Description
This Decadent Caramel Cake is a rich and impressive dessert that layers moist caramel-flavored cake with creamy frosting, silky caramel drizzle, and irresistible candy-topped swirls. It is an easy recipe for celebrations, dessert tables, holiday baking, and food ideas when you want a showstopping cake that still feels homemade, making it perfect for dessert lovers searching for baking ideas, party desserts, and special occasion sweets.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup caramel sauce, divided
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup toffee bits
8 mini peanut butter cups, chopped
Extra caramel sauce for drizzle
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk and sour cream, and mix just until combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 24 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool the cake layers in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and 1/2 cup caramel sauce until fluffy.
9. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting, drizzle with a little caramel sauce, and repeat with the remaining layers.
10. Apply a thin crumb coat over the cake and chill for 20 minutes.
11. Frost the cake with the remaining frosting, then add a caramel drip around the edges and over the top.
12. Decorate with toffee bits, chopped peanut butter cups, and extra frosting swirls if desired.
13. Chill the cake slightly before slicing, then serve.
Notes
Chill the cake before adding the caramel drip so the drizzle sets in neat, dramatic lines.
Use room temperature butter, eggs, cream cheese, milk, and sour cream for a smoother batter and frosting.
Let the cake sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 79g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 125mg