Texas Heritage Burnt Sugar Cake

Celebrate the rich culinary traditions of the Lone Star State with this Texas Heritage Burnt Sugar Cake, a show-stopping dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is indulgent. This Southern classic features layers of moist cake infused with deep, toasty caramel notes created by a homemade burnt sugar syrup—a labor of love that rewards you with unparalleled flavor. Topped with a luscious, buttery burnt sugar frosting, this cake strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and complexity. Perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving a taste of Texas history, this recipe combines timeless techniques with a bold, unique flavor profile that’s guaranteed to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 37/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Water
• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.75 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar (for batter)
• 3 large Eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 2 cups Confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 1.5 cups of granulated sugar until it turns a deep amber color, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3

Carefully add 1 cup of water to the melted sugar—it will bubble vigorously. Stir until smooth to make the burnt sugar syrup. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, cream 0.75 cup of softened butter and 1.5 cups of granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 7

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with 1 cup of milk and 0.5 cups of the cooled burnt sugar syrup, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

Step 8

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 10

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11

To make the frosting, combine the remaining 0.5 cup burnt sugar syrup, 1 cup heavy cream, and 0.5 cup butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer, stirring often, until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 12

Remove the syrup mixture from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 13

With an electric mixer, beat the cooled syrup mixture, 2 cups confectioners' sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 0.25 teaspoon salt on medium speed until smooth and spreadable.

Step 14

Spread frosting between the layers of the cake, then frost the top and sides.

Step 15

Serve at room temperature and enjoy your Texas Heritage Burnt Sugar Cake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2406.1 grams (2406.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7910

Total Fat 345.70g	443%
Saturated Fat 209.80g	1049%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 1473mg	491%
Sodium 3045mg	132%
Total Carbohydrate 1143.80g	416%
Dietary Fiber 9.80g	35%
Total Sugars 865.60g
Protein 66.60g	133%

Vitamin D 289IU	1443%
Calcium 517mg	40%
Iron 20mg	111%
Potassium 1056mg	22%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.1%

Protein: 3.3%

Carbs: 57.5%