Description
A rich and fluffy vanilla cake layered with luscious salted caramel, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups granulated white sugar
- 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract (or a mix of vanilla bean paste/scraped vanilla bean)
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (cooled)
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter (for frosting), softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue mixing on high speed for about three minutes until the mixture appears pale and airy. Stir in the vanilla extract or paste.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined; avoid over-beating.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 to 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the softened butter for the frosting until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Mix in ⅓ cup of cooled caramel sauce until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the cake by placing one layer on your serving plate. Poke holes across the surface and pour about ⅓ cup of caramel sauce over, allowing it to seep in. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second layer, poke holes, drizzle with the remaining caramel, and frost the top. Sprinkle flaky sea salt if desired.
Notes
For lactose-free options, substitute dairy butter with dairy-free butter or use almond milk.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg