This delightful Southern Layer Cake paired with homemade Caramel Frosting is a treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a dessert that’s bound to become a new favorite.
Cake Ingredients:
- Butter, for beating and greasing
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Flour
- Buttermilk
- Vanilla extract
Instructions for Cake:
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch cake pans and line them with optional parchment paper for easier removal after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until it’s light and fluffy. Add sugar and continue to beat for about 5 more minutes until the mixture is well aerated.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully integrated into the batter.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Start adding the flour and buttermilk to the butter mixture alternately, beginning and ending with flour. Ensure each addition is well mixed before adding the next.
- Flavor with Vanilla: Add vanilla extract and beat the mixture well to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and turn them out onto cooling racks. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Ingredients for Southern Caramel Frosting:
- Sugar
- Buttermilk
- Crisco (shortening)
- Butter
- Baking soda
Instructions for Caramel Frosting:
- Combine Ingredients: In a 3-4 quart cast iron Dutch oven, mix sugar, buttermilk, Crisco, butter, and baking soda. This combination ensures a rich flavor and smooth texture.
- Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Place the Dutch oven over medium heat. Swirl the pan occasionally to prevent burning and promote even cooking. Cook the mixture until it reaches the softball stage, between 235º – 245ºF on a candy thermometer.
- Cold Water Test: If you don’t have a thermometer, use the cold water test. Drop a small amount of caramel into a cup of cold water. If you can form a soft ball with the caramel in the water, it’s ready. If it’s still too gooey, continue cooking and testing.
- Beat Until Creamy: Once the caramel reaches the correct stage, remove from heat. Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until it becomes creamy and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: When both the cakes and frosting are cool, spread the caramel frosting between each layer, on the top, and around the sides of the cake.
Enjoy this luxurious Southern Layer Cake with Caramel Frosting as the perfect end to a meal or a celebratory treat. The combination of fluffy cake and rich, creamy frosting is sure to delight all who try it.
