Southern Caramel Cake

Ingredients

Cake

• 3/4 cup butter, (1 1/2 sticks)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 2 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Icing

• One box light brown sugar, (1-pound)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 7 tablespoons evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

1. 1

   Make the cake. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 2 9-inch cake pans .

2. 2

   In a small saucepan, cook the butter and milk over low heat until the butter melts. Stir well and let cool to room temperature.

3. 3

   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. 4

   Using an electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar on high speed until light yellow and smooth.

5. 5

   Stir the flour mixture into the egg mixture just until combined.

6. 6

   Add the cooled milk mixture and vanilla and stir well.

7. 7

   Divide the batter between the two pans and bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until cake springs back when touched lightly in the middle.

8. 8

   Place pans on a wire rack and let cool 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans and let cool completely on racks.

9. 9

   Make icing. In a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom, combine the brown sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Stir well and turn heat down so mixture boils gently. Cook for 7 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.

10. 10

    Beat the icing with a wooden spoon for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.

11. 11

    Place bottom layer on a platter or cake stand. Working quickly before icing sets up, spread icing on top. Place second layer on top. Ice the top and sides. A knife dipped in hot water can help smooth the icing out.

Notes