Caramel Walnut Layer Cake

A rich and indulgent Caramel Walnut Layer Cake, featuring layers of moist walnut cake, luscious homemade caramel, and silky cream cheese frosting.

Course Celebration Cake, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Baking, Caramel Cake, Caramel Walnut Layer Cake, Layer Cake, Walnut Cake

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Servings 12 servings

Calories 450kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour Regular works best for a soft crumb.
2 tsp baking powder Gives a lovely rise.
1/2 tsp baking soda Gives a lovely rise.
1 cup sugar Regular white sugar.
1/2 cup unsalted butter Softened, at room temperature.
3 large eggs At room temperature for fluffiness.
3/4 cup buttermilk Or whole milk with 1 tsp vinegar.
1 tsp vanilla extract Best flavor when using real vanilla.
1 cup chopped walnuts Toast for even more flavor.

Frosting Ingredients

9 oz cream cheese Softened, or substitute with extra butter.
1 cup powdered sugar Makes the frosting silky smooth.
3/4 cup heavy cream Cold for frosting.

Caramel Ingredients

1 cup sugar For caramel sauce.
6 tbsp unsalted butter For caramel sauce.
1/2 cup heavy cream For caramel sauce.
1 pinch salt For salted caramel magic.

Optional Decorations

whole walnuts, mini Oreos, whipped cream swirls For decorating the cake.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to your wet mix—start and end with the dry ingredients.
Fold in chopped walnuts and mix gently.

Baking

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely, then carefully slice each cake in half (to create four layers).

Making the Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until silky and smooth. Add vanilla and whip in cold cream gently.

Making the Caramel

Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling until it’s deep golden. Add butter and mix gently. Slowly pour in cream, whisking until you get a glossy caramel. Stir in salt to taste.

Assembly

Stack your first cake layer on a plate, spread a layer of frosting, and repeat with remaining layers.
Frost the sides and top of the cake.
Pour cooled caramel sauce over the top, letting it drizzle down the sides.
Decorate with whole walnuts, mini Oreos, and whipped cream swirls if desired.

Notes

For best texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Toasting walnuts enhances flavor. Caramel can crack if stirred too aggressively while melting.