Name: Russian Ant Hill Cake
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 0.75 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 0.5 cup white sugar; 4 ounces sour cream; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 (13.4 ounce) can dulce de leche; 2 tablespoons poppy seeds, for sprinkling

Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with this whimsical cake, shaped like an ant hill! A beloved treat with Eastern European roots, this playful dessert is sure to bring smiles and a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Gather your little helpers and prepare for a memorable baking experience.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. (5 minutes)

02

Step

In a large bowl, whisk together the 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons melted butter and sugar until well combined. Incorporate the sour cream and whisk until the mixture is smooth. (5 minutes)

03

Step

Gradually sift in the flour and baking powder, kneading until a smooth, stiff dough forms. (10 minutes)

04

Step

Using the meat grinder attachment of an electric stand mixer, carefully pass handfuls of dough through the grinder, creating small bits. Evenly spread the ground dough pieces over the prepared baking sheet. (10 minutes)

05

Step

Bake in the preheated oven until the dough bits are lightly browned, approximately 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. (25 minutes)

06

Step

In a large bowl, beat the 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the dulce de leche and continue to beat until thoroughly combined, creating a luscious caramel mixture. (10 minutes)

07

Step

Gently add the cooled cake pieces to the caramel mixture and fold in with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated in caramel goodness. (10 minutes)

08

Step

Mound the mixture onto a serving plate, shaping it into an ant hill using buttered hands to prevent sticking. Sprinkle generously with poppy seeds, creating a delightful visual effect. (10 minutes)