Easy Homemade Caramel Cake Recipe – Rich & Moist!

If you’ve never tried a caramel cake recipe before, you’re in for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. I grew up watching my grandma make this cake for every special occasion—it’s golden, soft, and draped in thick, buttery caramel frosting that drips down the sides like a dream. It’s sweet, smooth, and just the right amount of indulgent.

This is a complete crowd-pleaser of a cake. Whether it’s for a Sunday dinner, holiday gathering or really for a “because I need cake” moment, it’s sure to impress. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to do at home with pantry staples and a bit of love.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Cake Recipe

This caramel cake recipe is pure comfort wrapped in rich, golden layers. From the first forkful, you’ll taste the deep buttery flavor of homemade caramel paired with soft, fluffy vanilla cake. It’s a nostalgic dessert that brings Southern charm to any table, whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, potluck, or just treating yourself on a cozy weekend.

The recipe is straightforward, doesn’t require any fancy equipment, and the ingredients are all pantry staples—making it both accessible and impressive. Trust me, once you make it, this cake will become your go-to for sweet celebrations and indulgent moments alike.

Ingredients for Caramel Cake Recipe

This homemade caramel cake recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create that rich, buttery flavor you know and love. It’s all about balance—the tender vanilla cake layers paired with the creamy caramel frosting will make this your go-to dessert.

For the Cake

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

Use high-quality caramel sauce (like this guide from Bon Appétit) for best results.

For the Caramel Frosting

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Caramel Cake Recipe

Making this classic caramel cake recipe at home is easier than you’d think. Just follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect bake every time.

1. Preheat and Prep Your Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper to keep the cake layers from sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—this should take about 3–4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk in three parts. Start and end with the dry mix. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything is combined.

5. Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

6. Make the Caramel Frosting

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

Let the caramel cool slightly—about 5–7 minutes—then whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and thick.

7. Frost the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread about half of the frosting over the top. Add the second layer and pour the remaining caramel frosting on top, letting it drip naturally over the sides for that classic, rustic look.

10 Tips to Perfect This Caramel Cake Recipe

Want bakery-level results at home? These expert-approved tips will help you make the most irresistible caramel cake recipe every time.

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

This helps everything blend more smoothly and creates a lighter cake.

2. Measure Flour the Right Way

Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off—never scoop directly from the bag.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar Well

Don’t rush this step. Creaming for 3–5 minutes builds structure and airiness into the batter.

4. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

This keeps your batter balanced and prevents overmixing.

5. Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper

It makes removing the cake layers much easier—and keeps them intact.

6. Let the Cake Cool Completely

Warm cake and warm frosting = a slippery mess. Cool completely before assembly.

7. Cook the Caramel Sauce on Medium Heat

Too high and it’ll burn, too low and it won’t thicken. Medium heat is the sweet spot.

8. Add Powdered Sugar Slowly

Adding it too fast can make the frosting lumpy. Sift it in and beat until smooth.

9. Level Your Cake Layers

Use a serrated knife to even out domed tops so the cake stacks cleanly.

10. Store It Properly

Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days—or refrigerate to extend freshness.

FAQs About Caramel Cake Recipe

The Sweet Finish

There’s just something timeless about a slice of soft, buttery cake layered with rich, homemade caramel frosting. This caramel cake recipe brings together everything we love in a dessert—comfort, sweetness, and that nostalgic flavor that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking it for a special celebration or just because it’s Tuesday and you need something sweet, this recipe never disappoints.

Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s been a Southern classic for generations. And with the tips, step-by-step instructions, and ingredients you already have on hand, you’re more than ready to master it in your own kitchen.

This caramel cake pairs beautifully with coffee or after a light meal—try it following our hearty savory roasted cauliflower and garlic soup for a balanced dining experience!

Caramel Cake

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Cake, Dessert

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 12 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1.75 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Caramel Frosting

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup whole milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk in three parts, starting and ending with the dry mix.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Making the Frosting

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and add the vanilla.
• Let the caramel cool slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes, then whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.

Assembly

• Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the frosting over the top.
• Add the second layer and pour the remaining frosting on top, letting it drape over the sides.

Notes

For the best results, use high-quality caramel sauce. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid slipping.

Keyword Caramel Cake, Dessert, Homemade Cake, Vanilla Cake