Shanxi Caramel Cake

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the original American Caramel Cake, we have incorporated Shanxi cuisine's love for caramel flavors. The cake itself remains similar, with moist sponge layers, but the caramel cream filling and glaze have been infused with Shanxi's unique caramel techniques and flavors. This gives the cake a distinct Shanxi twist, making it a delightful fusion of two culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Caramel Cake, so you can check it out.

• For the cake: For the cake:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) Shanxi caramel sauce (recipe below) 1/4 cup (60ml) Shanxi caramel sauce (recipe below)
• For the caramel cream filling: For the caramel cream filling:
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Shanxi caramel sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) Shanxi caramel sauce
• For the caramel glaze: For the caramel glaze:
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 13g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
6. 6.
   Stir in the Shanxi caramel sauce until well combined.
7. 7.
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
8. 8.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Meanwhile, prepare the caramel cream filling by whipping the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the Shanxi caramel sauce until well combined.
11. 11.
    To make the caramel glaze, combine the granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture turns a deep amber color.
12. 12.
    Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream, butter, and vanilla extract. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
13. 13.
    Let the caramel glaze cool for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
14. 14.
    Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread the caramel cream filling evenly over it. Top with the second cake layer.
15. 15.
    Pour the caramel glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
16. 16.
    Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shanxi caramel sauce — To achieve the authentic Shanxi caramel flavor, make sure to cook the sugar until it turns a deep amber color. This will give the sauce a rich and slightly bitter taste, balancing the sweetness of the cake.

Tips & Tricks

• For a stronger caramel flavor, you can drizzle some extra Shanxi caramel sauce over the cake before serving.
• If you prefer a lighter cake, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
• Make sure to let the caramel glaze cool slightly before pouring it over the cake to achieve the perfect consistency.
• To enhance the presentation, you can garnish the cake with caramelized nuts or edible flowers.
• This cake is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Shanxi Caramel Cake as a delightful dessert after a Shanxi-inspired meal. Pair it with a cup of hot Shanxi black tea to complement the caramel flavors.

Presentation advice

To present the Shanxi Caramel Cake, place it on a cake stand and drizzle some extra caramel glaze over the top. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.