Caramel Cake with Decadent Caramel Icing Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that craves layers of buttery goodness, then this Caramel Cake with Decadent Caramel Icing Recipe is going to be your new favorite indulgence. Imagine a moist, tender cake enveloped in rich, luscious caramel icing that melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with the warmest aroma. It’s the ultimate combination of just the right sweetness and buttery depth that makes every bite pure pleasure. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, this recipe promises smiles all around and maybe even a spoonful or two stolen by the baker before anyone else gets a slice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in bringing out the perfect texture, color, and flavor of the cake and its irresistible caramel icing. Trust me, the magic lies in the balance and quality of these basics.

• 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks): Provides richness and a tender crumb in the cake base.
• 1 cup water: Adds moisture that helps the cake stay soft and fluffy.
• 2 cups brown sugar: Imparts a deep caramel flavor and natural sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla: Brings warmth and depth to both the cake and icing.
• 2 cups flour (spooned and leveled): The structure of the cake, ensures the perfect rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the cake for a light, airy texture.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that compliments the caramel.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• 3/4 cup salted butter (1 and 1/2 sticks): Used again in the icing for that luscious buttery finish.
• 3 and 1/2 cups brown sugar: The star of the icing, creating that thick caramel indulgence.
• 1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect icing consistency.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweet caramel icing beautifully.
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla: Final touch to deepen the flavor in the icing.

How to Make Caramel Cake with Decadent Caramel Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 18×13 inch half sheet pan with parchment paper or give it a good coat of nonstick spray or butter to make sure your beautiful cake comes out easily after baking. This step sets you up for success, so don’t skimp on it!

Step 2: Create the Caramel Base for the Cake

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup salted butter and 1 cup water over medium-high heat. Stir in 2 cups brown sugar and watch it bubble up to a rolling boil—make sure the bubbles cover the whole surface, not just the edges. Once it’s boiling, remove from heat to stop the caramel from burning. This luscious caramel base is what infuses the cake with that rich caramel flavor.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Flavoring

Let this caramel mixture cool for a few minutes so it’s not scalding hot, then stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. That cozy vanilla aroma signals we’re on the right track for something special.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Still in the pot, gently add the 2 cups flour—don’t stir just yet! Sprinkle salt and baking soda evenly over the flour, then use a small spoon to mix them lightly into the flour. This cautious mixing prevents pockets of salt or soda that might throw off the cake’s taste. Once this is done, whisk the whole mixture until smooth and lump-free. Take your time here because the batter’s texture will make all the difference in the final cake.

Step 5: Mix in Eggs and Sour Cream

In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and 1/2 cup sour cream until smooth. Then slowly add this into your batter, stirring gently but thoroughly until fully incorporated. This adds moisture and richness, creating the tender crumb that makes this caramel cake melt in your mouth.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread it to the edges for a nice even surface. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it: poke the center with a toothpick and when it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly done. You’ll also notice the edges pulling away slightly from the pan – that’s a great hint too!

Step 7: Let the Cake Cool Slightly

Once baked, remove the cake and allow it to cool for about 20 minutes before adding the icing. You want the cake to be warm, not hot, so the caramel icing can glide on smoothly without melting away.

Step 8: Make the Decadent Caramel Icing

For the icing, melt 3/4 cup salted butter with 3 and 1/2 cups brown sugar, 1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup evaporated milk (or heavy cream), and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a clean saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a rolling boil and stir constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—this can take anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes. Right when you reach the right consistency, remove from heat and stir in 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract to deepen the flavor.

Step 9: Cool the Icing Properly

This next step is vital for that perfect spreadable texture. Fill a large bowl with ice water and set your saucepan of caramel icing into the bath, being careful not to let water get into the caramel. Stir continuously for 3 to 5 minutes, scraping the sides often. This cooling method prevents the icing from hardening too fast, maintaining that irresistible pourable texture just long enough to frost the cake evenly.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

While the caramel icing is still pourable but no longer hot, pour it evenly over the slightly cooled cake. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it to the edges, covering every last inch with that rich caramel goodness.

Step 11: Let the Icing Set and Serve

Allow the icing to set for a few minutes until it slightly firms up. Serve the cake warm for the best experience—the caramel flavor shines when it’s cozy and slightly gooey, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Your homemade caramel dream has just come to life!

How to Serve Caramel Cake with Decadent Caramel Icing Recipe

Garnishes

To make this cake look even more inviting, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a lovely crunch, or add a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the caramel’s buttery sweetness. Fresh whipped cream dotted with a few caramel drizzle lines is another simple and elegant option that brings freshness and balance to each slice.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for a silky contrast. If you want to elevate the experience further, a cup of strong coffee or black tea will cut through the rich sweetness and keep your palate excited for every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at your next gathering? Serve the cake squares on a wooden platter with edible flowers or drizzle extra caramel sauce artistically on the serving plate. Individual portions topped with a caramel-dipped pretzel add a fun salty twist and make each serving a delightful, eye-catching treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cake left (which honestly might be hard), keep it covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and the caramel icing soft. After that, your best bet is refrigeration to extend freshness, but the texture may firm up slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze this caramel cake without icing for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bring to room temperature. For the best results, prepare the caramel icing fresh and frost just before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to revive that gooey, melty texture of the icing and soften the cake. Avoid overheating because the caramel can harden or become too runny. Serve immediately for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth moment.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk or heavy cream in the icing?

Regular milk isn’t quite rich enough to create the thick, glossy caramel icing you want. Evaporated milk or heavy cream adds the necessary creaminess and helps the caramel reach the perfect consistency.

Is this cake very sweet? Can I reduce the sugar?

This Caramel Cake with Decadent Caramel Icing Recipe is definitely a treat for those who love sweetness, but the salted butter and a pinch of salt balance it beautifully. You could reduce sugar slightly, but it might alter the texture and depth of caramel flavor.

Can I make this cake gluten free?

Yes! Swap the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for similar texture. Just keep in mind baking times can vary slightly.

Why is the caramel icing sometimes grainy?

Graininess usually happens if the sugar crystallizes. To avoid this, stir gently and continuously during boiling and cooling, and don’t let water get into your caramel mixture. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved before you start boiling.

How do I get a smooth, lump-free cake batter?

Using a whisk, incorporate the dry ingredients gradually and whisk thoroughly to break up lumps. Mixing the sour cream and eggs separately beforehand helps the batter combine more evenly and smoothly.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Cake with Decadent Caramel Icing Recipe is a true delight that offers warm, comforting flavors wrapped in buttery sweetness. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic. Don’t hesitate to try it out for your next celebration or just because you deserve a little caramel joy in your life. Happy baking, friend!

Print