Classic Southern Caramel Cake

#### Instructions

##### Step 1: Make the Cake

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure the cakes come out cleanly after baking.

2. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. **Add Eggs**: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

5. **Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Add the dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

6. **Bake the Cake**: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

7. **Cool the Cake**: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting.

##### Step 2: Make the Caramel Frosting

1. **Melt Butter and Sugar**: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar. Stir constantly to combine and prevent burning. Once the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

2. **Add Cream**: Once boiling, slowly stir in the heavy cream. The mixture may bubble up, so proceed carefully. Continue to cook and stir for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

3. **Finish the Frosting**: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable. If it’s too runny, let it cool a bit more to thicken; if it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it.

##### Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. **Layer the Cake**: Place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of caramel frosting over the top. Add the second layer of cake, and repeat the frosting process. Finish by placing the third cake layer on top and covering the entire cake with the remaining caramel frosting.

2. **Decorate (Optional)**: For an added touch, you can drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of the cake or sprinkle with finely chopped pecans or toasted coconut.

3. **Serve**: Let the cake sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting to set before cutting. The cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, so be sure to let it warm up if it’s been in the fridge.

#### Tips for Perfecting Your Caramel Cake

– **Use room temperature ingredients**: Room temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk ensure that the cake batter comes together smoothly and evenly.
– **Homemade caramel frosting is key**: While it’s tempting to use store-bought frosting, homemade caramel icing makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
– **Be patient with the caramel frosting**: The frosting can be a bit tricky—if it gets too thick, gently heat it to loosen; if it’s too thin, let it cool a little longer to thicken up.
– **Test for doneness**: For the cake, remember that oven temperatures can vary, so use the toothpick test (insert it into the center of the cake—it should come out clean) to determine when it’s done.

#### Why We Love Southern Caramel Cake

What makes this cake so special is its perfect balance between rich, buttery flavor and a satisfyingly sweet caramel finish. It’s not overly complicated, yet it’s undeniably indulgent. The cake’s golden, tender crumb is the ideal backdrop for the creamy, slightly chewy caramel icing, creating a dessert that’s impossible to resist.

Southern Caramel Cake is the kind of cake that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday meal or just baking it for an afternoon treat, it will surely create lasting memories for everyone who shares a slice.

So, next time you’re craving a slice of classic Southern goodness, whip up this recipe. It’s a sweet reminder of the heart of Southern hospitality—simple, delicious, and made with love.