Description
This Buttermilk Cake with Caramel Icing is a classic Southern dessert featuring a soft, tangy crumb and a rich, buttery caramel glaze. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, this easy-to-make cake delivers nostalgic flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Caramel Icing:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan.
- Meanwhile, make the icing: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir for 2 minutes. Add milk and bring to a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Immediately pour warm icing over the cooled cake and spread quickly before it sets.
Notes
- Substitute buttermilk with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
- Add a pinch of sea salt or chopped pecans for variation.
- Cake is best served the same day but can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Keywords: Buttermilk cake, caramel icing, Southern dessert, homemade cake, moist cake recipe, easy baking, classic Southern cake, buttery caramel, old-fashioned cake, holiday dessert