Burnt Sugar Cake

📜 Collection: John B. Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unattributed | 📂 Category: Desserts A delightful traditional burnt sugar cake featuring homemade caramel syrup and whipped egg whites for a tender crumb. This classic baked treat brings rich, caramelized sweetness to any dessert table.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
30 mins45 minsNone12 servings

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Cake pan
  • Saucepan
  • Electric mixer

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
2 cupsPowdered SugarSifted
3/4 cupButterSoftened
1 tspBaking PowderNone
2 1/2 cupsFlourSifted
1 cupMilkDivided
5EggsSeparated into yolks and whites
1/2 cupSugarFor caramelizing
1/2 cupWaterFor caramelizing

Instructions

Step 1: Caramel Syrup

  1. Caramelize 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan until golden and aromatic. Add the mixture to 1 cup milk (if too much, use 1/4 less cup).

Step 2: Batter Preparation

  1. Cream 3/4 cup butter, then add 2 cups powdered sugar and the egg yolks. Alternately add the prepared milk mixture and 2 1/2 cups flour, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Folding and Baking

  1. Fold in the stiffly beaten 5 egg whites gently into the batter until just incorporated. Pour into a prepared baking pan and bake until a golden crust forms and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: The cake layers can be baked ahead of time, wrapped tightly, and stored at room temperature for a day or frozen before frosting.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card