The Caramel Cake recipe you’re interested in is a delightful dessert from Southern Living’s Top 10 Cake Recipes, known for its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe, including ingredients, preparation steps, and nutritional information:
Caramel Cake Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 two-layer cake

Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
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Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a small bowl, combine sour cream and milk. Set aside.
- Cream butter until creamy in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add 2 cups of sugar, beating well.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the butter mixture alternately with the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Stir in vanilla extract (and optional rum extract if desired).
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
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Prepare the Caramel Frosting:
- Combine 2 1/2 cups of sugar, milk, beaten egg, and salt in a bowl, stirring well.
- Stir in butter and set aside.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and turns into a light golden brown caramel.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir the butter mixture into the hot caramelized sugar. It may clump initially but will smooth out during cooking.
- Cook the entire mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer registers 235°F (about 15-20 minutes).
- Cool the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Beat the frosting with a wooden spoon for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches almost spreading consistency.
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Assemble the Cake:
- Immediately spread the caramel frosting between the cooled cake layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 712.9
- Total Fat: 29.9g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 151.7mg
- Sodium: 429.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 107.1g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 84.1g
- Protein: 6.9g
Recipe Notes:
- This Caramel Cake recipe yields a decadent two-layer cake with a moist crumb and a rich caramel frosting that complements the buttery texture of the cake.
- Ensure the caramel reaches the correct temperature (235°F) for the frosting to set properly.
- The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerated for longer freshness.
This Southern-inspired Caramel Cake is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a dessert that combines the flavors of butter, caramel, and a hint of vanilla in every bite. Enjoy baking and savoring this delicious treat!