Brown Butter Caramel Cake

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will impress your friends and family, you’ve come to the right place! This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is my go-to recipe for special occasions and cozy gatherings alike. The rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter adds depth to this cake, while the luscious caramel filling makes it a true indulgence. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a fun weeknight treat, this cake never fails to bring smiles.

What makes this cake even more special is its moist texture and delightful sweetness. Each bite is like a warm hug, perfect for those moments when you want to treat yourself or brighten someone else’s day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of brown butter and caramel creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will adore this cake, making it perfect for family gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the components ahead of time for stress-free baking on special days.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the buttermilk and brown butter, every slice is wonderfully moist.
• Beautiful Presentation: The caramel swirl on top makes this cake as stunning as it is delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will come together to create this delightful Brown Butter Caramel Cake. I promise you won’t need anything fancy—just good quality staples that are easy to find!

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

One of the best things about this Brown Butter Caramel Cake is how flexible it can be. You can easily adapt it to suit different tastes and occasions!

• Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts to give your cake an extra crunchy texture.
• Change Up the Frosting: Try using whipped coconut cream instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter option.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor that pairs beautifully with caramel.
• Fruit Addition: Layer in some fresh sliced apples or pears between the cake layers for added sweetness and moisture.

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 frequently until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This step is crucial because browning the butter brings out its rich flavor, which is key to making this cake stand out!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures they are evenly distributed throughout your batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Then add buttermilk and mix until well combined. This mixture should be creamy and smooth; it’s what gives the cake its moistness!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until no flour pockets remain. This will keep your cake fluffy—nobody wants a dense dessert!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 36 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This is where all those delightful flavors come together—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 6: Make the Caramel Filling

While your cakes are cooling, make the caramel filling by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat again. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream until bubbling gently; let it simmer for about 5 minutes before removing from heat. Adding vanilla extract at this stage will enhance its aroma.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In another bowl, beat cold cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully combined; this frosting should be creamy yet spreadable.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, layer your cakes with caramel filling in between each layer. Top off with cream cheese frosting all around and finish with a beautiful caramel swirl on top!

Enjoy every delicious slice of your homemade Brown Butter Caramel Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Baking this Brown Butter Caramel Cake is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure it’s a masterpiece every time!

• Brown your butter correctly: Take your time browning the butter until it reaches a deep amber color. This enhances the nutty flavor and gives the cake its rich depth.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in an even bake.

• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together not only removes lumps but also incorporates air, making your cake lighter and fluffier.

• Don’t skip the cooling period: Allow your cakes to cool completely in the pan before transferring to wire racks. This prevents them from breaking and ensures a perfect texture.

• Use quality caramel sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, opt for a rich caramel sauce. The flavor will shine through in both the filling and topping of your cake.

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also visually stunning! Here are some creative ideas on how to present this decadent dessert.

Garnishes

• Toasted pecans or walnuts: Chopped and toasted nuts add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
• Fresh fruit: A few slices of fresh pears or apples can bring a refreshing element to balance out the sweetness of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the rich flavors of the cake, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Whipped cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy texture that complements the dense caramel layers perfectly.
• Fruit salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing palate cleanser that pairs beautifully with this rich dessert.
• Coffee or tea: Serving with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the overall experience, allowing you to savor each delicious bite.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions at hand, you’re ready to impress friends and family with your amazing Brown Butter Caramel Cake! Enjoy every sweet moment together!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is perfect for meal prep and can be made in advance for special occasions or just to enjoy throughout the week. With a few simple storage techniques, you can keep it fresh and delicious!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
• Store the wrapped slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• If you want to keep your Brown Butter Caramel Cake longer, freezing is a great option!
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the bag with a date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze the cake without frosting; frost after thawing.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a warm slice, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slice on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through, then enjoy!

FAQs

Have questions about making this delicious cake? Here are some common inquiries!

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

Absolutely! If using salted butter, just skip adding extra salt to the batter. The flavor will still be delightful.

How can I enhance the caramel flavor in my Brown Butter Caramel Cake?

To boost the caramel notes, consider adding a touch of caramel extract to your batter or drizzle extra caramel sauce on top before serving!

Is there a substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?

Yes! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing one cup of regular milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Certainly! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. The result will be just as tasty!

What occasions are perfect for serving Brown Butter Caramel Cake?

This decadent cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests. It’s also wonderful as an everyday treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Brown Butter Caramel Cake! Its moist texture and rich flavors make it truly special. Whether it’s for a celebration or just because you deserve something sweet, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Enjoy every bite and share it with those you love—there’s nothing quite like homemade treats that bring people together!