Grandma Homemade Caramel Cake Recipe 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.

1. Make the Cake Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

1. Bake the Cakes:

• Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Prepare the Caramel Icing:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
• Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until smooth. If the icing becomes too thick, add a little more cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

1. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of caramel icing over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining icing.
• Let the cake sit for about 30 minutes before serving, allowing the caramel icing to set.

Tips for the Best Homemade Caramel Cake:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the batter to mix more evenly.
• Cook the Caramel Icing Carefully: The caramel icing should be smooth and creamy; avoid overcooking it, which can cause it to harden or crystallize.
• Work Quickly When Icing the Cake: The caramel icing can set quickly as it cools, so be sure to frost the cake while the icing is still warm and spreadable.

Variations to Try:

• Salted Caramel Cake: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel icing for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
• Pecan Caramel Cake: Sprinkle chopped pecans between the cake layers and on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Caramel Cake: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cake for an extra layer of richness.

The Story Behind Caramel Cake:

Caramel Cake has deep roots in Southern cuisine, where it’s considered a traditional dessert often made for celebrations and special occasions. It is known for its sweet, buttery caramel icing that requires careful preparation to achieve the right consistency. Many Southern cooks passed down their caramel cake recipes through generations, often without exact measurements, making each family’s version unique. For many, the taste of caramel cake evokes fond memories of Grandma’s kitchen and holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Grandma’s Homemade Caramel Cake is a delightful combination of moist, tender cake and smooth caramel icing, creating a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug. The deep flavor of caramel is both sweet and slightly nutty, providing a satisfying contrast to the buttery cake layers. This classic dessert is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special.

This recipe captures the essence of traditional Southern baking, allowing you to create a dessert that’s truly timeless. With just a few simple ingredients and some careful preparation, you’ll have a cake that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. So, fire up the oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness that’s as sweet as nostalgia itself.