavening agents.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air into the batter, which creates a soft and tender crumb in the end. Your kitchen will smell heavenly after this!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. This ensures every bit is fully incorporated and adds to the cake’s moisture and richness. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting flavor that pairs so wonderfully with caramel.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. This careful mixing keeps the batter from becoming tough and helps maintain the delicate texture essential in a Creamy Caramel Cake Recipe.
Step 6: Bake Your Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and pop them in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell of baking cake will start to fill your home—it’s one of the best parts!
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely. This step prevents the caramel from melting too much when you assemble the cake.
Step 8: Make the Caramel Sauce
For the glorious caramel sauce, melt brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it gently until it thickens into a glossy, smooth sauce. Finish it off with a splash of vanilla extract. This is the luscious topping that makes the Creamy Caramel Cake Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Spread a generous layer of that luscious caramel sauce between the cake layers. Then drizzle even more caramel on top right before serving. This final touch not only amps up the flavor but also gives the cake a beautiful, inviting finish.
How to Serve Creamy Caramel Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel sauce sets off an amazing sweet-salty contrast. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a bright, tart note that complements the richness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is pure bliss.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or rich black tea, which cut through the sweetness just right. For a brunch setting, fresh fruit or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual cake slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce artistically swirled on the plate. For celebrations, top with edible gold leaf or caramel shards for an extra elegant touch. Layer the cake into a trifle bowl with whipped cream and nuts for a stunning presentation that’s effortless but impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creaminess of the caramel sauce is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to keep its fresh, rich flavor and perfect texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers separately before assembling. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When thawing, bring them to room temperature slowly to retain softness. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your Creamy Caramel Cake Recipe any time you crave it.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This warms the caramel sauce and makes the cake feel fresh-from-the-oven, perfect for cozy moments.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the dry ingredients to avoid the cake becoming too salty. Unsalted butter lets you control the exact salt level in this sweet recipe.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the caramel sauce?
If you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk or half-and-half can work as substitutes, but the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy. Adjust cooking time slightly to thicken it well.
How do I prevent the caramel sauce from hardening?
Keep your caramel sauce stored in an airtight container and reheat gently if it thickens too much. Making sure you don’t overcook the sauce initially is key to keeping it smooth and pourable.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s one-to-one baking flour. The texture might be a bit different but still delicious in the Creamy Caramel Cake Recipe.
Is it okay to use brown sugar in the cake batter?
This recipe calls for granulated sugar in the batter for a lighter crumb, but you can replace some or all of it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor and moister texture. Experiment to find your favorite twist!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Creamy Caramel Cake Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. It’s the perfect combination of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special — rich, creamy caramel paired with a soft, tender cake that feels like a special treat every single time. So grab your mixing bowl, warm up your oven, and let this cake sweeten your day!
Print
Creamy Caramel Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in this luscious Creamy Caramel Cake featuring moist layers of tender cake paired with a rich, homemade caramel sauce. Perfectly balanced flavors and a smooth caramel drizzle make it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Caramel Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning throughout the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, creating a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate and emulsify them into the batter. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture alternately with the milk to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting or assembling.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth caramel sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of caramel sauce over it. Top with the second layer and drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top before serving to add luscious sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Use a toothpick test to confirm the cake is baked through.
- Caramel sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before assembling.
- Store cake in the refrigerator covered to keep the caramel sauce fresh and prevent it from drying out.
