Indulge your sweet tooth with a slice of heaven! This Caramel Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just any dessert; it's a delightful masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. With its moist layers infused with rich caramel and topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday celebration, a cozy family gathering, or simply a treat for yourself. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this scrumptious recipe that’s easier to make than you might think!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour in the caramel sauce and gently fold it into the batter until evenly distributed. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula if necessary.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until well combined. Increase the speed and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of the first layer.
- Place the second layer on top of the frosted first layer. Use the remaining cream cheese frosting to frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the frosted cake for decoration, if desired. You can also sprinkle some sea salt or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
- Slice and serve the caramel cake to your guests. Enjoy!
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting. This helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they are done.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
- Frosting Variations: Feel free to add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the cream cheese frosting for an extra flavor boost.
- Decorate Creatively: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your cake decoration! Drizzle extra caramel sauce and sprinkle some chopped nuts or sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- Storage Tips: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 95g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 135mg
