Dive into the sweet and irresistible world of baking with this Classic Caramel Layer Cake. Perfect for celebrations or a family weekend treat, this cake boasts moist layers of fluffy vanilla sponge, generously filled and topped with a luscious caramel frosting. This recipe is designed to guide you through each step to create a stunning, bakery-quality cake that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
For the Caramel Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups dark brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more if needed
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the Cake Layers:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Caramel Frosting:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Increase heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes without stirring.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth and reaching a spreading consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream as needed.
Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with a generous layer of caramel frosting. Top with the second layer, more frosting, then the final cake layer.
Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Use a spatula to create a smooth finish or decorative swirls.
Serving:
Allow the cake to set slightly in a cool place before slicing. This helps the frosting firm up for neater slices.
Serve and enjoy the decadent layers of moist cake and rich caramel that make this dessert a memorable treat for any occasion.
Indulge in the homemade goodness of this classic dessert, where every bite is a blend of soft cake and creamy caramel perfection!