Indulge your taste buds in a symphony of flavors with this Decadent Vanilla Buttermilk Cake, crowned with an irresistible Caramel Icing. The soft, moist cake layers, enriched with buttermilk and vanilla, harmonize perfectly with the velvety caramel icing. Elevate your dessert experience with this delightful treat that promises to be the star of any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks) – softened to room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs – room temperature
- 3 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup Crisco or preferred solid vegetable shortening
- 1 cup butter
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
For The Cake:
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or butter three (3) 9-inch cake pans and dust the entire greased area with flour to lightly coat. Set aside.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until fluffy. Add the sugar and continue to cream for about 5-6 more minutes until the mixture is light and airy.
- Incorporating Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well combined before adding the next.
- Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients: To the butter mixture, add self-rising flour and buttermilk alternately, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until each ingredient is incorporated.
- Adding Vanilla: Add vanilla extract and beat the batter well.
- Baking: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to rest in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.
For the Icing:
- Combining Ingredients: In a cast iron Dutch oven or heavy pot, mix all icing ingredients (except vanilla) and place over medium heat. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pot to monitor the temperature.
- Simmering and Stirring: As the ingredients heat to a simmer, stir continuously with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Reaching Softball Stage: Cook until the mixture reaches softball stage (235º – 245º) on a candy thermometer.
- Adding Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Beating to Creaminess: Beat with a wooden spoon until creamy and ready to spread. If using a mixer, whip the icing until it holds to the whisk when you stop the mixer.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Decadent Vanilla Buttermilk Cake with Irresistible Caramel Icing is a celebration of rich, velvety textures and exquisite flavors. Whether shared at family gatherings, birthdays, or special occasions, this dessert is bound to leave a lasting impression. Follow the simple yet precise steps, and let this heavenly cake become the centerpiece of your sweet moments. Enjoy the symphony of tastes!