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Burnt Sugar Spice Cake with Baked Icing
Brown Sugar Spice Cake with Baked Icing is a classic mid-century American dessert that highlights the deep, molasses-like richness of brown sugar combined with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Unlike frosted cakes, this version features a baked-on topping made from whipped egg whites and brown sugar, creating a lightly crisp, caramelized layer with a soft interior. This technique was popular in home kitchens for its simplicity and unique texture contrast. The addition of nuts gives the cake a satisfying crunch, making it both rustic and elegant. It’s a comforting dessert perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter:

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 whole eggs (seperated)
  • 2 ½ cups sifted flour
  • 1 tsp cloves
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup sour milk (or buttermilk)

Baked Icing Topping:

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup broken nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Grease and flour an 8 x 12½ inch pan

Step 2: Cream Base

  • Cream shortening until smooth
  • Gradually add brown sugar and beat well

Step 3: Add Eggs

  • Add well beaten egg yolks one at a time
  • Add the 2 egg whites
  • Beat thoroughly after each addition

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt

Step 5: Mix Batter

  • Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with sour milk
  • Mix until smooth

Step 6: Transfer Batter

  • Pour batter into prepared pan evenly

Step 7: Prepare Topping

  • Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form
  • Gradually beat in brown sugar until thick

Step 8: Add Nuts

  • Fold in broken nuts gently

Step 9: Apply Topping

  • Spread topping evenly over cake batter

Step 10: Bake Cake

  • Bake for 45 minutes in a moderate oven (350°F)
  • Allow to cool before slicing

Tips

  • Substitute butter for shortening for richer flavor
  • Use buttermilk instead of sour milk for better texture
  • Add raisins for extra sweetness and texture
  • Try pecans instead of walnuts for a Southern twist
  • Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra crust
  • Serve warm with whipped cream
  • Add a dash of ginger for more spice depth
  • Use a square pan for thicker slices

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.8mg
Keyword baked icing, brown sugar, comfort food, fall dessert, nuts, old fashioned, spice cake, vintage