White Cake With Caramel Icing

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A classic white cake with rich caramel icing, featuring light, fluffy layers and sweet, buttery flavors perfect for celebrations or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 3 1/3 cups cake flour
  • 2 1/4 cups sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1/3 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Beat the cake batter until smooth.
  2. Pour batter into two greased and floured layer pans.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Allow cakes to cool before frosting with caramel icing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, sift the cake flour before measuring. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute, though it may alter the cake's flavor slightly. For added moisture, consider adding an extra tablespoon of milk to the batter. To enhance the flavor, you might also incorporate a dash of almond extract, which pairs beautifully with the caramel icing.

Serving Suggestions

This white cake is delightful when served plain or with a generous layer of caramel icing. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle chopped nuts or drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert experience, or pair it with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, which can keep it fresh for about a week. If you prefer, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of White Cake With Caramel Icing contains roughly 464 calories, with 6g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 744mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

464 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.5g 11% DV
Total Fat 20.6g 26% DV
Carbs 54.7g 20% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 2.3g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 744.4mg 32% DV
Potassium 94.7mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 0mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.8mcg
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 101.3mg 8% DV
Iron 5.1mg 28% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Just be sure to frost with caramel icing on the day you plan to serve to maintain the cake's freshness and texture.

What adjustments do I need to make for high-altitude baking?

For high-altitude baking, reduce the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons and increase the baking powder by 1/2 teaspoon. Additionally, you may need to increase the liquid slightly to prevent the cake from drying out. Monitor the baking time closely, as it may vary.

Can I use a different type of icing?

Absolutely! While caramel icing is delicious, you can substitute it with cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile. Both icings will complement the light texture of the cake beautifully and offer a unique twist.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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