Burnt Sugar Cake (Betty Crocker: Circa 1956)

FOR THE SYRUP

Step 1

To make syrup first caramelize the 1/2 cup sugar in a heavy skillet over low heat until clear and medium brown, shaking pan gently to keep from burning. Remove from heat.

Step 2

Add slowly, stirring constantly, 1/2 cup boiling water. Stir over low heat until lumps are dissolved.

Step 3

Measure and add water to make 1 cup liquid. add flavoring here. Cool.

FOR THE CAKE

Step 4

Sift together into bowl, 2 1/4 cups sifted Softasilk flour, 1 cup sugar, 3 teaspoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt.

Step 5

Add 1/2 cup soft shortening and 2/3 cup cooled caramel-water mixture. Beat 2 minutes.

Step 6

Add remaining 1/3 cup cooled caramel-water mixture, 2 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon vanilla, burnt sugar extract. Beat 2 more minutes.

Step 7

Fold in egg whites.

Step 8

Pour into greased and floured pans (2 8-inch pans, or 2 9-inch pans, or 1 9 X 13 oblong pan).

Step 9

Makes a small cake.

Step 10

Bake until cake tests done.

Step 11

Cool.

Step 12

Finish with Creamy Burnt Sugar Icing.

Step 13

Preheat

Step 14

350°F (moderate oven) 8-inch layers 30-35 minutes 9-inch layers 25-30 minutes oblong 9 X 13 35-40 minutes.

FOR THE ICING

Step 15

First make another caramel sugar-water mixture following directions in recipe above.

Step 16

Caramelize 1/2 cup sugar.

Step 17

Add 1/4 cup boiling water.

Step 18

DO NOT ADD any more water!

Step 19

Melt in saucepan 1/2 cup shortening (part butter).

Step 20

Remove from heat and add 2 1/2 tablespoons Softasilk flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Step 21

Stir in slowly caramel-water mixture.

Step 22

Bring to boil stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute. If mixture curdles, do not be alarmed. Remove from heat.

Step 23

Beat in alternately, 3 cups sifted confectioners' sugar and about 3 tablespoons water, burnt sugar extract.

Step 24

Set saucepan in bowl of ice and cold water. Beat until consistency to spread.

Step 25

Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

Step 26

If it becomes too thick to spread, add a little water.