Old Fashioned Burnt Sugar Caramel Cake

Name: Old Fashioned Burnt Sugar Caramel Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar for the syrup; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar for the cake; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk

This cake features a deep and rich caramel flavor that is truly special.

By Enzo81 Kitchen· American· October 18, 2026

easy.enzo81.xyz

Prep

20 minutes

Cook

35 minutes

Total

55 minutes

Serves

There is something about a burnt sugar cake that feels so nostalgic and comforting. By caramelizing the sugar until it is dark and amber before adding water, you create a syrup that gives the cake a complex and slightly toasted flavor you just cannot get anywhere else.

I love serving this for birthday parties or Sunday gatherings because it always gets rave reviews. My best tip is to watch your sugar closely as it melts so it does not burn too quickly, and always keep your face away from the pot when you add the boiling water.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar for the syrup
1 cup boiling water
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar for the cake
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk

10Instructions

1
Start by making the syrup. Heat 1 cup of sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns a deep amber color.
2
Very carefully stir in the boiling water. The mixture will steam and bubble up, so be cautious. Stir until smooth and let it cool completely.
3
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease two nine inch cake pans.
4
In a large bowl, cream the butter and 2 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl.
7
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and 1/2 cup of your prepared burnt sugar syrup.
8
Divide the batter between the two prepared pans.
9
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Tips

Store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It also freezes beautifully if you wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap before frosting.

#cake #dessert #baking #homemade

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