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two layer caramel cake with one piece removed

Easy Moist Caramel Cake


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  • Author: Melissa Riker
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

This easy caramel cake has layers of moist vanilla cake soaked poke cake-style with a decadent butter sauce and topped with a rich caramel sauce that adds an extra layer of deliciousness to every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, brought to room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3 cups all purpose flour, scooped and leveled
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Butter Sauce:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 1 ½ cup salted caramel sauce


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray two 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray or baking spray and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar for 4-5 minutes or until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until incorporated. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. Then, add the buttermilk and mix well.
  4. Add the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix until just combined; the batter will be thick.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two 8-inch pans. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. 
  6. Once the cakes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the butter sauce.
  7. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the butter, sugar, and vanilla. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  8. Using a skewer or toothpick, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
  9. Pour the butter sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
  10. Let the cake cool completely for 30 minutes or more.
  11. When ready to assemble, place one layer on a cake board or serving platter and top with the salted caramel.
  12. Add the second layer on top and finish with more salted caramel. Serve and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 575
  • Sugar: 66.9 g
  • Sodium: 338.6 mg
  • Fat: 21.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 91.2 g
  • Fiber: 0.9 g
  • Protein: 6.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 115.1 mg