Caribbean Vanilla Spice Butter Cake

This cake is inspired by tropical flavors, blending the warmth of Caribbean spices with a buttery, moist crumb. It's perfect for any occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

• For the Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A touch of ground allspice (optional, for an extra kick)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
   • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

2. Bake the Cake:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

   • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it begins to turn amber and caramelize (around 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally.
   • Once the sugar is caramelized, carefully add the butter. The mixture will bubble up.
   • Once the butter is melted, slowly stir in the heavy cream. Remove from heat and add the pinch of salt and vanilla extract. If you’re feeling adventurous, add the allspice for a little extra warmth.