Southern Caramel Cake Recipe

Name: Southern Caramel Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3 cups cake flour, sifted; 6 large eggs, room temperature; 2 egg yolks, room temperature; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 3/4 cup butter; 2 (6 ounce) cans evaporated milk; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Servings: persons

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 cups cake flour, sifted
6 large eggs, room temperature
2 egg yolks, room temperature
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup butter
2 (6 ounce) cans evaporated milk
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1
Use the first 10 ingredients for the cake.
2
Sift cake flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium sized bowl.
3
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray three 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray OR grease and flour them.
4
In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup unsalted butter, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 2 1/2 cups sugar on high until fully incorporated and light and fluffy, about 5 to 6 minutes.
5
Turn mixer to medium speed and mix in eggs and egg yolks one at a time until well incorporated.
6
Add in vanilla extract and mix.
7
With the mixer on slow speed, alternate adding in flour mixture and sour cream, ending with flour until mixed through.
8
Do not overmix.
9
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
10
Bake in preheated oven for 23-30 minutes or until fully baked. (Over-baking will dry these cakes out).
11
11. Place on cooling rack for 10 minutes.
12
Remove cakes from pan and cool completely.
13
Use last four ingredients for Caramel Icing.
14
Add butter, evaporated milk, and 2 cups sugar to saucepan over medium heat until everything has melted together.
15
Leave over medium to low heat, stirring periodically, for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours (keeping an eye on it so it doesn't burn) until thickened and caramel has darkened to a golden brown. It should coat the back of a spoon. Reduce heat while cooking if necessary to prevent burning.
16
Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
17
Cool for 15 to 20 minutes before icing the cake.

2549

kcal

Calories

134

Fat

304

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 3 cups cake flour, sifted, and more.

Yes, Southern Caramel Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Southern Caramel Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions