Brown Butter Caramel Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Brown Butter Caramel Cake. This cake is a true labor of love, combining the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the sweetness of caramel. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together—perfect for family gatherings or even just a cozy night in. Every bite is decadent and delightful, making it an absolute favorite in my kitchen!

This cake not only tastes incredible but also has an impressive presentation that will wow your guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this Brown Butter Caramel Cake is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly moist: The combination of brown butter and buttermilk creates a cake that is incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Decadent flavor: With layers of caramel and brown butter frosting, this cake is a dream come true for caramel lovers.
• Versatile for occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because—you’ll always have an excuse to make it!
• Make-ahead friendly: Bake the cake ahead of time and frost it when you’re ready to serve. It tastes even better after resting!
• Family-approved: This cake is sure to impress kids and adults alike—everyone will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this decadent treat! Each ingredient plays an essential role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors.

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 parts about this Brown Butter Caramel Cake is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Try different frostings: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for chocolate or vanilla buttercream if you want something different.
• Mix in fruit: Add some mashed bananas or applesauce to the batter for a fruity twist!
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans so they’re ready to go. This step ensures that your beautiful cakes come out easily without sticking!

Step 2: Make the Brown Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 cups of unsalted butter. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on it; you want that lovely brown color without burning! This step adds depth to your cake’s flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 4: Cream Together Sugars and Butter

In another bowl, combine granulated white sugar, brown sugar, and the cooled brown butter. Beat them together until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air into your mixture which makes your cake light!

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs one at a time to ensure they mix well into the batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The warmth from the eggs will help create that tender crumb we all love.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately mix in your dry ingredient mixture with buttermilk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake tender!

Step 7: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake in preheated oven for about 36 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 8: Prepare Caramel Filling

While cakes cool down, make your caramel filling by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat again. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved then add heavy cream. Cook until thickened slightly—about 5-7 minutes—and remove from heat.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled, use a serrated knife to level them if necessary. Place one layer on a serving plate; spread caramel filling over it before topping with another layer.

Step 10: Make Frosting

Beat cold cream cheese until smooth before adding powdered sugar gradually till creamy consistency forms—this creates our luscious frosting!

Step 11: Frost & Decorate

Spread cream cheese frosting over top layer while allowing some excess to drip down sides creating that beautiful finish everyone loves! Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top if desired.

Now sit back and enjoy every bite of this amazing Brown Butter Caramel Cake! Trust me; it will steal hearts every time you serve it!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Baking can be a delightful journey, and with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure your Brown Butter Caramel Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and buttermilk to room temperature helps create a smooth batter, leading to an evenly baked cake.

• Be patient with browning the butter: Take your time when browning the butter; it should be nutty and golden brown. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor of your cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of that light, fluffy texture we all love.

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is done. This ensures you won’t accidentally overbake it.

• Let the cake cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting into the cake and helps maintain that beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Presenting your Brown Butter Caramel Cake beautifully will make it even more tempting! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delectable dessert.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch and rich flavor that complements the caramel.
• Caramel drizzle: A generous swirl of homemade caramel sauce on top not only looks stunning but also enhances that sweet caramel flavor.
• Fresh whipped cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can balance out the richness of the cake while adding a lovely creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! Vanilla ice cream offers a cool, creamy counterpoint to the warm, rich flavors of your cake.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a bright, tart contrast that complements the sweetness of the caramel perfectly.
• Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee is an excellent accompaniment, enhancing the flavors and making for a cozy dessert experience.
• Chocolate Mousse: For those who enjoy indulgence, serving chocolate mousse alongside this cake adds another layer of richness and decadence.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your irresistible Brown Butter Caramel Cake! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen and making it an excellent treat for gatherings or special occasions.

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; it will last up to a week when refrigerated.
• For best results, keep the cake covered to maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Slice the cake into individual portions before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• Gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm piece of cake.
• Alternatively, you can reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

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

While margarine can be used as a substitute, it may not replicate the rich flavor of brown butter as effectively. For the best taste, stick with unsalted butter.

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

To enhance the caramel flavor, consider drizzling extra caramel sauce over the top before serving or incorporating chopped caramel candies into the batter.

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

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Brown Butter Caramel Cake as much as I do! Its rich flavor and moist texture make it a standout dessert that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration or just a sweet treat after dinner, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family!