Recipe Archives->Cakes->Caramel 06

Caramel Cake
Serves 20
                                                                                 
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
3 cups sifted self-rising flour
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream, or more if needed
16-ounce box confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) cake
pans.  Using an electric mixer, cream butter until fluffy. Add
granulated sugar and continue to cream well for 6 to 8 minutes. Add
eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and
milk alternately to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with
flour. Add vanilla and continue to beat until just mixed. Divide
batter equally among prepared pans. Level batter in each pan by
holding pan 3 or 4- inches above counter dropping it flat onto
counter. Do this several times to release air bubbles and assure
you of a more level cake.  Bake for 25 minutes or until golden
brown.

While cake is baking, in a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar,
and milk. Cook and stir over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove
from heat and stir in vanilla.

Remove cake layers from oven and allow cake to remain in pans as
you prepare to stack and fill. Remove first layer and invert onto
cake plate. Pierce cake layer with a toothpick over entire surface.
Spread 1/3 of filling mixture on cake layer. Top with second layer,
repeat process. Top with last layer and repeat process again.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and stir in brown sugar
and cream. Bring to a boil, and transfer to a mixing bowl. Add
confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Beat with a handheld electric
mixer until it reaches a spreading consistency. At this time it may
be necessary to add a tablespoon of heavy cream, or more, if frosting
gets too thick. Just be sure to add cream is small amounts.  Frost
cake and sprinkle top with chopped nuts, if desired.

Printable version: caramel06.txt.