Ingredients for Caramel Drizzle Layer Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Caramel Drizzle Layer Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, providing structure and texture.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent helps your cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: A little boost for the baking powder, ensuring a perfect rise.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its lovely texture.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture; they should be at room temperature for best results.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for flavor; it brings warmth and depth to your cake.
- Buttermilk: This adds tanginess and moisture; if you don’t have it, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar.
- Caramel sauce: Swirled into the batter for that irresistible caramel flavor; feel free to use store-bought or homemade.
- Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, providing a creamy and tangy base.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
- Heavy cream: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting, making it spreadable and luscious.
- Sugar (for caramel drizzle): The main ingredient for your homemade caramel; it transforms into a sweet sauce.
- Unsalted butter (for caramel drizzle): Adds richness to the caramel sauce.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness of the caramel drizzle.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Caramel Drizzle Layer Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. This ensures your Caramel Drizzle Layer Cake comes out easily and doesn’t stick. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents. A well-mixed dry blend helps your cake rise beautifully, giving it that fluffy texture we all love.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The air you incorporate here is what makes your Caramel Drizzle Layer Cake so airy and delightful!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a warm, inviting flavor that complements the caramel perfectly. Your batter is already starting to smell amazing!
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Now, it’s time to alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture. Start with a third of the dry mix, then half the buttermilk, and repeat until everything is combined. This method keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can toughen your cake.
Step 6: Add Caramel to Batter
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pans. Then, drizzle some caramel sauce over the batter and use a knife to swirl it gently. This creates beautiful caramel ribbons throughout your cake. Top with the remaining batter, and you’re ready for the oven!
Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool completely in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here!
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Finally, stir in the heavy cream until you achieve a spreadable consistency. This frosting is a game-changer!
Step 9: Prepare the Caramel Drizzle
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns amber. Carefully add the cubed butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, and add a pinch of salt. Let this caramel cool to a drizzle consistency. It’s going to be heavenly!
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
Now comes the fun part! Layer the cakes with the cream cheese frosting in between. Spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Finally, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Your Caramel Drizzle Layer Cake is ready to shine!