Burnt Sugar Cake (Betty Crocker: Circa 1956) 🍰
Description: This delightful recipe harkens back to the era of Betty Crocker’s classic creations, embodying the essence of 1950s-1960s baking. It’s a nostalgic nod to the past, lovingly recreated to bring a taste of tradition to your table. With its rich burnt sugar flavor and creamy icing, this cake is sure to evoke fond memories of days gone by. 🕰️

- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 18
Ingredients:
Syrup:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- Water (to make 1 cup liquid)
Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups Soft Silk flour (sifted)
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
Creamy Burnt Sugar Icing:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup shortening (part butter)
- 2 1/2 tbsp Soft Silk flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
- Water (about 3 tbsp, for consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
-
Syrup:
- In a heavy skillet over low heat, caramelize 1/2 cup sugar until clear and medium brown, shaking the pan gently to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat and slowly add 1/2 cup boiling water, stirring constantly until lumps dissolve.
- Measure and add water to make 1 cup of liquid.
- Allow to cool.
-
Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (moderate oven).
- In a bowl, sift together 2 1/4 cups of Soft Silk flour, 1 cup of sugar, 3 tsp of baking powder, and 1 tsp of salt.
- Add 1/2 cup of soft shortening and 2/3 cup of the cooled caramel-water mixture.
- Beat for 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining 1/3 cup of the caramel-water mixture, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp of vanilla.
- Beat for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour the batter into greased and floured pans (2 8-inch pans, or 2 9-inch pans, or 1 9 X 13 oblong pan). This recipe yields a small cake.
- Bake according to the size of your pans: 8-inch layers for 30-35 minutes, 9-inch layers for 25-30 minutes, or oblong 9 X 13 for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake tests done.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
-
Creamy Burnt Sugar Icing:
- Prepare another caramel sugar-water mixture following the directions for the syrup.
- Caramelize 1/2 cup sugar, then add 1/4 cup boiling water. Do not add any more water.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup shortening (part butter), then remove from heat and stir in 2 1/2 tbsp of Soft Silk flour and 1/4 tsp of salt.
- Slowly stir in the caramel-water mixture, then bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 1 minute.
- Don’t be alarmed if the mixture curdles; simply remove it from heat.
- Beat in alternately 3 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar and about 3 tbsp of water.
- Set the saucepan in a bowl of cold water and beat until the icing reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Stir in 1/2 tsp of vanilla.
- If the icing becomes too thick to spread, add a little water until desired consistency is achieved.
This Burnt Sugar Cake, straight from the pages of Betty Crocker’s cookbook, is a timeless treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a slice of nostalgia or simply want to impress your guests with a classic dessert, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy sweetness of this beloved vintage delicacy! 🥮