Caramel Sugar Layer Cake

The caramelized sugar layer cake is a delicacy that combines the soft texture of the layers with the fine cream and slightly crunchy glaze. This recipe, with deep roots in pastry traditions, offers a unique culinary experience, perfect for holiday desserts or personal indulgence moments. I invite you to discover each step of preparing this cake, from caramelized sugar to the fine glaze.

Preparation time: 60 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 120 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the layers:
- 500 g flour
- 2 egg yolks
- 400 g sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 200 ml oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the cream:
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar
- 250 g margarine (preferably Unirea)
- 200 ml milk
- 150 g flour

For the glaze:
- 2 egg whites
- 120 g powdered sugar
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 2 packets of instant coffee

Preparation

Step 1: Caramelizing the sugar
Start by caramelizing the sugar. In a saucepan, add 200 g of sugar and a teaspoon of water. Stir gently and place the saucepan over medium heat. It's crucial not to overheat, as the sugar can burn, giving the cake a bitter taste. When the sugar turns golden, add 200 ml of milk. Be careful, as it will steam. Stir continuously until all the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the layers
In a large bowl, mix the two egg yolks with 400 g of sugar using a high-speed mixer. Once the mixture becomes creamy, drizzle in the oil while continuing to mix. Add the cooled caramelized sugar and baking powder, mixing well. Finally, gradually incorporate the flour until you obtain a soft dough.

Step 3: Baking the layers
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray by greasing it with margarine and placing a baking sheet. Divide the dough into 3 equal parts and spread each part in the tray with a spoon. Bake each layer separately for about 15-20 minutes, until golden. Allow the layers to cool completely on a rack.

Step 4: Preparing the cream
In a double-bottomed pot, mix the 3 egg yolks with 150 g of sugar, 100 g of powdered sugar, 4 packets of vanilla sugar, and 150 g of flour. Add 200 ml of milk and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the cream thickens. Allow to cool completely, then mix with 250 g of margarine. Ensure all ingredients are well integrated.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
On a serving platter, place the first layer, add half of the cream, then the second layer and the remaining cream. Place the last layer on top.

Step 6: Preparing the glaze
Beat the two egg whites until foamy, then add 120 g of powdered sugar and lemon juice. Continue mixing until you obtain a firm glaze. Spread 3/4 of the glaze over the cake, and mix the rest with the instant coffee and pour it on top. Using a fork, marble the glaze.

Step 7: Cooling and serving
Let the cake cool for a few hours, ideally overnight. Slice and enjoy!

Practical tips
- Caramelized sugar: Stir constantly to avoid burning the sugar. If it happens, start over.
- Layers: If you prefer thinner layers, omit the baking powder, resulting in layers of 2-3 mm.
- Cream: Ensure the cream is completely cooled before mixing it with the margarine to prevent it from melting.
- Glaze: Instead of instant coffee, you can use cocoa for a more chocolatey glaze variation.

Nutritional benefits
The caramelized sugar layer cake contains carbohydrates, protein from the eggs, and fats from the margarine. It is important to consume it in moderation, considering the amounts of sugar. A serving provides approximately 300 kcal.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, butter can provide a richer flavor, but make sure it is at room temperature to incorporate easily into the cream.
- How can I store the cake? It is recommended to store it in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, to maintain its freshness.

Delicious combinations
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fruit tea or aromatic coffee. Also, serve it alongside vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast between hot and cold.

Enjoy this caramelized sugar layer cake, a dessert that is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour 2 egg yolks 400 g sugar 200 ml milk 200 ml oil 1 baking powder Cream 150 g sugar 100 g powdered sugar 3 egg yolks 4 packets of vanilla sugar 250 g Unirea margarine 200 ml milk 150 g flour Glaze 2 egg whites 120 g powdered sugar Juice from 1/2 lemon 2 sachets of instant coffee