Brown Butter Caramel Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that will make your heart sing and your taste buds dance, you’ve come to the right place! The Brown Butter Caramel Cake is an absolute showstopper. It’s moist, rich, and packed with that irresistible brown butter flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself on a cozy weeknight, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why it has become a favorite in my kitchen!

What makes this cake so special is not just its delicious flavor but also the way it brings people together. Imagine family gatherings filled with laughter and joy as everyone savors each slice of this decadent dessert. You’ll have friends asking for seconds (and thirds!) because who can resist that luscious caramel filling and creamy frosting?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of brown butter and caramel creates a unique taste that is simply irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll whip up this cake in no time, making it perfect for busy days.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just a Tuesday night, this cake fits right in!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it ahead of time and store it; the flavors only get better with time.
• Family Favorite: Everyone will love the moist texture and sweet caramel goodness – kids and adults alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry! Let’s gather everything we need to bring this Brown Butter Caramel 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

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up and make it your own.

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch.
• Fruit Infusion: Incorporate fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries into the frosting for a fruity twist.
• Chocolate Lovers Delight: Drizzle some chocolate ganache on top along with the caramel for extra indulgence.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warm spice notes.

How to Make Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Brown Butter

Start by melting your unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This step is essential as browning the butter enhances its flavor immensely. Once ready, let it cool slightly before using.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents so your cake rises perfectly!

Step 3: Cream Together Sugars and Brown Butter

In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and your cooled brown butter. Beat until creamy and well blended. This step creates that wonderful buttery base for your cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined nicely. The eggs help bind all those lovely ingredients together!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture while alternating with buttermilk. Start with some dry ingredients followed by buttermilk until all are mixed in. This creates a moist batter full of flavor!

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 36 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end – we want them perfectly golden!

Step 7: Make Caramel Sauce

While your cakes are cooling down, prepare your caramel sauce by melting butter in another saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cream until smooth – oh boy, this smells heavenly!

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In another bowl, beat cold cream cheese until smooth; then gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy. This will be your creamy topping that complements all those rich flavors beautifully.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, place one layer on your serving plate. Drizzle some caramel sauce over it before adding more frosting on top followed by another cake layer. Repeat until complete! Finish off with more frosting on top along with an artful swirl of caramel.

And there you have it! A stunning Brown Butter Caramel Cake that’s ready to dazzle everyone around you! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Creating the perfect Brown Butter Caramel Cake is all about attention to detail, and these tips will help you achieve a bakery-worthy result right in your own kitchen!

• Brown your butter carefully – Slowly cook the butter over medium heat until it turns a deep golden-brown color. This enhances the nutty flavor and gives the cake its signature taste. Be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensure that your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter that incorporates air more effectively, resulting in a fluffier cake.

• Measure flour correctly – Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents using too much flour, which can lead to a dense cake.

• Cool the cake completely – Allow the layers to cool completely before frosting. This ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt and makes it easier to get clean slices when serving.

• Swirl in the caramel sauce – When adding caramel sauce between cake layers or on top, use a gentle hand to create beautiful swirls. This not only looks impressive but also adds delightful pockets of flavor throughout.

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Serving your Brown Butter Caramel Cake can be just as fun as baking it! Here are some creative ideas to present this delicious dessert at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of your frosted cake for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the caramel.
• Sea salt flakes: A light sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting enhances the sweetness of the caramel and balances flavors beautifully.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzle additional caramel sauce over each slice just before serving for an extra indulgent touch that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake, making it an excellent palate cleanser.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm slices of cake, creating a delightful combination that’s hard to resist.
• Coffee or herbal tea: Serving slices with a cup of coffee or herbal tea can enhance the overall experience, providing warmth and deepening those comforting flavors.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds lightness and can be flavored with vanilla or cinnamon for an extra kick alongside each slice.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Brown Butter Caramel Cake will not only taste incredible but look stunning on any dessert table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can bake it in advance and store it for a delightful treat whenever you need something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storage.
• Place leftover slices in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Be sure to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, thaw slices overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until warm.
• Enjoy the cake warm for an extra comforting experience!

FAQs

Have questions about this delicious recipe? Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Brown Butter Caramel Cake without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

How can I achieve the best flavor in my Brown Butter Caramel Cake?

Browning your butter is key! Ensure you cook it until it develops a rich, nutty aroma and a golden color. This step enhances the flavor beautifully!

What should I do if my caramel sauce hardens?

If your caramel sauce hardens after cooling, gently reheat it on low heat until it becomes pourable again. Stir continuously to ensure even heating.

Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! While this recipe features brown butter cream cheese frosting, you can easily swap it out for your favorite frosting or a simple whipped cream.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Brown Butter Caramel Cake! It’s such a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and moist texture that will surely impress anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy making this cake and sharing it with loved ones—it’s perfect for any occasion! Happy baking!