Name: Caramel Cake
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 hr
Yield: Makes 9 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sifted cake flour (not self-rising; sift before measuring); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 stick unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, at room temperature 30 minutes; 1 cup well-shaken buttermilk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Equipment: a candy thermometer

Image may contain Bakery Shop Food and Bread

Caramel CakeRomulo Yanes

While this little square cake may appear modest, its caramel flavor drew everyone in our test kitchens back for seconds and even thirds. Buttermilk lends a subtle tang and tenderizes the yellow cake, but it's the sweet glaze that really makes this dessert special.

Cooks' note:

Cake (before glazing) can be made 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Heavenly Halva Cake

Serve a thick slice for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Vodka Gochujang Pasta

This pasta has some really big energy about it. It’s so extra, it’s the type of thing you should be eating in your bikini while drinking a magnum of rosé, not in Hebden Bridge (or wherever you live), but on a beach on Mykonos.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Kung Pao Cabbage With Tofu

Reliable cabbage is cooked in the punchy sauce and then combined with store-bought baked tofu and roasted cashews for a salad that can also be eaten with rice.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.