Brown Butter Caramel Cake

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is a delightful dessert that boasts a rich, nutty flavor from the brown butter and an indulgent caramel filling. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special gathering, this cake will impress your guests with its moist texture and decadent toppings. With layers of creamy frosting and a luscious caramel swirl, it’s a must-try for any dessert lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of brown butter and caramel creates a uniquely delicious taste that stands out.
• Moist Texture: This cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the buttermilk and butter used in the recipe.
• Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy family dinner, this cake fits perfectly into any celebration.
• Showstopper Presentation: With its beautiful frosting and caramel drizzle, this cake looks just as good as it tastes.
• Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions make it simple for bakers of all levels to recreate this masterpiece.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather the essential tools before starting. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating this delicious Brown Butter Caramel Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your cake.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into batters, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.

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Ingredients

This is the best brown butter caramel cake! It’s extra moist with lots of brown butter flavor, filled with caramel sauce, topped with luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting and a caramel swirl. Caramel lovers will absolutely love this decadent cake!

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

How to Make Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick spray or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Brown Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 cups of unsalted butter. Stir frequently until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt

Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix:
1. Granulated sugar
2. Brown sugar
3. Eggs
4. Vanilla extract
5. Buttermilk

Add the cooled brown butter into this mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 30-36 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare Caramel Filling

While cakes are cooling, make the caramel filling by melting remaining unsalted butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt; simmer until thickened.

Step 8: Cool Cakes

Let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9: Frosting Preparation

Beat cold cream cheese until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in some cooled brown butter for flavor.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled:
1. Place one layer on your serving plate.
2. Spread caramel filling on top.
3. Place second layer on top.
4. Frost sides and top with cream cheese frosting.
5. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over top if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Brown Butter Caramel Cake, perfect for sharing with family and friends!

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Serving a Brown Butter Caramel Cake can elevate any occasion, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Here are some delightful suggestions to enjoy this rich dessert.

Alone

• Enjoy the cake plain to appreciate its rich brown butter flavor and moist texture.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair slices with seasonal fruits like berries or sliced apples for a refreshing contrast.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent treat.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

• Enhance the indulgence by drizzling more caramel sauce over each slice before serving.

Whipped Cream on Top

• Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream to balance the sweetness of the cake.

How to Perfect Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Creating the perfect Brown Butter Caramel Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create an even batter, leading to a uniform rise and texture.
• Brown Your Butter Carefully: Watch closely as it darkens; you want a nutty aroma without burning it.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level your flour to avoid a dense cake.
• Don’t Skip the Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors, balancing sweetness and richness perfectly.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: This prevents melting and ensures that your frosting stays fluffy and beautiful.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Complementing your Brown Butter Caramel Cake with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Fruit Salad
   A light, refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a vibrant contrast to the rich flavors.

3. Chocolate Mousse
   The lightness of chocolate mousse makes for an elegant side that pairs well with caramel notes.

4. Coffee
   A cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the flavor profile while cutting through sweetness.

5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can provide savory bites that contrast nicely with sweet cake.

6. Pecan Pie Bites
   Miniature pecan pies add an extra layer of flavor while keeping the dessert theme consistent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Brown Butter Caramel Cake, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the browning process: Failing to properly brown the butter can result in a lack of flavor. Make sure to watch it closely until it turns a golden brown and smells nutty.

• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Using too much flour or sugar can throw off the cake’s texture. Always spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.

• Using cold eggs or buttermilk: Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake. Let your eggs and buttermilk come to room temperature for better incorporation and fluffiness.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to be tough. Mix just until combined, especially after adding flour.

• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different, so rely on visual cues as well as time. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended bake time by inserting a toothpick in the center.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap if not in a container to prevent drying out.

Freezing Brown Butter Caramel Cake

• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Brown Butter Caramel Cake

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; cover with a lid and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Brown Butter Caramel Cake that may help you during your baking adventure.

Can I substitute other fats for brown butter?

Yes, you can use regular unsalted butter, but you will miss out on the deep flavor that brown butter provides.

How should I store my Brown Butter Caramel Cake?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze it or store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving for optimal taste.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

Feel free to add nuts, spices like cinnamon, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

The Brown Butter Caramel Cake is not only delicious but versatile too. Its rich flavors make it perfect for celebrations or cozy family gatherings. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins. Don’t hesitate—try this recipe today and delight your taste buds!