Dominican Brown Sugar Cake

Sugar cane is a very important crop in the Dominican Republic. The brown sugar in this cake gives it a beautiful color and delectable flavor. Covered with creamy Carnation Frosting and decorated with red guava shells, this festive Christmas cake is ideal for any holiday gathering. Canned guava shells may vary in color, so don’t be concerned if some are less brightly colored. For a simple—but still delicious—presentation, omit the frosting and guava shells and dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar just before serving.

Estimated Times:
Preparation - 15 min | Cooking - 55 min | Yields - 12 servings

Cake:
1 cup (2 sticks) plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
2 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups dark brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
1 to 2 tablespoons rum or 1 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
CARNATION® FROSTING
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
3 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/4 cup NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish suggestion: canned guava shells in syrup, drained (optional)

FOR CAKE: PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 9-inch (10-cup) tube pan and flour with 3 tablespoons flour.

SIFT remaining 2 1/2 cups flour, baking powder and salt into medium bowl. Beat butter in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add brown sugar gradually and continue beating until light and loose, about 4 to 5 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture alternately with 1 cup evaporated milk. Stir in rum until just mixed. Spoon batter into prepared pan.

BAKE for 55 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Invert onto plate. Spread Carnation Frosting on top and side of cooled cake. Garnish, if desired, with guava shells. Store in refrigerator.

FOR CARNATION FROSTING
BEAT butter and powdered sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add 1/4 cup evaporated milk and vanilla extract; mix until smooth. Makes 2 cups.

NOTE: A 10-cup Bundt pan can also be used. Follow recipe above and bake for 50 to 55 minutes.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Nestle and Meals.com