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Decadent Caramel Cake

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Decadent Caramel Cake is a show-stopping dessert layered with soft vanilla sponge, rich homemade caramel sauce, and creamy whipped frosting. It’s perfect for any celebration, bringing together the elegance of bakery-quality presentation with the comforting taste of caramel. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast ideas, easy dinner party desserts, or indulgent food ideas, this cake fits beautifully into your easy recipe collection.


Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup brown sugar (for caramel)

3 cups powdered sugar

8 oz cream cheese (softened)

½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

1 cup caramel candies or peanut butter cups (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy and light.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla.

5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour.

6. Divide batter evenly among pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.

7. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Simmer until thick and golden. Cool slightly.

8. For the frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add a bit of caramel for flavor.

9. Assemble the cake by layering cake, frosting, and drizzled caramel. Repeat.

10. Frost the outside of the cake, drizzle more caramel, and top with nuts and candy.


Notes

Let the caramel cool before drizzling to avoid melting the frosting.

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.

For even layers, weigh the batter before pouring into pans.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 58g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 72g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: caramel cake, decadent dessert, easy recipe, party cake, celebration cake