Hello, Good News! Welcome to another delicious article where we share with you the best recipes for your sweet tooth. Today, we are going to talk about one of the most popular and decadent cakes in the South: the grandbaby caramel cake.
What is a grandbaby caramel cake, you ask? Well, it is a moist and fluffy yellow cake that is covered with a rich and creamy caramel icing. It is called grandbaby because it is a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is so good that it makes you feel like a spoiled grandchild.
Why You Should Try This Grandbaby Caramel Cake Recipe
If you are looking for a cake that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this grandbaby caramel cake recipe. This cake has everything you need for a special occasion: it is easy to make, it tastes amazing, and it looks stunning.
Here are some of the reasons why you should try this grandbaby caramel cake recipe:
It is easy to make
You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients to make this cake. All you need are some basic baking ingredients, such as butter, sugar, eggs, flour, sour cream, and evaporated milk. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer to cream the butter and sugar, and then add the eggs and other ingredients. The cake batter is simple and straightforward, and you can bake it in two 9-inch round cake pans.
The caramel icing is also easy to make, but it requires some patience and attention. You need to cook the sugar and evaporated milk in a medium-sized pot over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a caramel color and thickens. Then you add some butter and vanilla extract, and stir until smooth. The trick is to not let the caramel burn or crystallize, so keep an eye on it and use a candy thermometer if you have one.
It tastes amazing
This cake is not for the faint of heart. It is rich, sweet, and indulgent. The cake itself is moist and tender, with a buttery and vanilla flavor. The caramel icing is smooth and creamy, with a deep caramel flavor that melts in your mouth. The combination of the cake and the icing is heavenly, and it will satisfy your sweet cravings.
This cake is best served at room temperature or slightly warm, so that the icing is soft and gooey. You can also refrigerate it if you prefer a firmer texture, but make sure to let it sit out for a while before slicing. You can enjoy this cake on its own, or with some whipped cream or ice cream on the side.
It looks stunning
This cake is not only delicious, but also beautiful. It has a golden yellow color that contrasts with the dark brown caramel icing. It has a rustic and homemade look that makes it inviting and cozy. You can decorate it with some chopped nuts or sprinkles if you like, or leave it plain for a simple elegance.
This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it is a birthday, an anniversary, a holiday, or just a regular day. It will make your guests feel special and loved, and they will rave about your baking skills.
Where Does This Grandbaby Caramel Cake Recipe Come From?
You may be wondering where this grandbaby caramel cake recipe originated from. Well, as we mentioned before, this cake is a Southern classic that has been around for generations. But who invented it? And why is it called grandbaby?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to these questions. There are many variations of this cake recipe, and each family may have their own version and story behind it. However, here are some possible origins of this grandbaby caramel cake recipe:
It was inspired by European cakes
Some sources suggest that this cake was inspired by European cakes that were brought to America by immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries[^1^]. For example, some German cakes used caramelized sugar as an ingredient or as a topping[^2^]. Some French cakes used buttercream or custard as fillings or frostings[^3^]. Some British cakes used sponge or pound cakes as bases[^4^]. These cakes may have influenced the Southern bakers who adapted them to their own tastes and ingredients.
It was created during the Great Depression
Another possibility is that this cake was created during the Great Depression in the 1930s[^5^]. During this time, many people faced poverty and hunger, and had limited access to food and resources. They had to make do with what they had, and use cheap and available ingredients. Sugar and butter were relatively affordable and easy to find, and they could be used to make a simple cake and a caramel icing. Evaporated milk was also a common ingredient, as it had a longer shelf life than fresh milk. This cake may have been a way to create a delicious and comforting dessert with minimal cost and effort.
It was named after a grandmother
A third possibility is that this cake was named after a grandmother who made it for her grandchildren[^6^]. This may have been a personal or a family tradition, or it may have been a popular nickname for this cake in the South. The name grandbaby may have implied that this cake was made with love and care, and that it was a special treat for the young ones. It may have also reflected the sweetness and tenderness of this cake, as well as the nostalgia and memories that it evoked.
How to Make a Grandbaby Caramel Cake Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know more about this grandbaby caramel cake recipe, you may be eager to try it yourself. Well, you are in luck, because we are going to show you how to make it step by step. Here is what you need to do:
| Ingredients | Directions |
|---|---|
| For the cake: – 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature – 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar – 7 eggs, room temperature – 3 cups sifted cake flour – 1 tsp salt – 1/2 tsp baking powder – 1/2 tsp baking soda – 1 cup sour cream, room temperature – 1/2 cup vegetable oil – 1 tbsp vanilla extract |
For the cake: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, oil and sugar on high until fully incorporated and light and fluffy, about 5-6 minutes. 3. Turn mixer to medium speed and mix in eggs and egg yolks one at a time until well incorporated. Add in vanilla extract and mix. 4. Sift cake flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a medium sized bowl. 5. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding in flour mixture and sour cream ending with flour mixture. 6. Divide batter evenly between pans and spread evenly. 7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks. |
| For the caramel icing: – 3 cups granulated sugar – 1 cup evaporated milk – 1/4 cup unsalted butter – 1 tsp vanilla extract |
For the caramel icing: 1. In a medium sized pot over medium heat, add sugar and evaporated milk and stir together. 2. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a caramel color and thickens. Use a candy thermometer if you have one, and aim for 238°F. 3. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. 4. Let the icing cool slightly before using. |
| To assemble the cake: – Chopped nuts or sprinkles (optional) |
To assemble the cake: 1. Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate. 2. Spread about 1/3 of the caramel icing over the top of the cake layer. 3. Place the second cake layer on top of the first one. 4. Spread the remaining caramel icing over the top and sides of the cake. 5. Sprinkle some chopped nuts or sprinkles over the top of the cake if desired. 6. Enjoy! |
Frequently Asked Questions About Grandbaby Caramel Cake Recipe
How do I store this grandbaby caramel cake?
You can store this grandbaby caramel cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, but make sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil before freezing.