Timeless Elegance on a Plate: Classic Southern Caramel Cake – A Culinary Symphony of Richness and Tradition! 🎂✨
Description: Indulge in the epitome of Southern charm with our Classic Southern Caramel Cake. This dessert masterpiece is a celebration of time-honored recipes passed down through generations, a sweet symphony that echoes the warmth of Southern kitchens. Picture layers of moist, golden cake embraced by velvety caramel frosting, creating a culinary masterpiece that transcends the ordinary. With each decadent slice, you’ll be transported to a world where elegance meets indulgence, leaving an unforgettable imprint on your taste buds. Elevate your dessert repertoire with the sophistication of this Southern classic that beckons you to savor every blissful bite. 🍰🌺💖
Ingredients: For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🍞
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 🥄
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 🥄
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 2 cups granulated sugar 🍚
- 4 large eggs, room temperature 🥚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature 🥛
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 2 cups granulated sugar 🍚
- 1 cup unsalted butter 🧈
- 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 🌰
- Pinch of salt 🧂
Price Estimate:
- All-purpose flour: $2.00
- Baking powder: $1.50
- Baking soda: $1.50
- Unsalted butter: $3.00
- Granulated sugar: $2.50
- Eggs: $2.00
- Vanilla extract: $3.00
- Buttermilk: $2.00
- Heavy cream: $2.50
Total Estimated Cost: $20.00
Instructions: For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
For the Caramel Frosting:
- In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches the soft-ball stage.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Allow the caramel to cool to room temperature.
- Beat the cooled caramel until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the cake by spreading a generous layer of caramel frosting between each layer and covering the entire cake. Let your creation set before slicing into this sublime Southern delight.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them?
- Absolutely! Freeze the layers, well-wrapped, and assemble when ready.
- Is it possible to make the caramel frosting in advance?
- Yes, you can make the caramel ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use. Reheat slightly for spreading.
- Can I use salted butter in the caramel frosting?
- While unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, you can use salted butter and adjust the added salt accordingly.
Savor the grandeur of Classic Southern Caramel Cake, a timeless creation that epitomizes the heart and soul of Southern hospitality. Share in the tradition, and let each bite weave stories of warmth and sweetness. 🌟🍰💛
