The Best Southern Caramel Cake Recipe

Easy homemade caramel cake recipes are always a top choice for holiday baking, family gatherings, and special occasion desserts. This real deal caramel cake features a moist buttery yellow cake layered with rich, old fashioned caramel icing that is slow cooked on the stove for deep flavor and the perfect silky texture.

This recipe stands out because it stays true to the classic Southern style. The cake itself is soft, rich, and buttery, creating the perfect base for that thick caramel frosting.

What really makes this caramel cake unforgettable is the icing. Instead of using shortcuts, the caramel is cooked slowly on the stovetop until it develops that deep golden color and signature rich flavor.

That slow cooking process is the secret to getting authentic caramel icing. It creates a smooth, luscious texture that feels rich, glossy, and packed with real homemade flavor.

The cake has been tested and perfected over time, which is why it has earned such a loyal following. Every detail works together to create a dessert that tastes truly special and bakery worthy.

One important tip for the cake batter is not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added. Mixing too much can make the cake dense or tough instead of keeping it light, tender, and moist.

The caramel icing also needs careful attention while cooking. It should become deep in color, thick enough to fully coat the back of a spoon, and slowly slide off with a smooth, rich consistency.

Once finished, the caramel icing wraps every layer in sweet buttery goodness. The result is a stunning homemade cake that feels nostalgic, indulgent, and completely worth the effort.

This is the kind of classic caramel cake recipe that becomes a family favorite after just one bite. Rich, authentic, and full of old fashioned charm, it is a true show stopping dessert for any celebration.

Yield: 12 servings

The Best Southern Caramel Cake Recipe

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This The best real Southern Caramel Cake is a sweet and simple old-fashioned cake recipe that I think you’re going to love. If you want authentic Southern Caramel Cake, you must make this recipe. This Caramel Cake recipe is perfect for that die hard caramel fan in your life.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake:

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 2 sticks
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 cups Cake flour, sifted
• 6 large eggs room temperature
• 2 large egg yolks room temperature
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

For Caramel Icing:

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• 1 1/2 sticks butter
• 2 cans evaporated milk 12 ounces each
• 2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Step-By-Step Instructions

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