Brown Butter Caramel Cake

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of comfort baking. With its rich brown butter flavor and creamy caramel filling, this cake is perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply a cozy weekend dessert. Its moist texture and luxurious frosting make it a standout choice for caramel lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of brown butter and caramel creates an irresistible taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the buttermilk and brown butter, every slice of this cake is incredibly moist and rich.
• Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or coffee break, this cake fits perfectly into any event.
• Stunning Presentation: The caramel swirl and frosting not only taste amazing but also make for an eye-catching dessert.
• Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can create this masterpiece without stress.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: A stand mixer saves time and effort when it comes to creaming butter and sugar together for the batter.
• Mixing bowls: Having several mixing bowls allows you to easily separate ingredients while preparing your cake layers.
• Rubber spatula: A rubber spatula helps in folding ingredients gently without deflating the batter, ensuring lightness.

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 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

How to Make Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Prepare Brown Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Keep stirring until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer bowl, combine cooled brown butter with granulated white sugar and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until fluffy.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time to the mixture while mixing on low speed. Then add vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients

Gradually add buttermilk to the batter while mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 7: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredients into wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Mix until no flour streaks remain; do not overmix.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 36 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely before removing from pans.

Continue with steps for making caramel sauce and frosting as well as assembly instructions in following sections to complete your Brown Butter Caramel Cake!

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Brown Butter Caramel Cake is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance its rich, buttery flavor. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your cake experience.

Pair with Coffee

• Rich Brewed Coffee: Serve slices alongside a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Apples or Pears: Fresh, crisp fruits add a refreshing contrast to the moist cake. Consider drizzling them with a bit of lemon juice for extra zing.

Opt for Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream complements the caramel notes beautifully and adds a creamy texture to each bite.

Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce

• Homemade Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the flavor by drizzling additional caramel sauce over each slice before serving. It’s an indulgent touch that caramel lovers will appreciate.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and balances the cake’s richness. Consider adding a hint of vanilla for extra flavor.

How to Perfect Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Creating the perfect Brown Butter Caramel Cake requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Here are some ways to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Always bring eggs and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a fluffier cake.

• Brown Butter Carefully: Watch the butter closely as it browns. It should turn golden brown and emit a nutty aroma without burning, which enhances its flavor.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents adding too much flour, leading to a dense cake.

• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients to wet. Overmixing can lead to tough cake; you want it light and airy.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Caramel Cake

To complement your Brown Butter Caramel Cake, consider these delicious side dishes. They not only pair well but also enhance your dessert spread.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and lightness, making it an ideal accompaniment.

2. Cinnamon-Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts tossed in cinnamon provide a crunchy contrast that pairs nicely with the soft cake texture.

3. Chocolate Mousse: This rich dessert offers an elegant balance of flavors without overwhelming the palate.

4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses such as brie or gouda for an upscale touch that complements the sweetness of the cake.

5. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: A healthy option that adds crunch while balancing out sweet treats.

6. Ginger Tea: This warming beverage offers spice without sweetness, providing a comforting drink option alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making a delicious Brown Butter Caramel Cake. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Not browning the butter properly: This step is crucial to achieving that rich flavor. Make sure to cook the butter until it turns a deep golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or buttermilk can lead to uneven mixing. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature for best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
• Ignoring the baking time: Keep an eye on your cake while it bakes. Every oven is different; start checking a few minutes before the recommended time.
• Not letting the cake cool completely: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Always allow the cake to cool fully before adding any toppings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover slices in an airtight container.
• The cake will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Brown Butter Caramel Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brown Butter Caramel Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices in 15-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Brown Butter Caramel Cake so special?

Brown Butter Caramel Cake stands out because of its rich, nutty flavor from browned butter and its gooey caramel filling, making it irresistible.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is preferred for better control of salt levels, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce any added salt slightly.

How do I prevent my frosting from being too runny?

Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. If it’s too runny, chill it briefly, then re-whip until thickened.

Can I customize this Brown Butter Caramel Cake?

Absolutely! You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts, or incorporate different flavors such as chocolate or espresso into the batter for a unique twist.

How should I serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake?

This cake is perfect on its own or served with whipped cream or ice cream. It’s great for celebrations or as an everyday treat!

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is not only decadent but also versatile enough for any occasion. With its moist texture and delightful caramel flavor, it’s sure to impress friends and family. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions!