Old Fashioned Burnt Sugar Caramel Cake

Name: Old Fashioned Burnt Sugar Caramel Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the burnt sugar syrup); 1/2 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk

A rich and deep caramel flavored cake that is perfect for anyone who loves a toasted sugar taste.

By Enzo81 Kitchen· American· October 17, 2026

enzo81.xyz

Prep

20 minutes

Cook

30 minutes

Total

50 minutes

Serves

There is something truly special about the flavor of burnt sugar. This cake gets its signature taste from a homemade syrup that turns simple caramelized sugar into a deep, complex base for the batter. It is a classic recipe that feels like a trip back to a cozy kitchen.

My best tip for this recipe is to watch the sugar closely when you melt it on the stove. You want a deep amber color, but it can turn bitter if it burns too far, so keep a close eye on it until it reaches that perfect golden brown.

Ingredients

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

11Instructions

1
Prepare the burnt sugar syrup by placing the 1/2 cup of sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2
Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a dark amber color, then carefully pour in the boiling water while stirring constantly until smooth.
3
Set the syrup aside to cool down completely.
4
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease two 9 inch round cake pans.
5
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
6
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla and the cooled burnt sugar syrup.
7
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
8
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, and mix just until combined.
9
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
10
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool fully.

Tips

Store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It tastes wonderful served with a simple vanilla buttercream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. If you have leftovers, individual slices freeze beautifully for up to one month.

#Cake #Dessert #Baking #Homemade #Comfort Food

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