This Golden Caramel Drip Cake is a decadent delight, perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to impress. Featuring soft, moist layers of vanilla cake, a rich buttercream frosting, and a luxurious caramel drip, this cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 🍞 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥄 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
- 🧈 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍚 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 🥚 3 large eggs
- 🍦 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 🥛 1 cup whole milk
For the Buttercream:
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍚 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 🥛 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🧂 Pinch of salt
For the Caramel Drip:
- 🍯 1 cup granulated sugar
- 🥛 6 tbsp heavy cream, warmed
- 🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 🧂 1/4 tsp sea salt
📝 Directions:
1. Bake the Cake:
- 🔥 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- 🍞 In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 🧈 In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with flour.
- 🍰 Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Buttercream:
- 🧈 Beat the butter on high until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low until combined. Increase speed to high and beat until fluffy.
- 🥛 Add heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat on high until the frosting is light and airy.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- 🍰 Level the tops of the cakes if necessary. Place one layer on your serving plate and spread with buttercream. Repeat with the remaining layers, then apply a thin coat of frosting around the entire cake for the crumb coat. Chill for 30 minutes.
- 🧈 Apply a final thick layer of buttercream, smoothing the sides and top.
4. Make the Caramel Drip:
- 🍯 In a heavy saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until it turns a deep amber color.
- 🥛 Carefully whisk in the warm heavy cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Remove from heat and stir in butter and salt. Let cool until slightly thickened.
- 🍰 Using a spoon or a squeeze bottle, carefully add the caramel drip around the edges of the chilled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Fill in the top of the cake with more caramel if desired.
5. Final Touches:
- 🍰 Decorate the top with swirls of buttercream, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even edible gold leaf for an extra luxurious touch.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your stunning Golden Caramel Drip Cake at any celebration, delighting guests with its perfect blend of sweetness and sophistication.
⏱ Preparation Time: 1 hour
⏱ Baking Time: 30 minutes
⏱ Decoration Time: 45 minutes
🍽 Servings: 12-16 servings
💡 Notes:
- Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- The caramel drip can be prepared ahead and reheated slightly for easier application.
Celebrate your special occasions with this show-stopping Golden Caramel Drip Cake, guaranteed to be as memorable as it is delicious! 🍰✨