Caramel Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Caramel is an ancient preparation, dating back several centuries, and has been adopted by many culinary cultures. In France, caramel is often associated with desserts and pastries, and Caramel Cake is a classic that has been revisited in many regions, with each adding their own personal touch.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 200 g of sugar (for the caramel)
• 100 ml of heavy cream
• 150 g of butter (divided into two portions)
• 150 g of flour
• 100 g of sugar (for the batter)
• 3 eggs
• 1 packet of baking powder
• A pinch of salt

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Prepare the caramel: In a saucepan, melt 200 g of sugar over medium heat without stirring, until it turns amber in color. Add the cream while stirring, then incorporate 75 g of butter until the caramel is smooth. Let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the batter: In a bowl, mix the remaining softened butter (75 g) with 100 g of sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the batter is smooth.
4. Assemble the cake: Pour half of the batter into a buttered cake pan, then drizzle half of the caramel over the batter. Cover with the remaining batter, and then pour the remaining caramel on top.
5. Bake the cake: Place in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Let the cake cool before unmolding it.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For an even creamier caramel, use full-fat cream.
• You can add a pinch of salt to the caramel for a “salted caramel” effect.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Fruit Cake: Add chunks of apples or pears for a fruity caramel cake.
• Upside-down Cake: Place slices of banana or apple at the bottom of the pan before pouring in the batter and caramel for an upside-down effect.
• With nuts: Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for a crunchy texture.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking the Caramel Cake takes about 35 to 40 minutes at 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the cake is cooked evenly, allowing the rich, buttery flavors of the caramel to fully develop throughout the batter. During baking, the aroma of sweet, melted caramel will fill the air, creating a delightful anticipation for the finished dessert. It’s important to check the cake towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Once done, the cake should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch, ready to be enjoyed with its unique blend of sweet and buttery notes. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider drizzling additional caramel sauce over the cake before serving.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

Hot drinks: Ideal with coffee, espresso, or black tea.

Cold drinks: A glass of milk or a dairy-based drink complements the richness of the caramel.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Lightly dust with powdered sugar and serve each slice with a spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Although it’s a rich dessert, Caramel Cake provides a quick energy boost. It can be lightened by using less sugar and substituting butter with yogurt.