Ah, Southern Style Caramel Cake, a classic dessert that conjures up images of family gatherings and sweet, indulgent afternoons. Let’s take this journey together, shall we?

The Story of the Southern Belle of Cakes

A Legacy in Layers

Picture this: a sunlit kitchen, where the aroma of baking fills the air. This Southern-Style Caramel Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a tradition, passed down through generations. The cake whispers stories of grandmas and aunties, of Sunday dinners and special occasions. Each layer, a testament to time-honored techniques and love-infused baking.

Caramel Dreams

The star of this cake is Aunt Bev’s Caramel Icing, a recipe steeped in patience and precision. It’s the kind of icing that demands your full attention, a labor of love that transforms simple ingredients into a velvety, golden cloak that lovingly embraces each cake layer.

 

The Tools of the Trade

To bring this masterpiece to life, you’ll need for southern style caramel cake:

• Three 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer
• Sifter
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling racks
• Baking spray or butter and flour (for greasing pans)
• Spoon or spatula (for icing)

 

Ingredients of Indulgence

For the Cake:

• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (room temperature)
• Vegetable oil: ⅓ cup
• Granulated sugar: 2 ½ cups
• Large eggs: 6 (room temperature)
• Egg yolks: 2 large (room temperature)
• Pure vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon
• Cake flour: 3 cups (sifted)
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Sour cream: 1 cup

 

For Aunt Bev’s Caramel Icing:

• Butter: 1 ½ sticks
• Evaporated milk: 2 cans (12 ounces each)
• Granulated sugar: 2 cups
• Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons

Assembling the Masterpiece

1. Cake Bliss: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs and yolks one at a time, then add vanilla. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, and alternate adding this with sour cream to the wet mixture. Be mindful not to overmix. Divide the batter evenly into prepared pans and bake until just perfect – keep a watchful eye!
2. Caramel Glory: For the icing, melt butter, evaporated milk, and sugar together. This is where patience shines! Stir periodically for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, watching diligently for that perfect caramel color. Remove from heat, add vanilla, and let it reach the ideal consistency before icing the cake.

Tips from the Heart

• Patience Pays Off: The caramel icing is the soul of this cake. Don’t rush it. Let it simmer to perfection.
• Cooling is Key: Ensure your cakes are completely cooled before icing to avoid a sliding disaster.
• Adjust to Perfection: If the icing is too thin, let it thicken more. Too thick? A dash of milk can save the day.

Variations for the Adventurous

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans to the caramel icing for a crunchy surprise.
• Chocolate Caramel Fusion: Dust the layers with cocoa powder before adding the icing for a chocolate-caramel delight.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cake batter for a citrusy twist.

FAQs for the Curious Baker

• Can I make the cake layers ahead?

Absolutely! Bake the layers a day in advance to ease your baking day.

• What if my icing isn’t spreading easily?

It might be too cool. Gently reheat it to a spreadable consistency.

 

The Final Flourish

As you spread the caramel icing over the layers, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this Southern gem. Each slice is not just a treat for the taste buds but a slice of history and heart. So, gather around, share stories, and savor each bite of this Southern-Style Caramel Cake, a sweet emblem of love and tradition. Bon appétit, dear friends! 🍰✨