If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly balances the rich sweetness of caramel with a luxuriously smooth texture, then this Creamy Caramel Layer Cake Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Every bite is a celebration of moist, buttery cake layers infused with the deep, golden caramel flavor, and topped with an irresistible caramel whipped cream frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s the sort of cake that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for special occasions or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly divine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples you probably already have in your kitchen, but together they create the magic that makes this cake unforgettable. Each plays a key role, from the tender crumb of the buttermilk cake base to the luscious, creamy caramel that ties everything together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure while keeping it tender and soft.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that perfect crust.
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar: Brings in moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the caramel notes.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures the cake rises just right, giving you fluffy layers.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps with leavening and reacts with buttermilk for extra rise.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Contributes richness and a creamy texture.
- 4 large eggs: Provide structure and keep the cake moist.
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature): Adds tenderness and a slight tang to balance the caramel sweetness.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 cup caramel sauce (divided): The star ingredient that infuses the cake batter and frosting with luscious caramel flavor.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Whipped into the frosting for a light yet creamy finish.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped caramel cream.
How to Make Creamy Caramel Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Pans and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to ensure your cakes release effortlessly after baking. This simple prep step sets the stage for perfectly baked, beautifully shaped cakes.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these first helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensures a consistent texture throughout your cake.
Step 3: Incorporating the Butter and Eggs
Add the softened unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and beat with a mixer until the mixture becomes crumbly—a key texture that guarantees a tender crumb. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, cohesive batter.
Step 4: Adding Liquid Ingredients and Caramel
Pour in the room-temperature buttermilk and vanilla extract, and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. Next, fold in half of the caramel sauce. This caramel infusion brings that signature creamy caramel flavor right into the heart of the cake layers.
Step 5: Baking the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and set them in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely—a crucial step before frosting.
Step 6: Making the Caramel Whipped Cream Frosting
While the cakes cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a luscious, airy base for the frosting. Gently fold in the remaining caramel sauce, blending the flavors without deflating your whipped cream. This frosting is light yet indulgent, the perfect companion for your tender cake layers.
Step 7: Assembling the Cake
Once cooled, spread a generous layer of the caramel whipped cream over one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly. For the best flavor and texture, chill the cake before serving to let the frosting set beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Caramel Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Creamy Caramel Layer Cake Recipe with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated salted caramel twist. You can also add chopped toasted pecans or almonds for a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy frosting. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top adds both shine and an inviting caramel aroma.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries, which cut through the sweetness with their tartness. For coffee lovers, a rich espresso or a spiced chai latte creates a harmonious flavor balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, present the cake on a beautiful cake stand surrounded by caramel-dipped pretzels or caramel popcorn for an extra festive touch. You can even turn slices into mini trifle glasses layered with additional caramel whipped cream and some crushed graham crackers for texture—a fun twist on the classic serving style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Caramel Layer Cake Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and creamy. Wrapped properly, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying over several treat-filled days.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cake layers before frosting by wrapping each layer in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to a month. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling and frosting. This is a great way to save time when planning ahead.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you want to warm it slightly, let slices sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the chilled frosting without melting it.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly and can save you time. Just pick a high-quality one with a rich flavor, or add a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel variation if you like.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Creamy Caramel Layer Cake Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or gelatin products.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to achieve the same tender texture.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this cake stays fresh for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the cake might start to dry out, and the frosting texture may change.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure your baking powder does not contain gluten. The texture might vary slightly but should still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a cake that blends rich caramel flavor with a light, creamy texture, and this Creamy Caramel Layer Cake Recipe delivers that experience beautifully. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly easy to pull together, rewarding you with layers of tender cake and luscious frosting that will have everyone begging for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your own kitchen!
Print
Creamy Caramel Layer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Caramel Cake is a luscious American dessert featuring moist buttermilk cake layers infused with rich caramel sauce and encased in a smooth caramel whipped cream frosting. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and a velvety texture, this layered cake is an indulgent treat for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel sauce, divided
Frosting
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined and uniform.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the softened unsalted butter into the dry mixture and beat with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes crumbly in texture.
- Add Eggs: One at a time, add the eggs to the batter, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the room-temperature buttermilk and vanilla extract, then beat until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Fold in Caramel: Stir in ½ cup of the caramel sauce thoroughly to infuse the batter with rich caramel flavor.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans and bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely for the best texture and ease of frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the remaining ½ cup of caramel sauce to create a creamy caramel whipped frosting.
- Assemble the Cake: Once cooled, spread the caramel whipped cream evenly between the cake layers and then over the top and sides of the cake for full coverage.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the assembled cake before serving to allow the frosting to set and enhance the flavors, delivering a deliciously creamy caramel dessert experience.
Notes
- You can use either store-bought or homemade caramel sauce depending on your preference and convenience.
- For a salted caramel variation, add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce before incorporating it in the recipe.
- The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored wrapped at room temperature, making preparation easier for parties or gatherings.
