Go Back Email Link
+ servings
5 from 1 vote

Vanilla Caramel Cake 

This eggless Vanilla Caramel Cake is a showstopper featuring moist vanilla layers, homemade caramel sauce, and creamy buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or as a make-ahead dessert.
Author: Saloni Mehta
Yield: 10 servings
Prep: 1 hour
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • 2 x 8-inch Round Cake Pans (20cm)

Ingredients

Salted Caramel Sauce Ingredients

  • 100 g Cane Sugar* or castor sugar
  • 1 tbsp Water
  • 40 g Butter* room temperature cut in cubes
  • 80 ml Whipping Cream* warm
  • ½ tsp Sea Salt

Vanilla Cake Ingredients

  • 355 ml Milk*
  • 1 tbsp White Vinegar* or lemon juice
  • 30 g Plain Yogurt* or greek style plain yogurt
  • 200 g Cane Sugar* or castor sugar
  • 85 ml Vegetable Oil or sunflower oil
  • 3 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 15 g Cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • tsp Baking Powder
  • 225 g All Purpose Flour
  • ¼ tsp Salt

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

  • 250 g Butter* cut in cubes at room temperature
  • 200 g Powdered Sugar sifted
  • 2-3 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 60 ml Whipping Cream* at room temperature
  • Pinch of Salt

Instructions

Caramel Sauce Instructions

  • You can make this sauce 2-3 days ahead so that it is firm and use it for filling and topping.
  • In a medium sized saucepan add all the sugar and 1 tablespoon of water. Let it sit until combined and sugar is wet.
  • Let the sugar melt on medium heat. This can take a few minutes, let it bubble until sugar granules are melted and turn to amber caramel color.
  • Stir occasionally with a spatula for even heat distribution.
  • When sugar is completely dissolved and turns golden brown (not dark), add a few knobs of butter & stir with heat proof spatula.
  • Don’t add all the butter at once.
  • After all the butter is properly mixed, then slowly pour warm heavy cream in a slow stream.
  • Add only 1/3 of the cream at a time and mix. Add the remaining cream until all the cream is mixed.
  • Allow the caramel to boil on very low heat for less than a minute, remove from heat.
  • Add salt and stir.
  • Store in a heatproof container and cover the surface with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
  • If the sauce is too thick and cold then microwave the sauce for 5 seconds or longer if needed. For this cake, it is recommended to use a thick caramel so that it doesn’t leak from the sides of the cake.

Vanilla Cake Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350℉(175℃) and grease 2 x 8-inch (20cm) cake pans with oil and line it with baking paper.
  • In a bowl combine room temperature milk, vinegar and yogurt. Let it sit for 5 min until it is slightly curdled.
  • Add sugar, oil & vanilla extract. Mix with a hand whisk until sugar is almost dissolved.
  • Combine all the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
  • Sift it into liquid ingredients and mix with a whisk until smooth batter forms.
  • Divide the cake batter equally between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until firm to touch.
  • Allow the sponge cakes to be completely on a wire rack.

Buttercream Frosting Instructions

  • Whip butter in a mixing bowl using an electric whisk or a paddle attachment for 2-3 min until it is fluffy and creamy.
  • Add sifted powdered sugar in 2-3 parts and mix each time for a minute until it is fully mixed.
  • Add vanilla extract, whipping cream and salt. Mix until smooth.

Cake Assembly Instructions

  • Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate.
  • Add 5–6 scoops of frosting and spread it into an even layer on top of the cake.
  • Use a spoon or offset spatula to create a small well in the center of the frosting.
  • Drizzle at least ¼ cup of caramel sauce, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
  • Place the second cake layer on top.
  • Apply a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) over the entire cake to lock in crumbs.
  • Chill the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
  • Spread the remaining frosting over the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula or cake scraper. Place the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Pour another ¼ cup of caramel sauce on top ( add more as needed), creating drips along the edges using a spoon.
  • Chill the cake again until ready to serve, then sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy!

Notes

  • Cup vs weighing scale: The US customary cup measurement serves as a rough estimate, as it can have uncertainties, so for precise results, it's recommended to weigh your ingredients using a digital scale in grams.
  • Before you start to make any recipe, measure and prepare your ingredients so the process will go smoothly and easily.
  • For teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements, please use measuring spoons and not the type of spoons you eat with for accuracy.
  • Milk: You can use any dairy-free unsweetened milk (like almond, soy, oat) or dairy based whole milk
  • Lemon Juice: You can substitute with Apple Cider Vinegar / White Vinegar and vice-versa.
  • Sugar: Cane sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar or castor sugar. Ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly (some sugars are processed with bone char) or use organic cane sugar.
  • Plain Yogurt: Dairy-free unsweetened yogurt, or any plain unsweetened yogurt of your choice
  • Whipping Cream: For vegan and dairy-free use dairy-free unsweetened whipping cream or any full fat whipping cream of choice.