Old Fashioned Caramel Cake

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 55 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

• 1 beat 1 cup butter at medium speed of an electric mixer until it is creamy; gradually add 2 cups sugar, beating well. add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
• 2 in a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and coca; stir well. then add to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and water, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. mix after each addition. stir in 1 tsp vanilla.
• 3 pour the batter into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans. bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. cool pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; then remove from pans and let cool completely on wire racks.
• 4 for the frosting, combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup butter, and 1 cup evaporated milk in a large saucepan. bring to a boil over medium heat. cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to wash down the sugar crystals from the sides of the pan.
• 5 uncover and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches soft ball stage or a candy thermometer registers 234 degrees. remove from heat and add vanilla (do not stir). let cool for 10 minutes.
• 6 beat at medium speed of an electric mixer for 8 to 10 minutes or until the mixture is spreading consistency. quickly spread the caramel frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.
• 7 garnish with pecan halves and grated chocolate if desired.