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Grandma Dorothy's Caramel Cake

Source of Recipe

From "Southern Living: A Southern Gentleman's Kitchen"


Recipe Introduction

"I'm happy to share this family favorite for Caramel Cake with you and yours. The caramel icing, which is entirely made from scratch, is the star of the show, and is the reason why this dessert has been a family favorite for generations. Of course, if you have your own yellow cake recipe, feel free to use it, topping it all off with this classic icing."

List of Ingredients

◦� Vegetable cooking spray
◦� 1 (16.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
◦� � cup vegetable oil
◦� 3 large eggs
◦� 2 � cups sugar, divided
◦� � pint heavy cream
◦� 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
◦� 3 tablespoons unsalted butter


Recipe

Lightly grease three 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray; flour pans. Prepare cake mix batter according to package directions, stirring in 1 cup water, � cup oil, and 3 eggs as directed. Spoon batter into prepared pans, and bake as directed. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely (about 1 hour).

After cakes have cooled completely, sprinkle � cup sugar into a 2-quart stainless steel or aluminum saucepan or stainless steel skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, shaking pan frequently, 6 minutes or until sugar melts and turns a light golden brown.

Meanwhile, combine remaining 2 cups sugar and cream in a heavy 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a light boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Pour melted sugar into cream mixture, and cook, stirring often, about 10 minutes or until a candy thermometer registers 235� F (soft ball stage�see Gent's Tip, below). Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla and butter until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Cool, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or until thickened and spreading consistency (about 120� F).

Working quickly, immediately spread frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Cool one hour or until set before serving.

Serves 8 to 10



❧ Gent's Tip:
To test for soft ball stage, just put a cup of cold water next to your stove when you boil the mixture. Using a spoon, add a drop or so of the caramel mixture into the water. If it thins out in the water, dump out, replace the water, and continue cooking the mixture. Softball stage is reached when the mixture forms a soft, congealed ball in the water.