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Homemade Caramel Cake

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This classic Southern caramel cake features tender, buttery layers and a rich, slow-stirred caramel icing that’s worth every minute. Made for holidays, birthdays, or when you need a little warmth in the form of sugar and butter, it’s a timeless treat that never fails to comfort and impress.

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Celebration Cakes, Dessert, Holiday Favorites, Old-Fashioned Recipes, Southern Classics
Cuisine Southern American
Servings 12
Calories 913 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temp (2 sticks)
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 2½ cups sugar
  • 6 eggs room temp
  • 2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups cake flour sifted
  • 2 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1½ sticks unsalted butter for icing
  • 2 cans evaporated milk 12 oz each
  • 2 cups sugar for icing
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract for icing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  • In a stand mixer, beat butter, oil, and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
  • Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
  • In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add flour to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with flour. Mix until just combined.
  • Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with crumbs. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then remove to cool completely.
  • For the icing, melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pot. Stir in evaporated milk and sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, for about 90 minutes.
  • Icing is ready when thickened, amber-colored, and coats a spoon. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and cool slightly (15–20 minutes).
  • To assemble, place one cake layer on a plate. Spread icing on top, then repeat with remaining layers. Finish by spreading icing around the sides.
  • Let the cake sit to set the icing. Slice and serve.

Notes

If the icing thickens too much while frosting, rewarm it gently. This cake improves with age and is even better the next day. Keep it covered.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 913kcalCarbohydrates: 101.5gProtein: 9.3gFat: 33.8gSaturated Fat: 16.8gTrans Fat: 0.6gCholesterol: 162mgSodium: 382mgFiber: 0.7gSugar: 79g

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Keyword caramel cake, celebration, homemade icing, layered cake, southern dessert