Pennington’s Carrot Cake with Vanilla Butter Sauce
This Pennington’s Carrot Cake with Vanilla Butter Sauce is a treasured recipe from a beloved restaurant in Tulsa that sadly closed its doors many years ago. The cake itself is a moist, aromatic, and flavorful treat, boasting a rich blend of spices and sweet carrots, topped with a warm, silky vanilla butter sauce that adds an indulgent finish. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you are celebrating a family gathering, a special event, or simply treating yourself to a comforting homemade dessert.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/3 cups |
| Brown sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Carrot (grated) | 1 cup |
| Raisins | 3/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground cloves | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Butter (softened) | 1/4 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1/3 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
For the Vanilla Butter Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1/3 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 6-cup cake pan by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
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Prepare the Carrot Cake Batter: In a large 3-quart mixing bowl, combine all the cake ingredients. Add the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, grated carrot, raisins, eggs, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, ground cloves, softened butter, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat everything together, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Continue mixing for about 1 to 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
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Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 6-cup cake pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when it begins to pull away from the edges of the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool upright in the pan for about 5 minutes before gently removing it from the pan.
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Prepare the Vanilla Butter Sauce: While the cake is cooling, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and combined. Add the remaining ingredients: water and vanilla extract. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to boil. Allow the sauce to boil for one minute, then remove it from the heat.
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Serve: Once the cake has cooled slightly, place it on a serving plate and pour about one-third of the warm vanilla butter sauce over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake. Serve the remaining sauce alongside the cake for a generous drizzle when serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2672.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 105.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 62.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 667 mg |
| Sodium | 1871.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 402.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.8 g |
| Sugars | 220.1 g |
| Protein | 36.2 g |
Additional Notes
- If you enjoy nuts in your carrot cake, feel free to add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an extra crunch.
- For best results, serve the cake warm with the sauce poured over it, but it can also be served cold or at room temperature.
- This cake yields a generous portion, so it’s perfect for family gatherings or special celebrations. You can also store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Pennington’s Carrot Cake with Vanilla Butter Sauce offers a nostalgic taste of a beloved Tulsa institution. The combination of spiced carrot cake and decadent butter sauce is a comforting dessert that will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether for a holiday, a dinner party, or a special treat for yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress with its moist texture and irresistible flavor.
