Easy Granny Cake with Caramel Glaze
You know, there’s something incredibly nostalgic about baking a cake that reminds you of Grandma’s kitchen. Whenever I whip up this Easy Granny Cake with Caramel Glaze, I find myself transported back to those sunny afternoons spent in her home. The smell of fresh cake wafting through the air was as constant as my attempts to sneak a spoonful of frosting when no one was looking. It’s a simple yet utterly delicious recipe—perfect for a gathering with loved ones or just a cozy night in with a slice and a cup of tea!
This cake is one of those comforting desserts that can bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. It’s moist, fluffy, and topped with a luscious caramel glaze that’s just to die for! So, grab your apron, and let’s bring some of that old-school baking magic into our own kitchens!
What’s in Easy Granny Cake with Caramel Glaze?
– 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our cake. I always prefer using unbleached flour for a more rustic taste!
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: This adds sweetness. You could also experiment with some coconut sugar if you’re feeling adventurous!
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: The secret ingredient for that rich flavor—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
– 1 cup milk: Whole milk is my go-to for a creamier texture, but you can substitute with any milk you like.
– 3 large eggs: These help bind everything together—I usually recommend organic if you can find them!
– 2 tsp baking powder: Ensures our cake rises beautifully.
– 1 tsp vanilla extract: Because what’s cake without a hint of vanilla? You can even use homemade if you’re fancy like that!
– ½ tsp salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance out all that sweetness.
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed: This will be the star of our caramel glaze! Brown sugar gives a lovely depth of flavor.
– ½ cup unsalted butter: For the glaze, more buttery goodness is always a win.
– ¼ cup heavy cream: Adds that silky richness to the caramel—absolutely irresistible!
– 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): More vanilla brings out the flavors beautifully.
– ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted: These add a fabulous crunch. Feel free to use walnuts if that’s more your style!
Is Easy Granny Cake with Caramel Glaze Good for You?
Ah, the age-old question: is cake healthy? Well, while this cake isn’t exactly a snack for your weight loss journey, let’s talk about the health perks of some of these ingredients!
Starting with eggs, they’re loaded with protein and can keep you feeling full. The milk provides calcium and vitamin D, which are great for your bones! While it’s best to enjoy this cake as an occasional treat, the pecans – loaded with healthy fats and protein – add some nutrition to this delicious dessert.
On the flip side, the high sugar content does mean it’s better suited for a special occasion rather than a daily indulgence. Balance is key, right?
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup milk
– 3 large eggs
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp salt
For the Caramel Glaze:
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup unsalted butter
– ¼ cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
– ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
How to Make Easy Granny Cake with Caramel Glaze?
1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan—trust me, you want to prevent any stickiness here.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside for now; it’s just chilling!
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: Grab another bowl and cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. It should look like sunshine!
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then mix in the vanilla extract. It should smell heavenly!
5. **Combine Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined! Overmixing is a no-go—it could lead to a tough cake.
6. **Bake the Cake**: Pour that luscious batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Anticipation is half the joy!
7. **Prepare Caramel Glaze**: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir until it comes to a boil. Let it boil for about 1 minute, remove it from heat, and stir in the vanilla extract.
8. **Glaze the Cake**: Once the cake has cooled completely, pour that warm caramel glaze evenly over the top. A spatula might come in handy to spread it around.
9. **Add Pecans**: As a finishing touch, sprinkle the toasted pecans over the glazed cake. Who doesn’t love a little crunch?
10. **Serve**: Slice this beauty up and serve, taking time to savor every mouthwatering bite!
Sweet Suggestions for Your Granny Cake!
If you want to jazz things up a bit, serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. (I know I do—what a delightful combo!) You can also create variations by adding chocolate chips or fresh fruit to the batter. Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—but honestly, they won’t last long in my house!
So, whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or just enjoying a piece all to yourself, this Easy Granny Cake with Caramel Glaze is sure to warm your heart just like a hug from Grandma. Do me a favor—try it out and let me know how it turns out! Happy baking!
