A rich, dramatic caramel cake with a silky caramel buttercream and gold accents—perfect for Leo’s love of grandeur and attention!
Ingredients
For the Caramel Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (60ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Caramel Buttercream:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed)
- A pinch of sea salt (for balance)
For the Caramel Drip:
- ½ cup (120ml) caramel sauce, slightly warm
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (to thin, if needed)
For Decoration:
- Edible gold leaf or gold sprinkles
- Caramel shards (optional)
Instructions
Make the Caramel Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Mix in vanilla and caramel sauce.
- Alternately add flour mixture and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly into cake pans and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Make the Caramel Buttercream:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in caramel sauce, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Add heavy cream as needed for a smooth consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread caramel buttercream over it.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
Decorate Like a Leo!
- Add gold leaf or gold sprinkles for a regal touch.
- Top with caramel shards for dramatic flair.
- Serve on a luxurious cake stand for maximum impact.
👑 This bold, golden caramel cake is made for the spotlight—just like Leo!