Burnt Sugar Cake is a nostalgic dessert with deep caramel flavor created by browning sugar before incorporating it into the batter. This old-fashioned cake likely hails from early to mid-20th-century American kitchens, where cooks creatively transformed simple pantry staples into indulgent desserts. Its rich, molasses-like undertones and soft crumb make it a unique treat perfect for holidays or coffee breaks. The use of cold coffee and burnt sugar syrup gives it a complex flavor not found in ordinary cakes.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1½ cups sugar (for burnt sugar syrup)
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup cold coffee
- ½ cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 3 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- 2½ cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda (added to burnt sugar syrup)
Icing
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make Burnt Sugar Syrup
- In a heavy saucepan, heat 1½ cups sugar with ¾ cup water over medium heat.
- Cook slowly until the mixture turns a deep golden brown.
- Carefully stir in ½ cup cold coffee and ½ tsp baking soda (it will foam).
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy.
- Add 3 tsp brown sugar, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and salt.
- Stir in the cooled burnt sugar syrup and ½ cup milk.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before icing.
Step 5: Prepare the Icing
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, ¾ cup milk, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until it thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes).
- Let cool slightly before spreading over cooled cake.
Tips
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the icing for texture.
- Substitute buttermilk for milk to add tang.
- For a more intense coffee flavor, use espresso instead of regular coffee.
- A pinch of cinnamon in the batter deepens the flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.004gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 159mgPotassium: 72mgFiber: 1gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 101IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 117mgIron: 2mg
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