Southern Caramel Cake

Directions

Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans and optionally line with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating for about 5 minutes.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Alternately add self-rising flour and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix well after each addition.
5. Add vanilla extract and beat until fully incorporated.
6. Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove cakes from pans and allow to cool completely on wire racks.

Southern Caramel Frosting:

1. In a 3–4 quart cast iron Dutch oven, combine sugar, buttermilk, Crisco, butter, and baking soda.
2. Cook over medium heat, swirling the pan frequently to keep the mixture moving. Bring to a “softball stage” of 235º–245º F (113º–118º C) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, use the cold water test: drop a small amount of caramel into cold water and form a ball with your fingers; if it’s too soft, cook a little longer.
3. Remove from heat and beat with a wooden spoon until creamy and ready to spread.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of caramel frosting over the top.
2. Repeat with remaining layers, spreading frosting evenly on top and sides of the cake.
3. Let the cake set slightly before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Details

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes (cake) + 15–20 minutes (frosting)
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12–16
Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Add a pinch of sea salt to the frosting for salted caramel flavor.
• Use brown sugar instead of white sugar in frosting for deeper caramel notes.
• Substitute part of the butter with cream cheese in frosting for a creamier texture.
• Add chopped pecans between layers or on top for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions