The Merseysiders just about held their nerve in an error-strewn penalty decider, prevailing 3-2 after the two sides had finished locked at 2-2 after a thrilling period of extra time.
The Premier League club's victory was clinched when Cardiff substitute Anthony Gerrard – cousin of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard – shot wide with Cardiff's fifth and final spot-kick.
The Cardiff player's miss came after Liverpool had seen Steven Gerrard's opening spot-kick saved and Charlie Adam's second blazed over the bar.
But Cardiff misses from Kenny Miller, Rudy Gestede and finally Gerrard proved decisive for the brave Welsh club from the second tier of English football.
The win was Liverpool's first trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 2006, and the first since Kop legend Kenny Dalglish returned as manager last year.
Liverpool skipper Gerrard extended sympathy to his family member after the penalty heartache.
"It's always cruel when it goes to penalties. There has to be a loser. Cardiff were superb today," Gerrard said.
"One (of us) was going to be sad, one was going to be celebrating. It happens. I've got mixed emotions at the moment but I feel for Anthony and Cardiff."
Dalglish expressed relief after the win.
"It was a long way to win but the name is on the trophy," he said. "Cardiff were always going to be difficult. They were never going to lie down and were a great credit. It's not a nice way to win a cup but we'll take it.
"It's sad that the boy missed it and you always feel for the person that misses in that situation."
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