If you’re someone who loves the deep, buttery sweetness of caramel, then caramel cake is your ultimate dessert. This decadent cake is layered with moist, fluffy sponge and rich caramel frosting that melts in your mouth.
Caramel cake has become a popular treat for special occasions, celebrations, or when you simply crave something indulgent. So Lykkers, let's take a sweet dive into the world of caramel cake, from its origin to a delicious homemade recipe!
The Caramel Cake Experience
Caramel cake isn’t just about the sugary caramel flavor — it's about the perfect blend of textures and tastes. The soft, tender cake is often complemented by a thick, buttery caramel icing, creating a luxurious treat. Every bite gives you a balance of sweet and savory, with the gooey caramel contrasting beautifully against the delicate cake layers.
Caramel Icing
What sets caramel cake apart from other cakes is its frosting. Made with sugar, butter, and cream, caramel icing brings a smooth, velvety richness to the dessert. It's slightly sticky, golden in color, and has an irresistible buttery sweetness that leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Salted Caramel
For those who prefer a balance of flavors, salted caramel has become a trendy twist. Adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel frosting creates a delightful contrast between the sweetness of the caramel and the sharpness of the salt, taking your cake to the next level of flavor.
A Simple Caramel Cake Recipe
Craving some caramel goodness? Here’s a basic recipe to make caramel cake at home. It's perfect for satisfying that caramel craving, and it’s easier than you think!
Ingredients for the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
Ingredients for Caramel Frosting:
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Instructions:
Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Make the Batter: In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth.
Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Caramel Frosting: In a saucepan, melt the brown sugar and butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract (and sea salt if making salted caramel). Allow the frosting to cool slightly before spreading.
Assemble: Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread the caramel frosting generously between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
Where to Find Caramel Cake
If baking isn't your forte, don’t worry! You can find caramel cakes at various bakeries or specialty dessert shops. Here are a few popular spots to satisfy your caramel cake craving:
1. Magnolia Bakery (New York, USA)
Known for their irresistible cakes, Magnolia Bakery offers a rich and flavorful caramel cake that’s worth every bite.
2. Hummingbird Bakery (London, UK)
In the heart of London, Hummingbird Bakery is a go-to spot for cake lovers. Their caramel cake is moist, buttery, and topped with a smooth caramel glaze.
Caramel cake is a celebration of sweetness, butter, and all things indulgent. Whether you’re making it at home or picking one up from a bakery, caramel cake never fails to deliver a delicious experience. Its melt-in-your-mouth caramel frosting and soft cake layers make it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
