Classic Southern Caramel Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the caramel icing:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
7. Divide the batter equally among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the cakes to wire racks to cool completely.
10. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the caramel icing. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, heavy cream, and butter.
11. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12. Remove the caramel mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the caramel icing cool for about 15 minutes.
13. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and generously spread caramel icing over the top. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, spreading icing between each layer and on the top and sides of the cake and then place walnuts over the cake .
14. Allow the cake to sit for at least 1 hour to allow the caramel icing to set.
15. Slice and serve the Classic Southern Caramel Cake.

Enjoy..