Southern Burned Caramel Cake is a beloved dessert that brings together tender yellow cake layers and a rich, cooked caramel frosting. This delightful combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite for celebrations and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 2 cups granulated sugar 🍚
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature 🥚
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 teaspoon baking powder 🥄
- 1 cup whole milk 🥛
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
For the Burned Caramel Frosting:
- 2½ cups granulated sugar 🍚
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick) 🧈
- 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🍦
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt 🧂
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. 🏋️♀️
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. 🥄
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. 🥚
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. 🌾
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. 🥄
- Stir in the vanilla extract. 🍦
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. 🏋️♀️
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 🔥
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. 🌬️
2️⃣ Prepare the Burned Caramel Frosting:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Be cautious not to burn it. 🔥
- Carefully pour the heavy cream into the caramelized sugar. The mixture will bubble vigorously—stir until smooth. 🥄
- Add the remaining 1½ cups of sugar and the butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (about 235°F or 113°C on a candy thermometer). 🏋️♀️
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. 🍦
- Allow the frosting to cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency. If it becomes too thick, thin it with a small amount of warm heavy cream. 🌬️
3️⃣ Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of caramel frosting evenly over the top. 🏋️♀️
- Repeat with the second and third cake layers, covering the top and sides with the frosting. 🥄
- Let the frosting set before slicing and serving. 🌬️
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best cake texture, make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- Soft-Ball Stage: If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test the frosting by dropping a small amount into cold water—it should form a soft, pliable ball.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a tender crumb.
- Storage: The cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
FAQs
1. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If it thickens too much, warm it gently and stir until spreadable.
2. What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
Use the cold-water test to check for the soft-ball stage. Drop a small amount of caramel into cold water—it should form a ball that flattens when pressed.
3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the sea salt in the frosting to prevent it from becoming overly salty.
4. What if my caramel burns?
Burned caramel cannot be salvaged, so it’s best to start over. Use medium heat and stir constantly to avoid scorching.
Enjoy your Southern Burned Caramel Cake, a treat that brings a taste of the South to your table! 🍰