Indulge in Classic Comfort: Tennessee-Style Southern Caramel Cake Recipe

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The taste of the South is best captured in the sweet, comforting embrace of a perfectly baked caramel cake. In Tennessee, where homemade desserts are a staple at every gathering, the Southern Caramel Cake reigns supreme. This cake is not just a dessert—it's a symbol of tradition, patience, and pure indulgence. With its moist layers of cake covered in a rich caramel icing, this recipe will make you feel right at home in the heart of Tennessee.

A Southern Caramel Cake brings a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, reflecting Tennessee's rich culinary culture. Whether you're serving it at a family reunion, a holiday gathering, or just for an indulgent treat, this cake captures the spirit of Southern hospitality in every bite. The best part? You can recreate this masterpiece right in your kitchen, with a recipe that stays true to its roots.

Recipe: Tennessee-Style Southern Caramel Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g) or 3 ¼ cups cake flour
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
• ¼ cup whole milk, room temperature

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup salted butter, cubed
• 3 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 2 (12-ounce) cans evaporated milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. For the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper and baking spray. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream and whole milk, until fully combined and smooth.Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. For the Frosting: In a large saucepan, combine the cubed butter, granulated sugar, and evaporated milk over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The mixture should reach the soft-ball stage at 240°F on a candy thermometer and turn a rich caramel brown.Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the caramel to cool for 20 to 25 minutes. For a thicker frosting, beat the caramel with a wooden spoon for 20 to 25 minutes, or transfer it to a mixing bowl and use the paddle attachment to create a smooth, spreadable consistency. If the icing becomes too thick, a splash of milk will make it more workable.Frost the cooled cake layers generously with the caramel icing, then refrigerate briefly to set.

A Slice of Tennessee Charm

Each bite of this Southern Caramel Cake offers a piece of Tennessee's history—a decadent fusion of butter, sugar, and patience. The caramel icing, made from scratch, brings a deep, rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the soft, airy cake. This cake is a true labor of love, reflecting the slow, careful process that Southern cooking is known for.

Whether served as a celebration centerpiece or an everyday indulgence, Tennessee's Southern Caramel Cake is bound to become a favorite for anyone who appreciates the heart and soul of Southern desserts. Gather your family, share a slice, and savor the rich flavors of this traditional Southern delicacy.

Sources for the recipe:

• Southern Living - Classic Caramel Cake Recipe
• Taste of Home - Southern Caramel Cake Recipe
• AllRecipes - Tennessee Caramel Cake