Brown Butter Caramel Cake

This Brown Butter Caramel Cake is a delightful dessert that will capture the hearts of caramel lovers everywhere. With its rich, nutty flavor from the brown butter and a luscious caramel filling, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any event where you want to impress your guests. Its moist texture and creamy frosting make it an irresistible treat that stands out on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The deep, rich taste of brown butter combined with sweet caramel creates a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Moist and Tender: This cake stays moist thanks to the combination of buttermilk and brown butter, ensuring each bite is soft and delicious.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because! This cake fits any occasion requiring a sweet treat.
• Showstopper Presentation: With its beautiful layers and swirls of caramel frosting, this cake is not just tasty but also visually stunning.
• Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions make it simple for bakers of all skill levels to create this masterpiece.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the right tools before you start. Having everything ready will help you stay organized throughout the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients for a smooth batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for consistent results in your baking.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls and ensuring no ingredient goes unaccounted for.

Ingredients

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 Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Measure them accurately to ensure the best results.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 cups of unsalted butter until it turns golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat once browned.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Sugars with Browned Butter

In another bowl, mix both sugars with the browned butter until well incorporated.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then add vanilla extract.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk. Start with dry ingredients and end with them. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 7: Prepare Cake Pans

Grease your cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. Divide the batter evenly between them.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 36 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Make Caramel Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved. Add heavy cream gradually while stirring until smooth. Cook briefly until thickened.

Step 10: Cool Cakes

Once baked, let cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 11: Prepare Frosting

Beat cold cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until fluffy.

Step 12: Assemble Cake

Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread caramel filling on top followed by another layer of cake. Frost the top and sides with cream cheese frosting.

Step 13: Add Final Touches

Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for an elegant finish before slicing into this decadent dessert!

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Serving Brown Butter Caramel Cake can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party or a simple family gathering, this cake is sure to impress with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.

Classic Slice

• A traditional slice served on its own allows the rich brown butter flavor to shine.

With Fresh Berries

• Top each slice with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a tart contrast to the sweet cake.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream alongside for an extra creamy experience.

Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top for those who crave more sweetness.

Whipped Cream Topping

• A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the dense cake.

Coffee Companion

• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea to balance out the sweetness and enhance flavors.

How to Perfect Brown Butter Caramel Cake

To achieve the best results when making your Brown Butter Caramel Cake, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and dairy products for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
• Brown Your Butter Correctly: Cook the butter until it turns a golden color and develops a nutty aroma. This step is crucial for maximizing flavor.
• Measure Accurately: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag, ensuring you don’t add too much, which can make your cake dense.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and buttermilk to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create an even batter and promotes better rise.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Check Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Best Side Dishes for Brown Butter Caramel Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Brown Butter Caramel Cake can enhance its flavors and create a delightful meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cake.
2. Chocolate Mousse
   A light chocolate mousse provides a decadent pairing that contrasts nicely with the caramel notes.
3. Cheese Platter
   Offer various cheeses like Brie and goat cheese for complementary savory flavors alongside sweet cake slices.
4. Nutty Granola
   Crunchy granola sprinkled on top creates texture, making every bite more exciting.
5. Carrot Sticks with Hummus
   The crispness of carrots paired with creamy hummus gives a healthy option that offsets dessert indulgence.
6. Mini Pastries
   Sweet mini pastries, like eclairs or fruit tarts, make for an elegant dessert table alongside your cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Brown Butter Caramel Cake to perfection. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother batter and better rise.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough texture.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven before baking. An unheated oven can result in uneven baking and affect the cake’s rise.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
• Not Measuring Accurately: Use precise measurements for dry and wet ingredients. Incorrect measurements can alter the texture and flavor of your cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Brown Butter Caramel Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brown Butter Caramel Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap slices in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a non-stick skillet with a lid, checking every few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the best Brown Butter Caramel Cake:

Can I use another type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends, but it may affect texture slightly.

How do I make brown butter?

To make brown butter, melt unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it!

Can I add nuts to my Brown Butter Caramel Cake?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can add great texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter gently before baking.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Serve it chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra caramel sauce or whipped cream for added indulgence.

Final Thoughts

The Brown Butter Caramel Cake is not only decadent but also versatile. You can customize it by adding flavors like chocolate or spices. This delightful dessert is sure to impress at any gathering—give it a try!