Sinful Caramel Cake Recipe

Heavenly Caramel Cake Recipe: A Sweet Treat To Savor

Sweet, rich aromas of caramel dance through this irresistible decadent caramel cake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of moist, golden cake meet silky smooth caramel in a dessert that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Every forkful tells a story of buttery softness and deep, golden sweetness.

The delicate balance of ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a world of pure comfort.

Soft, tender crumb and luxurious caramel drizzle make this cake a showstopper at any gathering.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delightful dessert that turns an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Get ready to fall in love with a cake that redefines decadence.

How to Make a Layered Caramel Dessert

  • Cake Foundation

Gather your baking tools and ingredients, creating a workspace that feels like a sweet culinary adventure.

  • Mixing Magic

Combine dry ingredients in a spacious bowl, blending them with gentle swirls to create a smooth, silky base that promises deliciousness.

  • Liquid Harmony

Introduce wet ingredients, whisking them together until the batter becomes a luxurious, velvety mixture that hints at the decadence to come.

  • Baking Transformation

Pour the batter into a prepared pan, watching it spread evenly like a delicate canvas ready to be transformed in the warm embrace of the oven.

  • Caramel Infusion

Once cooled, create gentle holes across the cake’s surface, then drench it with a luscious caramel blend that will seep deep into every crevice.

  • Chilling Finale

Let the cake rest in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a dessert that will make taste buds dance with joy.

  • Serving Sensation

Drizzle with a rich chocolate sauce just before serving, turning this cake into a showstopping dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Caramel Drizzle & Texture Tips

  • Pierce the cake generously with a wooden spoon to create deep channels for maximum caramel absorption.
  • Prepare the cake a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and caramel to penetrate completely, enhancing the cake's moisture and richness.
  • Drizzle extra caramel or chocolate sauce just before serving for a stunning presentation and intensified sweetness.
  • Let the cake rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the caramel and improve texture.
  • Sprinkle chopped nuts, sea salt, or crushed toffee bits on top for added crunch and flavor complexity.

Presenting Caramel Cake on a Dessert Table

  • Elegant Party Centerpiece: Transform this decadent caramel cake into a stunning dessert table focal point by surrounding it with fresh flowers and elegant cake stands.
  • Coffee Shop Companion: Pair each slice with a rich espresso or creamy cappuccino to enhance the cake's deep chocolate and caramel notes, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Weekend Brunch Delight: Serve chilled slices alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a sophisticated weekend morning treat that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
  • Family Game Night Dessert: Cut into smaller squares and plate individually, providing a sweet shared moment during family gatherings or casual game evenings with loved ones.

Best Storage for Moist Caramel Cakes

  • Cake Cooldown Strategy: Allow the cake to reach room temperature completely before covering, preventing condensation that could make the surface soggy.
  • Refrigeration Magic: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its moist texture and rich caramel flavor.
  • Freezing Options: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 weeks, thawing at room temperature for 1-2 hours before enjoying.
  • Travel-Friendly Tips: When transporting, keep the cake chilled and use a secure container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent sliding or damage during movement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 60 minutes

Calories: 385 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredient List for Decadent Caramel Cake

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the cake, ensuring a soft and tender crumb.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor and darkens the cake's color.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a moist, tender texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy consistency.
  • Baking Powder: Provides additional leavening to make the cake fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
  • Milk: Moistens the batter and contributes to a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the chocolate flavor.
  • Coffee: Intensifies the chocolate taste and adds complexity.
For Topping and Filling:
  • Caramel Sauce: Creates a luscious, sweet coating that seeps into the cake.
  • Condensed Milk: Adds extra sweetness and helps the caramel penetrate the cake.
  • Chocolate Sauce: Provides a final decadent touch and additional chocolate flavor.

Baking Essentials for a Rich Caramel Cake

  • 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for baking the perfect cake base.
  • Large mixing bowl: Crucial for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric mixer: Helps beat ingredients to a creamy, lump-free consistency.
  • Wooden spoon: Perfect for creating holes in the cake and stirring mixtures.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing for moist crumbs.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
Print
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Sinful Caramel Cake Recipe

Sinful Caramel Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 60 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade caramel cake celebrates Southern baking traditions with rich, golden layers and silky frosting. Sweet memories and warm hospitality blend seamlessly when friends gather around this classic dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) brewed coffee, cooled
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • tsps baking powder
  • tsps baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 jar caramel sauce (12.25 oz / 347 g)
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 397 g)
  • Chocolate sauce

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour and cocoa powder.
  2. Batter Creation: Integrate wet ingredients using an electric mixer at medium speed, blending until a silky, homogeneous mixture forms.
  3. Coffee Infusion: Gently incorporate coffee into the batter, maintaining a smooth liquid consistency.
  4. Baking Preparation: Pour batter into a 9×13 inch baking dish, leveling the surface with a spatula for uniform baking.
  5. Oven Transformation: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, verifying doneness with a clean toothpick test.
  6. Cooling and Perfecting: Allow cake to rest briefly, gently pressing any uneven areas to create a smooth surface.
  7. Caramel Infusion: Create strategic punctures across the cake using a wooden spoon handle to facilitate caramel absorption.
  8. Caramel Blend: Mix caramel sauce with condensed milk to develop a rich, luxurious coating.
  9. Moisture Integration: Methodically drench the cake with the caramel mixture, ensuring complete penetration through the prepared channels.
  10. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the dessert to set and flavors to harmonize.
  11. Final Flourish: Embellish with a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce before serving, elevating the cake’s visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for dry and wet ingredients to maintain the cake’s perfect texture and consistency.
  • Coffee Integration: Select a high-quality, robust coffee to enhance the cake’s depth of flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
  • Hole-Punching Technique: Create multiple, evenly distributed punctures to maximize caramel absorption and ensure uniform flavor distribution.
  • Chilling Strategy: Allow sufficient refrigeration time to let flavors meld and develop a rich, decadent texture that elevates the dessert’s overall taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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