This unique and absolutely divine burnt sugar caramel cake gets its flavor from burnt sugar syrup. Cook sugar until caramelized, then add boiling water. We’ll use the syrup in both the cake and frosting. Add salted caramel for extra flavor and toasted pecans for a lovely garnish. It’s soft, buttery, and totally worth every minute of prep time.
It’s been a year in the making. I’m proud to finally share my version of caramel cake, a new cake recipe inspired by a favorite that my mother-in-law enjoyed when she was younger.
What is Burnt Sugar Caramel Cake?
This burnt sugar caramel cake is a wonderfully sweet and buttery cake flavored with homemade burnt sugar syrup. The syrup combines caramelized sugar and water, a mixture you cook on the stove until it’s dark amber in color. The cake does not taste burnt, bitter, or charred. Rather, it tastes like caramel and caramelized sugar, the same topping used for creme brûlée! We’ll flavor the frosting with burnt sugar syrup as well. Inside the cake and frosting, the syrup tastes like caramel. In my experience, this is the only from-scratch caramel flavored addition that (1) provides flavor and (2) doesn’t ruin the cake’s texture.
Behind the Recipe
This is not the exact recipe that my mother-in-law used to enjoy. Sadly, she was unable to find her original. She tried a few online recipes for burnt sugar cake, but none of them lived up to her memories. I researched a few recipes and after testing them myself, I was pretty disappointed at the dense texture and lack of flavor. I tried adding brown sugar and more vanilla for extra flavor, but nothing proved successful. So I turned to my white cake recipe, a cake that’s consistently soft and flavorful. My white cake is the starting point for strawberry cake, espresso chocolate chip cake, cookies & cream cake, pistachio cake, and coconut cake because it’s ALWAYS a winner.
My MIL said it’s the only burnt sugar cake most resembling what she enjoyed growing up!
How to Make Burnt Sugar Caramel Cake
- Make Burnt Sugar Syrup: After cooking it, cool the syrup before using in the recipe. Use half in the cake batter and half in the burnt sugar frosting.
- Prepare Cake Batter: Since we’re adding a liquid (the sugar syrup), reduce the sugar and milk in my white cake recipe. We’ll also leave out 1 egg white to really ensure that this cake isn’t too wet. Cake flour promises a soft crumb, egg whites (no yolks) promise a fluffy crumb, and sour cream promises a moist crumb. For best results, do not make any ingredient substitutions.
- Bake the Cakes: As a result of the burnt sugar syrup cooking, the cakes develop a golden crust around the edges. For a 3 layer or 9×13 inch cake, see recipe notes.
- Prepare Salted Caramel: To boost the caramel flavor in this cake, I highly recommend filling and garnishing the cake with my 4 ingredient salted caramel. You can even prepare the salted caramel a few days ahead of time.
- Make the Frosting: The burnt sugar frosting is just like my vanilla buttercream, but we’ll add burnt sugar syrup for flavor. To complement the flavor, use extra salt. If you love salty sweet, this is the frosting for you!
- Assemble & Frost the Cake: 2 layer cakes are pretty easy to decorate. For a little garnish, I love topping the cake with toasted pecans. See recipe note for instruction.
Video Tutorial: Burnt Sugar Caramel Cake
Prepare the Burnt Sugar Syrup First
The most important step in this cake recipe is preparing the burnt sugar syrup. You need a sturdy 3 quart pan to ensure the cooking sugar doesn’t crystalize. (This pan is great quality for its price.) Cook 1 cup granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Wooden spoons do not conduct heat and are ideal for candy-making. After chipping a few of my old wooden spoons, I just bought this set and LOVE them!
After about 5 minutes, the sugar begins to melt. If you notice any clumps, try to break them up with your spoon. So far in the process, this is the same exact way we start salted caramel. Once there are no lumps and the sugar is golden brown, about 8-10 minutes total, very slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup of boiling water. Have boiling water at the ready for this step because in the world of candy-making, timing and temperature are key. Wear an oven mitt because the water will rapidly sizzle and steam.
You don’t need a candy thermometer for this, but you can use it if you have one.
After you add all of the water, cook the syrup for an extra 3 minutes over low heat then cool the syrup completely. It will thicken as it cools. Once cool, you can use it in the cake batter and frosting. The cake batter is light beige and smells incredible. Steal a taste!
Buttercream
Same goes for the burnt sugar frosting—make sure you steal a few tastes! You need:
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure you’re using room temperature butter.
- Confectioners’ Sugar
- Burnt Sugar Syrup
- Milk
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
I love this salty sweet frosting. It’s similar to my salted caramel frosting, but has a much creamier consistency. The burnt sugar cake and burnt sugar frosting are definitely worthwhile on their own, but this entire cake is greater than the sum of its parts. Together, they’re the perfect match.
Don’t Forget the Salted Caramel!
This burnt sugar caramel cake wouldn’t be as impressive without salted caramel. Drizzle salted caramel in between the cakes and on top. If the salted caramel is too warm, however, it will melt the frosting. See my recipe instructions below.
Toasted nuts add a flavorful and textural flair!
3 Success Tips
Leaving you with 3 success tips so you can enjoy this old-fashioned favorite:
- Watch the video tutorial and read the recipe in full before beginning. Follow the recipe closely and make no ingredient substitutions. I tested several different options and nothing lived up to the careful recipe below.
- Since it must be cool, I recommend preparing the burnt sugar syrup 1 day ahead of time.
- Don’t leave out the salted caramel.
Beginner Baker? Let Me Help:
- How to Prevent a Dry or Dense Cake
- Top 10 Cake Baking Tips
- How to Freeze Cake
- Homemade Cake Flour Substitute
- Here’s What Room Temperature Butter Means
And if you are looking for more cozy fall flavors, here is a list of 30+ fall cake ideas.
PrintBurnt Sugar Cake
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
- Yield: serves 10-12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
The trick to burnt sugar cake is to use burnt sugar syrup as its main flavor. Make sure you prepare the burnt sugar syrup ahead of time so that it can properly cool and thicken. While you’re at it, prepare the salted caramel ahead of time too.
Ingredients
Burnt Sugar Syrup
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (180ml) boiling water
Cake
- 2 and 1/2 cups (285g) cake flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) cooled burnt sugar syrup
- 4 egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
Burnt Sugar Frosting
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) cooled burnt sugar syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Assembly
- Homemade Salted Caramel, cooled
- 1/2 cup (50g) chopped pecans*
Instructions
- For best success, read the recipe in full and watch the video tutorial in the post above before starting.
- Prepare the burnt sugar syrup first so it has time to cool. Make sure you have boiling water at the ready. For the burnt sugar syrup, place sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Best to use a 3 quart heavy-bottomed quality saucepan. Stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cook until the sugar has completely melted and is amber brown, about 8-10 minutes. If the sugar is clumpy, break up the lumps with your wooden spoon. A candy thermometer is not necessary, but if you’re using one, the sugar temperature should reach about 300°F (149°C) when it’s ready. Turn the heat to low and very carefully and slowly drizzle in the boiling water, a little at a time. Stir after each addition and stand back, as the mixture will rapidly sizzle and bubble. After all of the boiling water is stirred in, stir and cook the sugar syrup for 3 more minutes on low. Turn off the heat and let it cool completely, overnight preferred. It’s imperative that the sugar syrup is completely cool. You will have about 1 cup of syrup.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans. (If it’s helpful, see this parchment paper rounds for cakes video & post.)
- Whisk the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside.
- Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until creamed, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. With the mixer running on medium speed, pour in 1/2 cup of the cooled burnt sugar syrup. Beat until combined. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed. Beat in the egg whites, sour cream, and vanilla extract. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients just until combined. With the mixer still running on low, slowly pour in the milk until combined. Do not over-mix. The batter will be slightly thick.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared cake pans. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until the cakes are baked through. As a result of the burnt sugar syrup cooking inside the cake batter, the cakes brown nicely on top and on the sides. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it is done. Allow cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack.
- As the cakes cool, I suggest making the salted caramel. The salted caramel adds necessary flavor. We’ll use it as a filling and garnish. When ready to use in step 9, make sure the salted caramel isn’t too hot anymore. If it’s too hot, it will melt the frosting. If it’s too cool, it won’t drizzle. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before using. If you prepared the salted caramel ahead of time and it became too cool or too thick, microwave it for 5-10 seconds or JUST until it’s drizzle-able again. (It won’t be too hot at this point.) You can also toast the pecans during this time, too. See recipe note.
- Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, remaining 1/2 cup of cooled burnt sugar syrup, vanilla extract, milk/cream, and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat until completely combined, about 2 minutes. Add more confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin or more milk/cream if frosting is too thick. Taste. Add more salt if desired. (I usually use 1/2 teaspoon of salt total. I like this frosting salty/sweet.)
- Assemble and frost: First, using a large serrated knife or cake leveler, slice a thin layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface. Discard (or crumble over ice cream!). If you have any leftover burnt sugar syrup, drizzle over leveled cakes. I usually don’t have any leftover, but this is a great place to use any last drops if you have some. Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand, cake turntable, or serving plate. Using a large icing spatula, evenly cover the top with frosting. Drizzle 1/4 cup of salted caramel on top of the frosting. Top with 2nd cake layer. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30-45 minutes before finishing the frosting and garnish. The caramel inside the cake must “set.” After chilling in the refrigerator, spread the remaining frosting all over the top and sides. Run a bench scraper around the cake to smooth out the sides, if desired. Garnish with toasted pecans and more salted caramel. Slice and serve.
- Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Prepare burnt sugar syrup up to 3 days ahead of time. Cover and store at room temperature until ready to use. Prepare the salted caramel up to 1 week ahead of time. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can prepare the cake layers ahead of time too. Wrap the individual baked and cooled cake layers tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months. (See How to Freeze Cake for instructions.) Bring cake layers to room temperature, then continue with step 7. Frosted cake freezes well, up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before garnishing with caramel and pecans and serving.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan | Wooden Spoon | Candy Thermometer (optional) | 9-inch Round Cake Pans | Glass Mixing Bowl | Whisk | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) | Rubber Spatula | Cooling Rack | Cake Turntable | Large Icing Spatula | Bench Scraper | Cake Carrier (for storage)
- 3 Layer Cake or 9×13-Inch Cake: You can also prepare this cake as a 3 layer cake or 9×13-inch sheet cake, but the texture tastes best at the thickness of a 2 layer cake. I highly recommend sticking to a 2 layer cake. For a 3 layer cake, though, divide batter between three 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans in step 3 and bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For a 9×13-inch cake, pour the batter into a greased and lightly floured 9×13-inch pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Top with a thick layer of frosting and drizzle salted caramel all over the top.
- Cupcakes: Recipe yields 30-36 cupcakes. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Egg Whites: Egg whites (no yolks) are KEY to the cake’s fluffy texture. Here are recipes using leftover egg yolks.
- Why Room Temperature? All refrigerated items should be at room temperature so the batter mixes together easily and evenly. Read here for more information. Instead of sour cream, you can use plain yogurt. The cake won’t taste as rich, but it’s a fine substitute.
- Salted Caramel: No matter which size cake you make, or if you make cupcakes, you’ll have salted caramel leftover. Here are 50 ways to use salted caramel if you need inspiration for the leftovers. I don’t recommend halving the salted caramel recipe—make the whole recipe (1 cup).
- Toasted Pecans: Toasting the pecans is optional, but adds incredible flavor to the garnish. To toast, preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Spread chopped pecans onto a parchment paper or silicone baking mat lined baking sheet. Toast until slightly darkened, about 5-7 minutes. Cool before using as garnish.
Any thoughts on whether or not this cake would pair well with an apple chutney filling? I was thinking of filling cupcakes or adding it between the cake layers-I’m imagining the sweetness of the cake could compliment the kick in the chutney well.
Hi Sally,
Is there any way to incorporate the burnt sugar caramel flavor into your chocolate cake?
Hi Cheryl, I haven’t tested anything. I fear with all the chocolate flavor, the burnt sugar flavor won’t come through at all. If you test anything, let me know!
Hi Sally,
Congratulations on your new addition to your family your girls are beautiful. I am deeply sorry for the loss of loving Jude. Another winning recipe Sally. I made this cake on Sunday for my coworkers and it disappeared way before 11:30 am I kid you not I did not get a chance to taste the cake myself but, I heard it was awesome. Thanks Sally for always making our tummies happy much ❤️
This cake, and recipe, is everything I’ve been looking for. I do want to ask, could the milk in the icing be substituted for something non dairy (water, simple syrup, corn syrup, increased burnt sugar syrup, for example) so the cake doesn’t need to be refrigerated and can be wrapped and kept on the counter?
Thanks for sharing your recipes.
Hi Kari! You can keep this cake covered at room temperature for a couple days. (I always do with my cakes.) Feel free to try a little more burnt sugar syrup or water instead of milk though. I haven’t tested the frosting this way so I can’t guarantee how it will turn out.
I received this recipe today with a pic as a loaf….I am assuming it makes two loaves but that wasn’t suggested in the main recipe. Also, in the pic did you make it with or without burnt caramel? Always love your recipes!
Hi Chris, we haven’t tested this recipe in a loaf pan! Did you receive today’s Fall Baking email? If so, the image above this burnt sugar caramel cake is our harvest spice bread. Could that be what you are thinking of? I hope this helps!
Hi Sally,
This looks amazing and your website is a favorite of ours!
Do you know how would you adjust this recipe for altitude? (5280 ft)
We have such a problem with cakes sinking in the middle.
Thanks so much for your kind words! I wish I could help, but I have no experience baking at high altitude. I know some readers have found this chart helpful: https://www.kingarthurflour.com/learn/high-altitude-baking.html
This cake, and recipe, is everything I’ve been looking for. I do want to ask, could the milk in the icing be substituted for something non dairy (water, simple syrup, corn syrup, increased burnt sugar syrup, for example) so the cake doesn’t need to be refrigerated and can be wrapped and kept on the counter?
Thanks for sharing your recipes.
Ok ok ok, I know you said no substitutions but can I use the all purpose flour + cornstarch conversion for the Cake flour? End of the world?
Hi Kelly, If you can’t get your hands on cake flour, use this cake flour substitute. I suggest doing this 3x, then remove 1/2 cup since you need 2 and 1/2 cups in this recipe.
Hi Sally,
I baked this for my son’s 16th birthday, it was delicious. I noted that the burnt sugar syrup appears to be identical to golden syrup, which is a staple in British and Australian pantries and I understand it is also readily available in the USA. If I bake it again I will definitely substitute golden syrup.
Hi Sally, I don’t see the video tutorial on the page. There’s a section labeled “Video Tutorial: Burnt Sugar Caramel Cake” but no video 🙁 Is there any way you can re-upload it?
Hi Valerie, The video is displayed under the words “Video Tutorial: Burnt Sugar Caramel Cake” Give the video right below a few seconds to load. It’s a faded horizontal image of a slice of the cake. Click on the play button (triangle) in the center to play it. Make sure any ad blockers are temporarily paused on your browser.
If you don’t see the video, you may need to switch to another browser. For example, Brave wasn’t displaying it so I switched to Safari and it was there.
Sally,
I’ve just made the burnt sugar and it has a very strong burnt taste. I am worried it will be overpowering in my final cake. I have made your salted caramel many times and have overcooked it before. Wasn’t sure if that could be what I’ve done this time. Just questioning if I should remake the burnt sugar. I know the cake will be amazing and am excited to share it with my guests if I can get the sugar right. Thank You.
Hi Julie! I’m just seeing your question now. The syrup will have a burnt flavor, but shouldn’t taste bitter. Did it taste too bitter? Did you try it in the cake?
Sally,
Yes it was very bitter. I went with my gut and made it again before I put it in the cake. The cake is in the freezer and I made the frosting yesterday and it was delicious. Can’t wait to try it all together. Thank you for your response.
Hi Sally, is it possible to use a square pan instead?
Hi Macky, You can use two 8-inch square pans.
Made this cake exactly and loved the flavors and textures. Took me two tries with both the syrup and caramel ….so worth starting over. Learning curve!
Hi Sally,
I absolutely love your detailed recipes. I tried this cake a few days ago! It tasted heavenly! The only problem was that when I started frosting it, it started crumbling. I tried to cool it in the refrigerator for some time hoping I’d be able to frost it properly but was really tough to do that. What could have gone wrong?
Thank you
Hi Vandana, so glad you tried this cake recipe. It’s one of my favorites. It could be crumbling because the cake was over-baked. If you try the recipe again, you can reduce the bake time by a minute or so. Applying a crumb coat is helpful as well. After the cake layers cool, assemble/stack them, then for the exterior coating of frosting, only apply a thin layer. This thin layer will catch all the crumbs. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, then finish frosting the outside cake with a thicker layer.
Hi Sally
Love your recipes. I made a.bunch of different cookies at Christmas and they were hugh hit.
I am going to make this for my husband’s birthday and I just have a couple of questions. How full should I fill each cake pan to allow for rising and I use a little less sugar in the butter cream will that ruin the consistency? Just want cut the sweetness a bit.
Hi Alexis, Use two 9-inch cake pans and divide the batter evenly between both. The pans will be between half and two thirds full. If you decrease the sugar in the frosting it will be a thinner consistency – you an also add an extra pinch of salt to help cut the sweetness.
Just finished with the Carmel and the sugar syrup. I’ve never done either and found your directions to be easy and had no trouble with either. Cooking the sugar is weird! Neither my Carmel or my burnt sugar syrup is as dark as yours so next time I think I will up my burner just a tad past medium to get more color from the sugar. Do you think that may be the trick?
Hi Dene Kelly, I’m glad you found these instructions easy! Instead of increasing the temperature on the stove, I recommend cooking the sugar syrup for a bit longer until you achieve that darker color. Higher temperature could caramelize the sugar unevenly.
If I make and assemble this the night before a birthday, should I leave it out or store in the fridge? Can’t wait to try it!
Hi Elle, We recommend storing this cake in the refrigerator.
This cake is absolutely delicious! I am a caramel lover and this was AMAZING. I’ve never made salted caramel before and couldn’t believe I was able to do it! Thank you for all your recipes. They are incredible!
Hi, Used half of the quantities and made cupcakes last week – the mixture curdled and was still lumpy during and after cooking. However, they tasted good. Just after making the full amount, it curdled again but this time as the burnt sugar was added, by the time I added all the dry ingredients it was a smooth batter. However, I and baked them in two 6 inch tins, for about 35 mins and both have sunk? All of the ingredients were room temp. Wondering if I beat it too long to try to get rid of curdling (pre dry ingredients) but it did result in a smooth batter.x
Hi Lindsey! Do you mean that the cake batter was curdled? This can happen if some ingredients are varying temperatures, so make sure everything is room temperature when preparing the batter. If there are large lumps, you can use a whisk to smooth out the batter before pouring into cake pans and baking. You mentioned the baked cake was lumpy and curdled as well. Was it not completely baked through?
Hi Sally,
yes the batter curdled as I added the egg whites (which were room temp) Even once the dry ingredients were added it was still lumpy. Didn’t want to continue mixing once the flour was incorporated – but it at least tasted good. However, I have since tried yesterday’s cake (the sunken one) which is really wet. Suppose I’m asking two questions – why it curdled and why my second one didn’t rise? x
Hi Sally! I’m actually a newcomer here and this will be the first recipe i want to try out, and I was wondering if this recipe can be for a one layer cake? Do you have any income? Thank you!
Hi Valerie, see recipe note about making this as a single layer cake in a 9×13 pan!
Hi Sally,
I’ve made several of your cakes, impressing everyone. They are incredible. I’m making the Burnt Sugar Carmel Cake today. Your video shows you using the paddle attachment but the instructions says to use the whisk attachment for the cake batter. I’m hoping the video is correct and will use the paddle attachment.
Just have to say, everything I’ve made so far has been incredible. I’m working from home so I thought I would start baking, following your recipes and instructions, everyone thinks I’m a professional. I send them to your website, so you get all the credit! Thanks, Mark
Thanks so much, Mark! What a kind comment to ready today. You can use either the paddle or whisk attachment for the cake batter. I swap between the two and there’s never a difference.
I made this recipe exactly as written. It is seriously the best cake I’ve ever had in my life. There are so many wonderful flavors and textures blended together – the deliciously rich cake, smooth frosting, salty sweet caramel and the crunchy toasted pecans. It is heaven. The cake does not taste burnt! It tastes like caramel. It adds an extra dimension to the sponge and the frosting so it doesn’t taste like plain vanilla. It tastes somewhere between vanilla and caramel. I highly recommend.
Hi Sally, is there any way of using the burnt sugar syrup in a brownie? If so which of your recipes would you suggest? Love this cake! Think it would taste fab in a brownie!
Hi Alex, I’m so glad you love this cake. Adding the syrup to a brownie would take additional recipe testing so I’m not confident giving you an exact answer. Let me know if you decide to experiment with it!
I made this for my socially distanced birthday last week, so my hubby and I had to eat the WHOLE THING ourselves! What a hardship! 😉
This recipe is fabulous, thank you for sharing. The icing is a tad too sweet for me, so next time I will try using the burnt sugar syrup in either a French or Italian buttercream to cut back on the sugar content but keep the flavor notes of the burnt sugar.
Thank you for providing this delicious recipe and helping to add some pizzazz to what was an otherwise a very laid back birthday celebration due to social distancing!
Hi Sally!
I’m planning to make this over the weekend. Do you have a recommendation for a garnish besides pecans? I’m unfortunately allergic. I was thinking graham cracker crumbs but wondering if you have a better (non tree nut) alternative suggestion.
Thank you!
Hi Alex, If you wish to drizzle salted caramel over the top as pictured that would look very nice on it’s own! You could also add toffee candy, chocolate shavings, or any crumbled/chopped candy you enjoy.
Best cake ever! Has a flavor and crumb like no other; and is NOT overly sweet!
Did mine as a Bundt cake; baked at 325 F for 45 minutes. Not a frosting fan; so drizzled the remaining 1/4 cup of burnt sugar sauce on top, hit with pecans. Cake disappeared!
Hi Sally!
First off I want to say that I’m obsessed with your recipes! They are so amazing and easy to follow for a newbie like me 🙂 I’m making this cake for my family this week and the salted caramel turned out perfect. However, when I made the burnt sugar syrup, I only yielded 3/4 cup so I had to make a second batch (which also yielded 3/4 cup) to have enough for the cake and frosting. Do you have any idea why this happened? I even waited until the last second to boil the water on the 2nd round so it wouldn’t evaporate but it didn’t seem to make a difference. I guess I’ll have enough now to pour some over the layers but I was just wondering why this happened. Thanks so much and keep doing what you’re doing <3
Hi Kayse! I’m so glad that you are trying this burnt sugar cake. In all my recipe testing– which I exhausted for this recipe, so much!– I usually got around 1 cup of burnt sugar syrup. I’m wondering if you’re boiling the mixture for too long or perhaps it’s dry where you live? Those would be my guesses. Regardless, using only 3/4 cup would be fine. Use 1/2 cup in the cake batter as suggested then 1/4 cup in the frosting. The frosting won’t have as strong of a flavor, but it will still be there. Glad you made a second batch though and could try it that way.
Hello Sally, I made the cake today, and it was good but to sweet for my taste, specially the frosting, maybe next gime i will do it without frosting, and i think it will be better
this recipe looks amazing!! I love your blog. I always come straight to your site when looking for something new to bake. I can always trust your recipes!!!
I made the burnt sugar syrup today, and will be making the rest tomorrow. My syrup came out verrrrryy slightly lighter in color than your images. I was afraid to burn it. Will I lose some flavor because I didn’t let it “burn” as much? Is it worth making a new batch?
Hi Rose! No need to start over, I’m sure the syrup will still provide some lovely flavor to the cake. Let me know how it goes!
Hi Sally! So I made the burnt sugar syrup and caramel yesterday planning on making the cake today but this party just got postponed to next week; in your caramel recipe it says caramel can be refrigerated for a month but here it says up to a week in advance, is there a reason that is? Would also love if there’s a way to save the burnt sugar syrup too. Thank you for your lovely and helpful recipe and instructions!
Hi Rawan! So the difference is the quality and freshness. Obviously the longer it sits, the less fresh the caramel will taste. If you’re using it for this cake, it’s best that the caramel is as fresh as possible– so I recommend just up to 1 week. Hope this makes sense!
This cake looks amazing and I’m super excited to eat it. I’ve just made the caramel and burnt sugar syrup. I tasted the sugar syrup and it has a faint hint of burntness mixed with the caramelly aroma but its relatively subtle. But I’m wondering should it taste like that at all? Not sure if I should attempt to make it again in case it makes the cake taste a little burnt.
Thanks!
Hi Alex! Is the burnt taste bitter and off-putting? Burnt sugar should taste deeply caramelized. I’m going to assume that your syrup will be just fine if it still has that caramel aroma.
Hi Sally, thanks so much for your reply! I decided to make another batch since it’s just sugar and water anyway and the second one was much better. So I think I did slightly burn the first one a tiny bit although it still tastes good. Making it for my husbands birthday and I’m sure he’s going to love it!