Description
This Decadent Caramel Cake is an irresistible dessert centerpiece layered with moist vanilla cake, rich caramel sauce, and fluffy cream cheese buttercream. Perfect for celebrations or indulgent weekend baking, this easy recipe doubles as a quick dessert idea or showstopping birthday treat. With peanut butter cups, a thick caramel drip, and crunchy roasted nuts, it satisfies every sweet craving and looks as amazing as it tastes. A perfect addition to your easy dinner or party food ideas list.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream (for caramel)
1 cup brown sugar (for caramel)
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
2 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
10 peanut butter cups, chopped
½ cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among the pans and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool layers completely.
5. For caramel sauce: Melt ½ cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar in a saucepan. Stir for 2–3 minutes. Add ½ cup heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, then cool.
6. For frosting: Beat 1 cup butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar gradually. Stir in 2 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
7. Place first cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting, drizzle caramel, and repeat. Apply crumb coat, chill for 20 minutes, then frost fully.
8. Drizzle cooled caramel over top. Pipe frosting swirls and decorate with peanut butter cups and peanuts. Chill before serving.
Notes
Always let the caramel cool before adding to the cake to prevent melting the frosting.
Use a turntable for cleaner frosting edges and easier decorating.
You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months and assemble later.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 58g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 115mg