Caramel Cake (Salted Caramel Cake)

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups

granulated sugar

1/3 cup

water

225 milliliters

heavy cream (room temperature)

3/4 cup

unsalted butter (room temperature)

1/2 tsp

sea salt (optional, to taste, for salted caramel)

2 1/4 cups

all-purpose flour

2 1/4 tsp

baking powder

3/4 tsp

salt

3/4 cup

unsalted butter (room temperature)

1 cup

granulated sugar

large eggs (room temperature)

1 1/2 tsp

vanilla

1/2 cup

caramel

1 cup

milk (room temperature)

large egg whites

1 2/3 cups

dark brown sugar (packed)

2 cups

unsalted butter (room temperature, cubed)

1/2 cup

caramel

salt (optional, to taste, for salted caramel)