Easy Caramel Cake Using a Box Mix

An easy-to-make caramel cake with butterscotch pudding, caramel creamer, and rich frosting, perfect for any occasion.

Large slice of caramel cake with frosting on a white plate.

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If you really want an easy cake that actually tastes like a homemade caramel cake without having to actually make the caramel, then this one is perfect. It’s so easy to make and turns out great every single time. The whole family will love this one.

What’s great about this easy caramel cake?

  • Starts with a box mix, easy and quick.
  • Caramel creamer adds a nice flavor kick.
  • Homemade caramel frosting tops it off just right.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Close up image of easy caramel cake made with a cake mix with a fork on a white plate.
Large slice of caramel cake with frosting on a white plate.

Easy Caramel Cake Using a Box Mix

An easy-to-make caramel cake with butterscotch pudding, caramel creamer, and rich frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy caramel cake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 710kcal
Author: Kara @ Quick and Easy Baking

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 1 (15 ounce) box yellow cake mix (I used Betty Crocker)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) box dry instant butterscotch pudding, take out 2 full tablespoons and either discard or save for another use (If you add the entire package, sometimes it makes the cake sink in the middle.)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup caramel coffee creamer (I used Coffee Mate vanilla caramel flavor)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the frosting:

  • 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 cups confectioner’s sugar
  • 1 tablespoon caramel coffee creamer (I used Coffee Mate vanilla caramel flavor)
  • 1/4 cup jarred caramel sauce
  • 2 tablespoons milk
Have questions?Make sure to check out the Tips & FAQ section in the post!

Instructions

For the cake:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease or spray two, 8-inch round cake pans. (Alternatively, you can use parchment paper.)
  • In a large mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients and mix for about two minutes.
  • Add the batter to the two pans and bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 35-40 minutes. The cake layers are fully baked with a toothpick inserted into the center of each layer comes out with either a few moist crumbs on it or clean, but no raw batter.
  • Pull the baked cake layers out of the oven and set the pans onto cooling racks for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, turn them out directly onto the cooling racks and allow to cool completely before adding frosting.
  • Make the frosting while the cakes cool.

For the frosting:

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the butter and salt and mix on medium-high until smooth.
  • Add three cups of the confectioner’s sugar, the caramel and the creamer and mix on medium high until well mixed.
  • Add the last 3 cups of confectioner’s sugar and about 1 tablespoon of milk and mix on medium-high until well mixed and smooth.
  • Check the consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of the plain milk and mix again. (Yes, you could add the creamer, however the frosting is already quite sweet and adding more creamer can make it over the top sweet.) Repeat until desired consistency is reached.

To assemble:

  • Add a cooled cake layer on a cake plate and add frosting to the top and smooth.
  • Drizzle with a few tablespoons of caramel sauce if desired.
  • Add the next cake layer then cover the entire cake with frosting, then drizzle with caramel sauce on top if desired.

Notes

How to Store: Store this cake covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days.
How to serve: This cake can be served cold, at room temperature or warmed up.
Nutritional values are an estimate.
*This recipe card may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition

Calories: 710kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 134mg | Sodium: 194mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 81g | Vitamin A: 1133IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg
Baking at higher elevation?You’ll need to make adjustments for high elevations. This website does not specialize in that type of baking. Please take time to research high elevation baking websites for adjustments that should be made.
DislaimersTo see food safety, allergy & nutrition disclaimers, go here: Disclaimers!

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Kara
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