Prep Time: 40 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 H 10 minutes

• 1 cup (226 g) butter, room temperature
• 2 cups (396 g) sugar
• 4 large (200 g) eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups (360 g) self-rising flour
• 1 cup (227 g) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons (9.4 g) vanilla extract
• Southern Caramel Icing Recipe, double the recipe

Step 1 – Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Preparing the pans properly helps the cakes come out smoothly after baking.

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Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl combine:

• flour

• baking powder

• salt

Whisk these ingredients together so they are evenly distributed.

Set the bowl aside.

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Step 3 – Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl beat the softened butter and sugar using a mixer.

Continue mixing for 3–5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, pale, and fluffy.

This step is very important because it adds air to the batter and helps create a soft cake texture.

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Step 4 – Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time.

Mix well after each egg before adding the next.

This allows the eggs to blend smoothly into the batter and prevents the mixture from separating.

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Step 5 – Add Vanilla

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Vanilla enhances the flavor of the cake and pairs beautifully with caramel.

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Step 6 – Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add the flour mixture and milk alternately:

1. Add a portion of flour mixture.

2. Mix lightly.

3. Add some milk.

4. Continue alternating until everything is combined.

Mix just until smooth. Do not overmix, or the cake may become dense.

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Step 7 – Pour the Batter into Pans

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Smooth the tops gently with a spatula.

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Step 8 – Bake the Cake

Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.

The cakes are ready when:

• a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

• the tops are lightly golden

• the cake springs back when gently touched

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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🍯 Making the Southern Caramel Frosting

The frosting is the most important part of this cake.

Step 1 – Melt Butter

Place butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Allow it to melt completely.

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Step 2 – Add Brown Sugar

Add the brown sugar and stir continuously.

Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and begins to bubble.

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Step 3 – Add Evaporated Milk

Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while stirring.

Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

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Step 4 – Cool Slightly

Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.

This helps the frosting reach the correct consistency.

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Step 5 – Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until the frosting becomes smooth and thick.

Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

If the frosting becomes too thick, add a small splash of milk.

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🎂 Assemble the Cake

1. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.

2. Spread a generous amount of caramel frosting on top.

3. Place the second cake layer over it.

4. Spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

Work quickly because caramel frosting thickens as it cools.

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