Brown Butter Caramel Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that will impress everyone at your next gathering, look no further than this Brown Butter Caramel Cake! This cake is my go-to recipe when I want to bring a smile to the faces of friends and family. The combination of nutty brown butter and rich caramel makes it an absolute delight. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday celebration, or just a cozy weeknight treat, this cake always delivers on flavor and comfort.

What truly makes this cake special is its extra moist texture and the luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting. It’s so good that it has become one of my favorite desserts to share with loved ones. Get ready to indulge in a slice (or two!) of this decadent treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: The brown butter adds depth and moisture, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you’ll be whipping up this cake in no time—perfect for all skill levels.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet caramel swirls and creamy frosting!
• Make Ahead: Bake it a day in advance and let the flavors deepen—it’s even better the next day!
• Versatile: Great for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together perfectly in this Brown Butter Caramel Cake. You probably have many of these items in your pantry already!

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 Brown Butter Caramel Cake is flexible enough for any taste preference! Here are some fun ideas to customize your cake:

• Add Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for extra crunch.
• Fruit Twist: Layer sliced bananas or fresh apples between the cake layers for added sweetness.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Top with chocolate ganache in addition to caramel for a rich flavor contrast.
• Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice notes perfect for fall.

How to Make Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

Start by melting your two cups of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep stirring as it bubbles; you’ll know it’s ready when it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This step is crucial because browning the butter brings out its deep flavor that makes this cake shine!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout your batter, ensuring a nice rise as it bakes.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth. Adding the buttermilk gives moisture to your cake while balancing out sweetness—trust me; you don’t want to skip this!

Step 4: Combine Both Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender crumb! Then fold in the browned butter gently—it’s what gives our cake its signature flavor.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter evenly into prepared cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 36 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 6: Make Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together until bubbly. Gradually stir in heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently until thickened. This sauce will add layers of decadence!

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

Beat cold cream cheese with powdered sugar until fluffy. Once cooled, add in some of that delicious brown butter you made earlier. This creamy frosting will make your cake even more delightful!

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread caramel sauce between layers of cake. Frost generously with cream cheese frosting on top and sides. Drizzle extra caramel over everything for that stunning finish!

Enjoy sharing this wonderful Brown Butter Caramel Cake with friends and family—it’s sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Making the perfect Brown Butter Caramel Cake can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and leads to a more even bake.

• Brown the Butter Carefully: When browning the butter, watch it closely! The goal is a nutty aroma and a rich golden-brown color; if it gets too dark, it can develop a bitter taste.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined allows for a tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake that lacks the airy texture we love.

• Chill the Cream Cheese: For the frosting, starting with cold cream cheese will ensure that you achieve that luscious, creamy texture without lumps.

• Taste as You Go: Especially with the caramel sauce, tasting while making ensures your flavors are spot on. Adjust sweetness or salt to your liking!

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Presenting your Brown Butter Caramel Cake beautifully can make all the difference at gatherings or celebrations. Here are some great ideas to elevate your serving experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Sea Salt Flakes: A light sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel and adds an elegant touch.
• Edible Flowers: These can add a pop of color and elegance, making your cake visually stunning.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cake and adds a refreshing note.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your slice creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving your cake with a strong cup of coffee or tea enhances the flavors and provides a comforting pairing.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a vegan-friendly option, whipped coconut cream adds lightness and complements the caramel flavors beautifully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Brown Butter Caramel Cake will not only taste incredible but also look inviting on any dessert table! Enjoy baking and sharing this lovely treat with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment. Whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake holds up wonderfully.

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 about a week.
• Always ensure the cake is completely cooled before storing to maintain its moisture and texture.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, microwave on a low setting (about 10-15 seconds) until just heated through.
• Alternatively, you can warm slices in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, wrapped in aluminum foil.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about the Brown Butter Caramel Cake.

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

Yes! If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to balance the flavors.

What makes Brown Butter Caramel Cake so special?

The unique flavor of brown butter adds a nutty richness that elevates this cake. Combined with caramel sauce, it creates an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!

How can I make my Brown Butter Caramel Cake even more decadent?

You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter or top it with extra caramel sauce and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor!

Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can make your own buttermilk by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve been inspired to bake this delightful Brown Butter Caramel Cake! It’s truly a labor of love that brings warmth and joy with every bite. Enjoy making this cake as much as I do, and don’t hesitate to share it with friends and family. Happy baking!