Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake: A Southern Classic Worth the Effort

The Sweet Legacy of Caramel Cake

Old-fashioned caramel cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a love letter to Southern comfort food. This indulgent recipe, with its three layers of buttery yellow cake coated in velvety caramel, reminds us of Sunday dinners and celebrations with family. Cook Up Ki’s take on this classic elevates the experience with homemade caramel sauce that’s as rich in flavor as it is in tradition.

What makes this recipe special is its labor of love. The caramel takes time, patience, and a candy thermometer, but the reward is a dessert that’s worth every stir and every minute spent in the kitchen. From whipping air into the cake batter for a light and fluffy texture to crafting the perfect caramel sauce, this recipe is a testament to the art of baking.

Ingredients: What You Need

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter
• 3 cups white granulated sugar
• 2 quarts whole milk
• A pinch of salt
• Almond extract (to taste)
• Vanilla extract (to taste)

For the Yellow Cake:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (softened, room temperature)
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups cake flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 5 large eggs
• 1 heaping tbsp sour cream

Step-by-Step: How to Make Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat.
2. Add sugar, salt, milk, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
3. Continue stirring over medium-low heat. Using a candy thermometer, cook until the mixture reaches 235°F to 240°F (softball stage). This may take up to 1 ½ hours.
4. Once done, transfer the caramel to a bowl and let it cool for at least 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour.
2. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar on high for 10 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Add vanilla extract.
3. Alternate adding the flour and milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until combined but avoid overmixing.
4. Add eggs one at a time, followed by folding in the sour cream by hand.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

1. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Smooth the tops and tap the pans on the counter to release air bubbles.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Trim the domes off the tops for even layering.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Spread a small amount of caramel on the cake turntable to keep the first layer in place.
2. Use an offset spatula to spread caramel evenly over the first layer. Repeat with the remaining layers.
3. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow the caramel to set before serving.

This Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake is a masterpiece of Southern baking. The combination of fluffy yellow cake and smooth caramel glaze makes it perfect for special occasions or just because you deserve a treat.

Pro Tips:

• Always bake the cake layers first before preparing the caramel to streamline the process.
• Keep a close eye on the caramel while cooking—stir constantly and don’t rush it!
• For an even finish, use a cake leveler or serrated knife to trim the tops of the layers before assembling.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at something new, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.