Brown Butter Caramel Cake

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this Brown Butter Caramel Cake. With its moist layers infused with the rich flavor of brown butter, and a luscious filling of caramel sauce, it’s truly a treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family gathering, or simply wanting to brighten up a busy weeknight, this cake is sure to delight everyone at the table.

What makes this cake extra special is the creamy brown butter cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the sweetness of the caramel. It’s an indulgent yet approachable recipe that will make you feel like an accomplished baker, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and caramel creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Moist and Tender: This cake stays moist for days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a sweet slice of cake! It’s great for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Occasion: From casual dinners to celebrations, this cake fits right in on any dessert table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cake in advance and frost it just before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this delectable Brown Butter Caramel Cake is simple with these wholesome ingredients. Gather them up, and let’s get baking!

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 Filling

• 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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch to your cake.
• Fruit Twist: Consider adding layers of sliced bananas or apples for a fruity surprise.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate on top can elevate the dessert even more!
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice note.

How to Make Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. It’s important everything is at room temperature—this helps create that perfect batter consistency. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) lets you get ahead while you prepare the cake mix.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Stir continuously to prevent burning. This step is crucial as browning the butter adds depth and richness to your cake.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together both sugars and browned butter until well combined. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in vanilla and buttermilk until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Don’t over-mix—just combine until everything is incorporated for that tender texture.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake for about 36 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly based on oven differences.

Step 7: Make Caramel Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter with brown sugar. Stir in heavy cream until fully combined and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for about 5 minutes until thickened before removing from heat.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

Beat cold cream cheese until smooth in a separate bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until creamy and fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, slice each layer horizontally if desired. Spread caramel filling between layers before stacking them back together. Top with frosting and drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for that beautiful finish!

Now grab yourself a slice of this irresistible Brown Butter Caramel Cake—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Baking this delicious cake can be a joyful experience, especially when you have a few tips up your sleeve!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature helps the batter come together smoothly, resulting in a more uniform texture and better rise.

• Brown the butter carefully: Cooking the butter until it turns golden brown adds a rich, nutty flavor to your cake. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning; the aroma will guide you!

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing and ensures that your cake isn’t too dense.

• Let the cake cool completely: Before frosting, allow your cake layers to cool completely. This will help the frosting set perfectly without melting or sliding off.

• Swirl in caramel for added flair: When frosting, drizzle some caramel sauce on top before adding more frosting. It not only looks beautiful but also enhances the caramel flavor throughout!

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Serving this decadent Brown Butter Caramel Cake can be as delightful as baking it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and complement the caramel flavors beautifully.
• Fresh fruit: Slices of apples or pears not only provide a pop of color but also give a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• Chocolate shavings: A sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings creates an elegant look and adds another layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with caramel.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with any cake, especially one as rich as this. The cold ice cream balances the warmth of the cake perfectly.

• Coffee or espresso: A cup of coffee or espresso enhances the sweet notes of the caramel and brown butter, making it an ideal beverage choice for dessert time.

• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides freshness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cake, cleansing your palate between bites.

• Whipped cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can lighten up each slice, making it feel even more indulgent while still being airy.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress friends and family with every slice of this incredible Brown Butter Caramel Cake! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is not only a showstopper but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Wrap the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for extra protection.
• Alternatively, freeze individual slices in freezer-safe containers.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, let the cake thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• If you prefer warm cake, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delightful recipe, you’re not alone!

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for the Brown Butter Caramel Cake?

Using salted butter will alter the flavor slightly. For best results, stick to unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of your cake.

How can I make the caramel sauce for my Brown Butter Caramel Cake thicker?

To thicken your caramel sauce, allow it to simmer longer on low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. Just be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning!

Can I substitute buttermilk in this Brown Butter Caramel Cake recipe?

Yes! You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar (1 cup of milk plus 1 tablespoon of vinegar) or yogurt thinned with a little milk.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Brown Butter Caramel Cake! It’s truly special with its rich flavors and moist texture that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy every moment spent creating this delicious treat, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me! Happy baking!