Creating your homemade caramel cake is easy if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together and set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and combined.

6. Pour Batter into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.

7. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Then, add the caramel sauce, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

10. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

11. Drizzle with Caramel: Finally, drizzle the top of the cake with additional caramel sauce.