Classic Southern Caramel Cake

This moist, buttery, scratch, yellow cake is covered with a rich, satin caramel frosting that runs down the sides. This single layer cake is perfect if you just need a small dessert.  
Caramel Cake is a Southern Classic, and also the cake I baked myself for my Birthday. If you were raised in the South more than likely you're familiar with this traditional cake, but if you're not this one's for you. A Southern Caramel Cake is a homemade butter layer cake that is topped with a decadent boiled caramel icing. 

Heavenly if you ask me.
If you saw the movie The Help than you might remember this cake mentioned several times throughout the movie. There was even a quick glimpse of this beautiful cake at the end of the movie gracing Celia's table. By far a classic caramel cake is my favorite of Southern Cakes.  

A traditional caramel cake is usually three or more layers, but I love this simple version best. If I made a full three layer cake, my family would devour the entire cake all on their own. It's that good folks! 

I found this tried and true recipe in the January 2008 edition of Gourmet magazine. It's pretty much the only caramel cake I will make. If I do go all out and bake an eye catching three layer caramel cake then I usually double this recipe or use Scott Peacock's Caramel Cake recipe. 

I have included a few step by step photos of the the boiled icing. You will need a candy thermometer when making this icing. Once the icing is at the perfect consistency.

Pour it all over the top of the cake and let it run down the sides. Goodness that's my favorite part. Enjoy!






Recipe Source: Gourmet, January 2008


13 comments

Michelle said…
This looks so good. Damn Weight Watchers.
After chocolate, my favorite flavor is caramel!! This looks mouth-watering! And I love that it's a single layer...with gooey frosting. =D Pinning! And hope to make one day soon. Thanks so much for sharing.
Anonymous said…
This looks fabulous. I had seen a caramel cake on Trisha Yearwood's food tv show and she kept saying over and over that the caramel frosting was so tricky. How easy is yours? Is it temperamental or as long as you have the thermometer, it works fine?
Tina Butler said…
I think as long as you use a thermometer you will be fine. Boiled frosting can be kind of tricky, but the first time I attempted this recipe years ago. I nailed it on the first try. You want a pourable consistency yet somewhat thick.
After "caramel", the word that sold this post to me was "SIMPLE". A simple recipe's exactly what I need as I'm hopeless in the kitchen, so thank you!
Felecia Cofield said…
Hi Tina! My Grandmother used to always make a caramel cake! They were three layers and so delicious! Thanks for bringing back good memories! Blessings from Bama!
Anonymous said…
I have been looking for a caramel frosting Ike this for years! So excited to try this one. Thank you for sharing.
Anonymous said…
I forgot this cake ..my mom always made this..DELICIOUS!!!!
Thank you for bringing back memories!!!
Anonymous said…
I make this cake but add a table spoon of pumpkin pie spice....love a good spice cake with cameral glaze.
Perfect!
Anonymous said…
My grandmother did the triple layer as well. The glaze was between gooey and flakey. It was the absolute best. She always made one for my birthday.
Unknown said…
I love this recipe. I lost it and found it again. It is delicious as is to me. I used plain milk because I had no buttermilk and it was nice. I keep it in fridge for better results.
Unknown said…
I have made this cake countless times & it is perfect for not having much to throw away. Unless you make it for a large gathering it is perfect for most occasions. It is a simple yet delicious recipe. Thanks.