This rich and buttery Caramel Bundt Cake is a standout addition to any special occasion dessert menu. Topped with a luscious homemade caramel frosting, it delivers next-level decadence in every bite.

What’s the Secret to a Moist Bundt Cake?

When making a bundt cake, it’s important to measure accurately. Always spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it and avoid dipping the cup into the flour. Also, don’t overbeat the batter as that can begin to develop the gluten in the flour and may result in a dry cake.

Ingredients to Make Caramel Bundt Cake Recipe

Scratch made caramel cake is another one of our beloved Southern desserts. Variations can be found near and far in kitchens all over the South. Caramel cake is typically made as a layer cake, but like any cake, it has many forms. This bundt cake version is a spinoff that I enjoy making just as much as the layered version. In fact, I find it transports a bit easier and comes together in a snap, since it’s not frosted like a typical layer cake. The caramel frosting is drizzled over the top for the crowning touch. Ingredients you’ll need to make Caramel Bundt Cake with Caramel Frosting: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

Flour – All purpose flour sifted with baking powder and salt forms the base of the cake batter.
Fats – Salted butter and solid vegetable shortening adds richness to the batter.
Sugar – A combination of light brown sugar and granulated sugar amps up the flavor.
Flavoring – Vanilla extract adds creamy floral notes to the flavor.
Whole Eggs – Large eggs stabilize the cake batter.
Milk – Whole or lowfat buttermilk, preferably not fat free adds moisture.
Caramel Frosting – Light brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, salted butter and vanilla extract.

How to Make the Best Caramel Bundt Cake Recipe

This homemade Southern style caramel bundt cake is certain to become a family favorite. The caramel glaze is rich and buttery just as homemade caramel should be.

Heat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a bundt pan with nonstick baking spray or butter and flour.
Creamed Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, shortening, vanilla, brown and granulated sugars in a large mixing bowl. Beat for 2 minutes or until creamy and light beige in color.
Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.
Dry Ingredients: Use a whisk to sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Lower the speed of the mixer and add to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk.
Transfer the Batter to the Prepared Bundt Pan: Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake per the recipe until a cake tester inserted into the center comes back clean.
Cool: Cool in the pan for 15 minutes then turn onto a cooing rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: Pour caramel frosting over cake until all has been used. Drizzle the frosting slowly, so it doesn’t all pool around the bottom.
Garnish: Sprinkle the top with toasted walnuts or pecans, if desired.

Tips for Making Southern Caramel Bundt Cake

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need: One 12-14 cup bundt pan, measuring cups and measuring spoons, small saucepan, electric mixer you can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer, medium bowl, large bowl and whisk.
Use Room Temperature Eggs and Butter: It’s important to to note that for this recipe, it’s best to start with room temperature eggs and butter.
Make Your Own Buttermilk: You really do need to use buttermilk for this caramel cake recipe. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand you can make it yourself in a pinch. To do so, add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or white distilled vinegar to one cup of whole milk. Allow it to sit on the counter for 5 minutes, then stir and proceed with the recipe as written. Use whole milk, not low fat.
Bring to Room Temperature for Serving: This cake can be stored chilled or at room temperature. When storing chilled, allow an hour or so on the counter before serving to give the frosting time to soften. It will naturally firm when chilled.

Recipe Variations

Nuts: Classic Southern caramel cake typically doesn’t have any nuts or embellishments added to the batter. That being said, if you wanted to mix one cup of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, you could.
Alternate Garnish: You may choose to garnish the top with toffee bits or a chopped Heath bar for crunch.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers: Store leftover Caramel Bundt Cake in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze Caramel Cake for up to 2 months. When freezing, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the caramel glaze fresh just before serving.

More Southern Style Bundt Cake Recipes to Make

This scrumptious cake is unapologetically sweet and indulgent. It’s just one of those desserts that screams “go big or go home.” Other bundt cake recipes to try:

Chocolate Turtle Bundt Cake is ooey gooey good.
Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake is an easy cake that bakers of all skill levels can be successful recreating.
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Bundt Cake is a tasty use for overripe bananas.
Buttered Rum Cake is a holiday favorite that also goes viral around Mardis Gras.
Lemon Butter Bundt Cake is filled with lemon flavor.
Vanilla glaze drizzled Coconut Cream Pound Cake.
Key Lime Bundt Cake from Life in the Lofthouse.

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