Ingredients and Weight - For the cake layers: - 1 and 1/3 cups(160g) all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup(2 sticks/227g) unsalted butter, softened - 1 and 3/4 cups(350g) granulated sugar - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup(240ml) buttermilk - For the caramel sauce: - 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar - 1/4 cup(60ml) water - 1/4 cup(60ml) heavy cream - 1 tablespoon(15g) unsalted butter - 1/4 teaspoon salt - For the cream cheese frosting: - 8 ounces(227g) cream cheese, softened - 1 cup(113g) unsalted butter, softened - 3 cups(360g) confectioners' sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Time - 30 minutes
Cooking Time - 30-35 minutes per cake layer
Difficulty Level - 3 (Medium)
Preparation Method Steps 1. Preheat oven to 350°F(175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch(23cm) round cake pans. 2. To make the cake layers: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. 3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before frosting. 4. To make the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream, butter, and salt. Let cool slightly before using. 5. To make the cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla. 6. To assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with some of the caramel sauce and then some of the cream cheese frosting. Repeat with the remaining cake layers and frostings. 7. Decorate the cake with any desired toppings, such as chopped nuts, caramel drizzle, or fresh fruit.
Nutritional Information Per serving (1/8th of cake): - Calories: 450 - Fat: 25g - Saturated fat: 15g - Cholesterol: 75mg - Sodium: 200mg - Carbohydrates: 55g - Protein: 5g
Dish Characteristics - Rich and decadent three-layer cake with a delicious caramel flavor. - The cream cheese frosting is light and fluffy, providing a perfect balance to the sweet caramel. - The cake is moist and tender, with a delicate crumb.
User Comments - "This cake was a huge hit at my party! Everyone raved about the caramel sauce and the cream cheese frosting." - "The cake was easy to make, and it turned out perfectly. I love the combination of caramel and cream cheese." - "This cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It's beautiful, delicious, and sure to impress your guests."
Special Precautions and Tips - Be careful not to overcook the sugar when making the caramel sauce. If it burns, it will become bitter. - If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. - If the caramel sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or milk.