Caramel-Topped Semolina Cake is a delicious dessert that is simple and yet so comforting. The caramel on the bottom of the cake becomes a decadent sauce when it is turned out. Sure to impress your guests and the perfect weekend dessert to enjoy with friends.
This week I had a choice of which recipe I would try for French Fridays with Dorie. I was talking with my dear friend Lindsey and we decided to try something sweet.
Caramel-Topped Semolina Cake
Lindsey made her cake first and she told me it was so easy she already memorized the recipe. She told me, “Just don’t burn the caramel.” Great advise. I kept a close eye on my caramel. It was a super easy recipe. The juicy raisins add the right sweetness to this light dessert. The caramel topping is the best part. I kind of ADORE caramel! Just a wee little bit. Since we love caramel so much, you have to try our caramel sauce!
And if you love BUNDTS like we do, make this vanilla bundt cake with caramel glaze...divine!
We aren’t publishing the recipes from Dorie’s Around My French Table. If you would like the recipe, you will have to buy the book. I think you won't regret it. 🙂
I think you should become a part of this fun! Join French Fridays with Dorie.
Caramel -Topped Semolina Cake
Ingredients
- CAKE
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup farina or Cream of Wheat
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup plump moist golden raisins or other dried fruits cut into small pieces
- CARAMEL
- Scant 1/2 cup sugar
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees with a rack set in the center.
- Make the cake: Place milk and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat; immediately reduce heat and stir in farina. Cook according to package directions, stirring and adjusting heat as necessary, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in sugar and vanilla; let stand until cooled slightly, about 15 minutes.
- Make the caramel: Place an 8-inch round cake pan in oven to preheat. Place sugar, 1/4 cup water, and lemon juice in a small skillet or saucepan over high heat. Stir until sugar is moist and bring to a boil. As sugar begins to caramelize, carefully swirl pan to heat sugar evenly. Cook until sugar begins to turn dark amber in color, about 5 minutes. Remove cake pan from oven and pour caramel into pan, tilting pan to evenly coat; set aside.
- Stir eggs and raisins into farina mixture and pour into prepared cake pan. Transfer to oven and bake until firm, puffed up, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes.
- Invert a rimmed serving plate over cake pan and, working carefully (caramel will be very hot), turn pan over onto plate and lift it off; caramel will run down the sides of the cake. Let cake cool to room temperature before serving.
Debbie B. says
Anything with caramel is awesome in my book. Great post!!
sara @ CaffeIna says
I love semolina cakes! I made one once for my blog and it turned out great. I will have to try Dorie's recipe. I'm sure I would not be disappointed. And the caramel on top...I have an obsession for caramel so this is my kind of cake!
Cakelaw says
Beautiful cake and a cute story to match.
eatgreek.net says
excellent recipe! 😀
Pegasuslegend says
I am not sure where to start here with all these fabulous cakes, omg I found heaven! love them all this one is something I have always wanted to try, I diffinitely am bookmarking this one...have the semolina all ready! thanks for sharing looks wonderful!
Lizzy says
Oooh, it looks lovely!!!! I may have to use chocolate chips in place of raisins to appease the family...do you think that would be OK? Thanks, Lora...this will be coming up on my baking list 🙂
Cher says
Very nice! Enjoy the liberty-taking of the story to go with it.
Evan @swEEts says
Delicious cake and wonderful story 🙂 I have a few of Dorie's books on my Amazon wish list.. I'm hoping the boy toy gets the hint when I leave it up on the computer since Christmas is right around the corner!
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says
What a fun post! The cake does have a very frenchy feel!
Kimberly Peterson says
I agree with Debbie B. anything with caramel is gold star for me!!
Evan Thomas says
This sounds delicious! Caramel makes everything better 🙂
Jayne says
Beautiful photo!
Sis. Boom. says
Great! I wish I had made this to go with my chicken! I'll tackle it tomorrow. Yours looks so good!
Trevor Sis. Boom.
Jeannie says
I love caramel too and I can imagine how tasty this cake is! Love reading your story.
jana@cherryteacakes.com says
what an interesting concept. i usually keep my semolina for pasta.....might have to spare some for a cake. 🙂
Susi says
Yum, caramel just makes this cake I bet! Wonderful flavors :o) I will have to look this cake up in my book!
Anonymous says
This looks soo yummy especially with the semolina. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Steph says
Great cake and love the story.
blackbookkitchendiaries says
what a pretty cake:)
Michael Toa says
Oh Yum. I love caramel everything... Can I please have a slice? hehe...
Thank you for the very nice comment at Chef Dennis' blog. I look forward to reading more of your delicious posts. Have a great weekend. Michael
Carolyn says
That is one pretty cake and all the better for hearing it was easy. Your stories are so sweet!
scrambledhenfruit says
Love your story. 🙂 Beautiful cake!
Monet says
My dear, I just love the stories that are accompanying your recipes. Can you please do this again and again? I think that your writing is great adn your cake looks supurb. (I adore caramel) Thank you for sharing, sweet woman!
Brenda says
This cookbook is on my birthday/Christmas wish list, as well as her Baking: From My Home To Yours. I've never made a semolina cake before, I've only used my semolina to make pizza dough, lol. I can't wait to get this cookbook! Your cake looks gorgeous. Thank you so much for visiting my blog today - you have a beautiful blog here!!! I'm looking forward to following you and seeing what delicious recipes you come up with next. Have a great weekend!
dejavucook says
I can smell this cake now. Wish I had a piece.
Wilde in the Kitchen says
I have seen several recipes from this cookbook and they all look amazing! I might have to just go out and buy it 🙂 Then I can join in on the fun!
Flourchild says
I love your cake and your story. I hope mine turns out as good as your did!!
Anonymous says
Your cake turned out beautifully and I mentally casted your story with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr (a la An Affair to Remember).
rebecca says
Oh your pictures are amazing. Really really pretty. I love caramel too, unreasonably so. I got food poisoning in Mexico last week (*frown*) and I can't wait to recover so I can make this!!!
Your blog is beautiful, by the way.
Elisabeth says
Onewetfoot is right about the story...I loved that movie with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Classic!
Lora, I loved your semolina cake, so smooth, can creamy. Reminds me of my childhood, having to eat Cream of Farina.
Beautiful photo, as well!
Mardi @eatlivetravelwrite says
I cannot wait to make this cake in the next couple of weeks - it looks amazing. So glad you joined FFWD!
Angie's Recipes says
I adore anything caramel! This looks truly tempting!
steph- whisk/spoon says
food so good it inspires a story--i love it! looking forward to making this cake myself.
Anonymous says
Looks lovely! I want some right now:) Can't wait to make it.
Magic of Spice says
What a lovely story to go along with a delightful dessert 🙂