Carrabba's Butter Cake

Recipe Inspiration:

I stumbled upon this recipe on recipegirl.com while searching for a copycat recipe of Carrabba's Butter Cake. This recipe claims to be an exact replica of the original cake served at Carrabba's, so I thought it would be perfect to try out.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Butter and flour the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

5. Add the eggs and beat until well combined.

6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, and mixing well after each addition. Do not overmix.

7. Stir in the vanilla extract.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

9. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

10. While the cake is baking, make the topping. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

11. Stir in the sugars, cream, and salt.

12. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and turns a slightly darker color.

13. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.

14. Pour the topping evenly over the warm cake and return it to the oven.

15. Bake for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling.

16. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

17. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

This cake comes very close to replicating the original Carrabba's Butter Cake. The spongy, golden-brown cake gets its unique flavor profile from the perfect combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. The topping is made with a buttery, sugary, and slightly salty sauce that thickens and caramelizes beautifully over the cake. The cake is moist, crunchy, and sweet, with a subtle hint of saltiness. Overall, a perfect recipe to satisfy your butter cake cravings!