Brown Butter Caramel Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that will impress your family and friends, let me introduce you to my beloved Brown Butter Caramel Cake. This cake is a true labor of love, with its rich brown butter flavor and luscious caramel filling. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply want to treat yourself after a long day. Each bite is moist and decadent, making it a favorite in our home.

What makes this recipe even more special is how versatile it is. You can whip it up for a cozy family gathering or save it for those moments when you need a little extra sweetness in your life. Trust me, once you try this cake, it’ll become a go-to recipe that you’ll cherish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible flavor: The combination of brown butter and caramel creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
• Moist texture: This cake stays wonderfully moist thanks to the addition of buttermilk and brown butter.
• Family-friendly: Everyone, from kids to adults, will adore this cake—it’s perfect for sharing!
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the cake ahead of time and store it, making serving easy on busy days.
• Show-stopping appearance: With its beautiful frosting and caramel swirl, this cake is sure to wow your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the simple, wholesome ingredients that make this Brown Butter Caramel Cake so special. There’s something comforting about using basic pantry staples to create something extraordinary!

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

One of the wonderful things about this Brown Butter Caramel Cake is how flexible it can be! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Fruit twist: Incorporate some apples or pears for added moisture and flavor.
• Chocolate lovers: Mix in chocolate chips or top with chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent treat.
• Spice it up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice flavor that complements the caramel beautifully.

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 frequently until it becomes golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. This step is crucial because browning the butter adds depth of flavor to your cake. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure that all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to your wet mixture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the cooled brown butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined. Then add the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and buttermilk. Mixing these ingredients well ensures a lovely batter that will rise beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula or mixer on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until there are no visible streaks of flour left. This keeps your cake light and fluffy!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour your batter into prepared cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 36 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Baking times may vary based on your oven—so keep an eye on them! Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce

In another saucepan over medium heat, melt more unsalted butter with brown sugar while stirring constantly until smooth. Slowly whisk in heavy cream until well combined. Let simmer gently for about 5 minutes until thickened slightly; remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

Using an electric mixer, beat cold cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until fluffy and fully combined—this creates a rich frosting that complements our cake perfectly!

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once everything has cooled down completely, layer the cakes with caramel sauce in between each layer. Spread cream cheese frosting generously on top and around sides of the cake, then finish with drizzles of additional caramel sauce.

And there you have it! A stunning Brown Butter Caramel Cake that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat! Enjoy every slice with family and friends—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Creating the perfect Brown Butter Caramel Cake is a delightful journey, and these tips will help you along the way!

• Brown your butter carefully: Take your time when browning the butter; it should be golden brown with a nutty aroma. This step enhances the flavor and adds depth to your cake.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create an emulsion that leads to a lighter, fluffier cake.

• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting flour, baking powder, and salt together aerates them, which helps prevent clumps and results in a smoother batter.

• Let the cake cool completely: Before frosting, make sure your cakes are completely cooled. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.

• Drizzle caramel right before serving: To keep the caramel sauce from soaking into the cake, drizzle it on just before serving for that eye-catching shine and deliciously gooey texture.

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Serving your Brown Butter Caramel Cake can be as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to present this showstopper beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor that complements the caramel.

• Sea salt flakes: A light sprinkle of sea salt over the frosting enhances the sweetness of the caramel and creates a beautiful contrast in taste.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the cake, offering a lovely contrast in temperature and taste.

• Fresh berries: Serve a side of fresh raspberries or strawberries to add a burst of freshness that balances the cake’s sweetness perfectly.

• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream provides a light yet luscious complement to each slice of cake while keeping everything plant-based.

• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the dessert experience, especially with all those rich flavors coming from both the cake and caramel.

Enjoy every bite of this decadent treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors over several days. Here’s how to make the most of your cake!

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to a week.
• If you have leftover frosting, store it separately in the fridge for up to a week as well.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor and texture.
• Allow the cake to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, microwave on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have any questions about this delicious dessert, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

What makes Brown Butter Caramel Cake so special?

Brown Butter Caramel Cake is special due to its rich flavor profile that combines nutty brown butter with sweet caramel. This unique combination creates a moist and decadent cake that delights every palate.

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

Absolutely! While the cream cheese frosting complements the cake beautifully, you can experiment with other frostings such as vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache if you prefer.

How do I ensure my Brown Butter Caramel Cake stays moist?

To keep your cake moist, be sure not to overbake it. Additionally, using room-temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk helps maintain moisture throughout the baking process.

Can I make this Brown Butter Caramel Cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just ensure that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and sweetness into your kitchen! The Brown Butter Caramel Cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience filled with warmth and indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, I’m sure you’ll find this cake irresistible. Enjoy making it and please come back to share your thoughts—happy baking!