Description
This Southern classic Little Layer Caramel Cake features ultra-thin buttery cake layers stacked high with rich, homemade caramel icing. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and a true showstopper for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups granulated sugar (for caramel)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line multiple 8-inch cake pans or prepare to bake in batches using a single pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Mix in vanilla. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
- Divide batter into 6–8 thin layers and bake each for 12–15 minutes or until golden and set. Let layers cool completely.
- To make caramel icing, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cream, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage), stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool slightly until thick but spreadable.
- Assemble cake by spreading caramel between each layer and over the top and sides. Work quickly as caramel firms up fast.
- Let cake rest at room temperature to allow icing to set before slicing.
Notes
For authentic results, bake as many thin layers as your pans allow. If the caramel thickens too quickly, gently reheat it to loosen for spreading.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: caramel cake, southern dessert, layer cake, caramel icing, special occasion