Brown Butter Caramel Cake

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone raving, you’ve come to the right place! This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it a favorite in my kitchen. With its moist layers infused with rich brown butter, oozing caramel sauce, and topped with creamy brown butter frosting, it truly has something special that keeps family and friends coming back for more. It’s perfect for everything from cozy family gatherings to celebrations that call for a sweet touch.

The best part? This cake is surprisingly easy to whip up. So whether you’re baking on a busy weeknight or planning a weekend celebration, this recipe will not disappoint!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The brown butter adds a nutty richness that elevates this cake to new heights.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves caramel! This cake is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake your layers ahead of time and frost just before serving for an effortless experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthdays to casual get-togethers, this cake fits right in at any event!
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful caramel swirl on top makes it look as good as it tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to bring this delicious cake to life!

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

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! If you want to switch things up or cater to different tastes, here are some fun variations:

• Add Some Spice: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm twist.
• Include Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Try Different Frosting: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a chocolate ganache if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

Start by melting your unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it gently as it melts until it begins to bubble. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty—this step is key as the brown butter adds so much depth of flavor!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure even distribution of the raising agents throughout your cake batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the granulated white sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. Then add in your vanilla and buttermilk along with the cooled brown butter. Mixing these wet ingredients well ensures that your cake will be moist throughout.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until combined! This will keep your cake light and airy.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between prepared cake pans and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 36 minutes or until golden brown. Keeping an eye on them as they bake will prevent overcooking!

Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce

While your cakes cool, prepare the caramel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan again. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir continuously until everything is smooth—this luscious sauce will fill your cake layers beautifully!

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

Beat together cold cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add in some of that lovely brown butter from earlier—you’ll love how rich this frosting becomes!

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, slice each layer in half if desired. Fill with caramel sauce between layers and frost generously with your cream cheese frosting on top and sides. Drizzle extra caramel on top for an extra treat!

And there you have it—a gorgeous Brown Butter Caramel Cake that’s sure to impress anyone who gets a slice! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Baking is an art, and with these tips, you can ensure your Brown Butter Caramel Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature helps them combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a better texture in the final cake.

• Brown the butter carefully: When browning your butter, keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. The nutty aroma and golden color are key to achieving that rich brown butter flavor that makes this cake so special.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the light, moist texture you’re aiming for.

• Check for doneness: Ovens vary! Start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for perfect doneness.

• Let it cool properly: Allow your cake layers to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps prevent breakage and ensures they retain their shape.

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake

This decadent Brown Butter Caramel Cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Here are some delightful ways to present it at your next gathering!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Caramel drizzle: A generous drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Fresh fruit: Add slices of fresh pears or apples on the side for a refreshing touch that complements the richness of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with this cake, balancing its richness with a cool, sweet contrast.
• Whipped cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luscious texture that enhances each bite without overpowering the caramel flavors.
• Fruit salad: A light and tangy fruit salad made with seasonal berries and citrus provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dense cake.
• Coffee or tea: Serving this cake alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying dessert.

With these serving suggestions, your Brown Butter Caramel Cake will be nothing short of a showstopper at any occasion! Enjoy every bite of this heavenly dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is not only a showstopper but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, ensuring that you have a delightful dessert ready whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake to extend its freshness for up to a week.
• To maintain the frosting’s texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving after refrigeration.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through, but be careful not to overheat.
• Alternatively, place slices in a warm oven (around 300°F/150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious dessert!

What makes the Brown Butter Caramel Cake so moist?

The combination of brown butter and buttermilk adds depth of flavor and moisture to this cake. The rich caramel filling also contributes to its luscious texture.

Can I use a different type of frosting on my Brown Butter Caramel Cake?

Absolutely! While the cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the caramel flavors, you can opt for a simple vanilla buttercream or even whipped cream as alternatives.

How do I ensure my Brown Butter Caramel Cake rises properly?

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create an even batter that rises beautifully during baking!

Can I add additional flavors to my Brown Butter Caramel Cake?

Yes! Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or even a dash of espresso powder for an extra kick. Just keep in mind that these additions will alter the flavor profile slightly!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bake this incredible Brown Butter Caramel Cake! Its unique flavors and moist texture are sure to impress your friends and family. Remember, baking is all about joy and creativity—so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Enjoy every slice and share your delightful creation with those around you!