Brown Butter Caramel Cake

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion! Its rich and nutty flavor comes from the brown butter, making it extra moist and delicious. Filled with luscious caramel sauce and topped with a creamy brown butter frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Whether you’re celebrating or simply indulging, this cake is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of brown butter and caramel creates an irresistible taste that will delight your senses.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the use of buttermilk and brown butter, each slice is incredibly moist and tender.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: This cake works beautifully for celebrations or as a cozy dessert to share with loved ones.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The caramel swirl on top makes for a stunning visual that will wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your batter is mixed thoroughly, giving your cake a light texture.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding in ingredients gently while maintaining airiness in the batter.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: Provides ample space for even baking of your delicious cake.

Ingredients

To make this delightful Brown Butter Caramel Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 2 cups (448 g) unsalted butter
• 2 1/4 cups (282 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature

For the Caramel Sauce

• 9 tbsp (126 g) unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup (165 g) brown sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Frosting

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold
• 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar

How to Make Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Continue cooking until it becomes golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.

Step 4: Cream Sugars and Eggs

In another bowl, mix together granulated sugar and brown sugar with the browned butter using an electric mixer. Add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Mix in the buttermilk until fully incorporated into the wet mixture.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 36 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine unsalted butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir continuously until thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 9: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat cold cream cheese using an electric mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 10: Assemble Cake

Once cooled, slice the cake horizontally if desired. Spread caramel sauce between layers if using two layers. Frost the top generously with cream cheese frosting and drizzle additional caramel sauce over it.

Enjoy every decadent bite of this Brown Butter Caramel Cake!

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Brown Butter Caramel Cake is a delightful dessert that shines at any occasion. This cake pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a tart contrast.
• Sliced Bananas: Add slices of banana for a creamy and sweet combination.
• Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest can brighten the flavor.

With Whipped Cream

• Classic Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream balances the richness of the cake.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding vanilla or almond extract to elevate the taste.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture complements the dense cake perfectly.
• Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: Enhance the caramel flavor with this decadent option.

As a Layered Dessert

• Cake Parfaits: Layer pieces of cake with whipped cream and fruit in individual glasses for an elegant presentation.

How to Perfect Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Achieving the perfect Brown Butter Caramel Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use High-Quality Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness and ensure a rich flavor.
• Brown the Butter Carefully: Watch the butter closely while browning; it should have a nutty aroma without burning.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and prevent toughness.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let your cake cool fully before applying frosting, preventing melting and sliding.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Pairing side dishes with Brown Butter Caramel Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options you might consider.

1. Coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
2. Herbal Tea: Choose calming flavors like chamomile or mint for a refreshing contrast.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the dessert.
4. Nuts: Roasted almonds or pecans add a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft cake.
5. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over slices for an indulgent touch.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Brown Butter Caramel Cake, you want to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold Ingredients: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the texture. Always measure flour by spooning it into a cup and leveling it off.
• Bold Underbaking: Not baking long enough can lead to a dense cake. Make sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
• Bold Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs or buttermilk can affect the batter’s consistency. Allow them to come to room temperature before mixing.
• Bold Neglecting Browning Butter: Not browning your butter properly means missing out on the rich flavor. Watch it closely until it’s golden brown with a nutty aroma.
• Bold Skipping Frosting Steps: Rushing the frosting process can result in lumps. Make sure your cream cheese is cold and mix well for smooth frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Brown Butter Caramel Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Brown Butter Caramel Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making the Brown Butter Caramel Cake, you’re not alone! Here are some of the most common queries.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can use salted butter, but be mindful of reducing added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.

How do I know when my cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or frozen, making it perfect for special occasions.

What are some variations I can try?

Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. You could also experiment with different flavored frostings!

Final Thoughts

The Brown Butter Caramel Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different flavors or toppings based on your preferences. Whether it’s for a gathering or a special treat at home, this cake is sure to impress everyone!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Brown Butter Caramel Cake

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 56 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of our Brown Butter Caramel Cake, a moist and decadent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Infused with rich brown butter and filled with a luscious caramel sauce, this cake is crowned with a creamy frosting that adds an irresistible touch. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or treating yourself to a sweet delight at home, this crowd-pleasing cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (448 g) unsalted butter
• 2 1/4 cups (282 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 9 tbsp (126 g) unsalted butter for caramel sauce
• 3/4 cup (165 g) brown sugar for caramel sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream for caramel sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla for caramel sauce
• 1/4 tsp salt for caramel sauce
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold for frosting
• 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar for frosting

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In another bowl, mix granulated and brown sugar with browned butter; add eggs one at a time along with vanilla, mixing until smooth. Incorporate buttermilk.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula until just combined.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 36 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
7. Prepare caramel sauce by combining unsalted butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened.
8. For frosting, beat cold cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
9. Once cooled, frost the top of the cake generously with cream cheese frosting and drizzle with caramel sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 36 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 105mg