Introduction:
In the quaint town of indulgence and culinary delights, there exists a cake so enchanting that it has earned its place as the crown jewel of dessert tables – the Brown Sugar Caramel Cake. With its irresistible caramel undertones and velvety texture, this confection is more than just a cake; it’s a symphony of sweetness that dances upon your taste buds and leaves you yearning for more. So, gather your aprons and unleash your inner baker, as we embark on a delightful journey to create this heavenly dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup homemade caramel sauce (recipe provided below)
Homemade Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- A pinch of sea salt
Step-by-Step:
Step 1 – Making the Caramel Sauce:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns into a rich amber color.
- Carefully add the butter, and stir continuously until it melts completely and is well combined with the caramelized sugar.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring vigorously. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble.
- Stir in a pinch of sea salt for that perfect sweet and salty balance.
- Set aside the caramel sauce to cool while you prepare the cake batter.
Step 2 – Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 3 – Assembling the Cake:
- Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Drizzle half of the homemade caramel sauce over the batter in each pan.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the batter for a marbled effect.
Step 4 – Baking the Cake:
- Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion:
And there you have it – a symphony of sweetness wrapped in a delightful Brown Sugar Caramel Cake. Each velvety bite infused with the rich caramel swirls takes your palate on a heavenly journey of flavors. Whether it’s a celebration or an ordinary day, this cake is sure to elevate the spirits and leave a lasting impression on all who taste it. So, indulge your senses and savor this divine creation, for it embodies the essence of joy and the love of baking. Happy baking!