Burnt-sugar Cake Recipe 🍰

Description:

Indulge in the nostalgic charm of this Burnt-sugar Cake, a delightful dessert straight from the pages of the 1960s Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook. The preparation time listed is an estimate, allowing you to savor the anticipation of creating this classic treat. With its rich flavors and moist texture, this cake is perfect for potlucks, weeknight gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a touch of homemade sweetness.

Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 1 13x9x2 inch cake

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups cake flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup Burnt-sugar Syrup (see recipe below)
• 3 eggs, separated

Burnt-sugar Syrup:

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup boiling water

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 3619.1
• Fat: 122.5g
• Saturated Fat: 34.5g
• Cholesterol: 411.8mg
• Sodium: 1788.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 585.6g
• Fiber: 6.3g
• Sugar: 287.5g
• Protein: 48.1g

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Prepare a 13x9x2 inch pan by lining it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, stir the shortening until it softens.

3. Gradually add the sugar to the shortening, and cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Add the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.

5. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.

6. In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt three times to ensure they are well combined.

7. Alternately add the sifted dry ingredients and the milk to the creamed mixture, beating after each addition until the batter is smooth.

8. Fold in the Burnt-sugar Syrup until well incorporated.

9. In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

10. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter until no streaks remain.

11. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

12. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

13. While the cake is baking, prepare the Burnt-sugar Syrup:

    • Melt the white sugar in a heavy skillet over low heat until it turns dark brown and smooth.
    • Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully add the boiling water.
    • Return the skillet to the heat and stir rapidly until the mixture resembles molasses syrup.

14. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes.

15. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or frosting.

16. Optional: Frost the cooled cake with Seven-minute Burnt-sugar Frosting for an extra decadent touch.

Serving Suggestions:

Slice this Burnt-sugar Cake into generous portions and serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. Pair it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or your favorite hot tea for the perfect ending to any meal.

Enjoy the sweet nostalgia of this timeless recipe, passed down through generations and cherished for its rich flavors and comforting texture. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight, this Burnt-sugar Cake is sure to impress with every bite.