Go Back
–+ servings

Mama’s Caramel Cake

A rich Southern layer cake soaked with buttery caramel filling and finished with a smooth brown sugar frosting. Moist, nostalgic, and deeply flavorful, this classic caramel cake is perfect for celebrations and family gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Cake, Dessert, Family Favorites, Holiday Treats, Southern Classics
Cuisine Southern
Servings 12 slices
Calories 720 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter room temperature
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups self-rising flour sifted
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup butter for filling
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed, for filling
  • 1/4 cup milk for filling
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract for filling
  • 1/2 cup butter for frosting
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream plus more if needed
  • 16 oz confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract for frosting
  • 1 cup pecans chopped, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Cream butter until light and fluffy. Add granulated sugar and beat for 6–8 minutes until very fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Alternate adding flour and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in vanilla just until combined.
  • Divide batter evenly among pans and gently tap pans on the counter to release air bubbles.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • For the filling, cook butter, light brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  • Invert first warm cake layer onto serving plate. Poke holes across the surface and spread one-third of the filling over top. Repeat with remaining layers.
  • For frosting, melt butter in a saucepan. Add dark brown sugar and cream, bring to a boil, then transfer to mixing bowl.
  • Beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until smooth and spreadable. Add extra cream if frosting becomes too thick.
  • Quickly frost the top and sides of the cake while frosting is warm. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired.

Notes

This cake tastes even better the next day as the caramel soaks deeper into the layers. Store covered at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 720kcal
Keyword brown sugar frosting, caramel cake, celebration cake, layer cake, southern dessert
Love this recipe?Fllow us at @itsnotaboutnutritionrecipes for more