Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake Recipe
University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner’s cousin, Laura Marie, was noted for her excellent baking skills. This was one of her specialties.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, slightly softened
2 1/2 cups sugar
4 eggs
3 cups plain flour
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon soda
1 tablespoon boiling water
1 teaspoon vanilla
caramel icing (see below)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add flour and buttermilk alternately. Dissolve soda in boiling water and add to mixture. Beat well. Stir in vanilla.
4. Fill pans up halfway. Bake for 35 – 40 minutes. Cool completely.
5. Spread Caramel Icing between the layers and over top of cake. Allow to set.
Caramel Icing
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1 1/2 sticks margarine
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Directions
1. In a saucepan, brown 1/4 cup sugar. Add margarine and melt.
2. Add 1 cup sugar, mix, then add milk.
3. Bring to a boil. Add remaining 1 cup sugar. Lower heat and cook until a soft ball forms. Remove from heat and beat with mixer.
4. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla; beat to spreading consistency.
Recipe featured in “50 Quintessential Mobile Bay Recipes” sponsored by
