There’s a certain joy that comes from transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and that’s exactly what this Brown Butter Cake promises. Picture this: the warm, nutty aroma of butter slowly browning on the stovetop, filling your kitchen with a sense of home and comfort. I discovered this cake recipe during a cozy weekend baking session, looking for something more exciting than the usual desserts.
Imagine serving a slice of this moist, tender cake, delicately layered with luscious cream cheese frosting to friends and family. With its rich flavor and delightful texture, it’s bound to steal the show at any gathering. What I love most about this recipe is how straightforward it is—ideal for both novice bakers eager to learn and experienced chefs looking for a delicious crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a holiday feast, or just a sweet treat on a Tuesday, this Brown Butter Cake will elevate any moment. So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delectable creation!
Why is Brown Butter Cake so special?
Moist and Tender: This cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the rich brown butter and sour cream.
Nutty Aroma: The process of browning the butter infuses a delightful nutty fragrance that transforms your kitchen into a bakery.
Layered Perfection: Topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures.
Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert that impresses family and friends.
Versatile: Feel free to adapt this recipe for different occasions and cake sizes, making it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for celebrations or quiet evenings at home, this cake is bound to be a favorite!
Brown Butter Cake Ingredients
• Get ready to bake a delicious Brown Butter Cake with these essential ingredients!
For the Cake
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability; can be swapped with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free cake.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake and enhances browning; best not substituted for this recipe.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Fine Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; don’t skip this ingredient!
- Brown Butter – Infuses a deep, nutty flavor; ensure it’s cooled before adding to the batter.
- Egg Whites – Offer stability; for a richer flavor, 4 large whole eggs can be used instead.
- Full-Fat Sour Cream – Brings moisture and richness; can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist; can interchange with canola or melted coconut oil.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; using vanilla bean paste provides an even bolder taste.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese – The creamy base for the frosting that adds tang; mascarpone is a delightful alternative.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; adjust to achieve your ideal sweetness.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Adds lusciousness; can be replaced with milk for a lighter frosting option.
Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that results in a deliciously memorable Brown Butter Cake!
How to Make Brown Butter Cake
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Brown the Butter: Melt 2 cups of unsalted butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it turns a beautiful golden brown color, about 5-6 minutes. Let it cool in the fridge before using.
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Prepare Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine salt. Add the cooled brown butter and mix until the texture is sandy.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the egg whites to the sandy mixture, mixing well. Then, incorporate the full-fat sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined.
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Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 33-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes, then freeze them briefly to speed up cooling.
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Make Frosting: In a bowl, beat the remaining brown butter with cream cheese until well-combined. Gradually add vanilla extract and salt, then mix in powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until your desired frosting consistency is achieved.
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Assemble Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, stack them on a serving plate. Generously frost each layer with cream cheese frosting. You can create a lovely textured finish on the outside if you wish!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for extra texture and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Brown Butter Cake?
Indulge in the perfect meal surrounded by flavors that beautifully complement this rich, moist cake.
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Fresh Berries: Adding a mix of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries creates a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm, nutty notes of the brown butter.
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Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee enhances the flavors of the cake, making it an ideal pairing for those cozy gatherings.
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Lemon Curd: The bright and tangy flavor of lemon curd cuts through the richness of the cake, offering a delightful balance.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds an airy sweetness, making each bite more indulgent without overwhelming the cake’s flavor.
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Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm ganache over each slice elevates the cake to a whole new level of decadence, deliciously contrasting its nutty taste.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel enhances the cake’s flavors while adding a charming sweetness that is simply irresistible.
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Sparkling Water: A glass of chilled sparkling water helps cleanse the palate, refreshing your senses between bites of this rich dessert.
Expert Tips for Brown Butter Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature; this promotes better mixing and a smoother batter for your Brown Butter Cake.
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Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour, to prevent a dry or dense cake.
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Even Baking: If cake layers are uneven, rotate the pans halfway through baking; this ensures consistent cooking for your Brown Butter Cake.
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Chill for Success: Chill your cake layers before frosting; this prevents slippage and helps the cream cheese frosting adhere beautifully.
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Don’t Rush the Butter: Take your time browning the butter; the nutty aroma and flavor enhance the cake significantly, making it worth the wait.
How to Store and Freeze Brown Butter Cake
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Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cake layers at room temperature for up to 2 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
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Fridge: If you have leftover frosted Brown Butter Cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain its moisture and flavor.
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Freezer: For longer storage, wrap sliced or whole unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to a month for optimal taste and freshness.
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Reheating: To refresh frozen cake, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. No need to reheat, as this cake is delightful when served at room temperature!
Brown Butter Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this cake truly yours with these fun twists and alternative ingredients!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs while keeping the cake deliciously moist.
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Nuts Galore: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an added crunch and a delightful nutty flavor in every bite.
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Chocolate Bliss: Add cocoa powder (replacing a bit of the flour) for a rich chocolatey twist to your already luscious cake. A chocolate brown butter cake, anyone?
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Zesty Orange: Incorporate orange zest into the batter for a refreshing citrusy note that brightens the flavor profile and makes every slice more vibrant.
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Layered Fruit Surprise: Between the cake layers, add fresh berries or a layer of fruit preserves to enhance the moistness and introduce an extra burst of flavor.
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Spiced Sensation: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the rich butter flavor.
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Frosting Options: Substitute the cream cheese frosting with whipped ganache or a vanilla buttercream for a completely different take on the dessert.
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Decadent Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the frosted cake or between layers for an indulgent dessert that will have everyone raving.
There’s no limit to the delicious possibilities with this Brown Butter Cake—experiment and enjoy crafting your unique version!
Make Ahead Options
These Brown Butter Cake layers are perfect for meal prep! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance, allowing you to freeze them right after cooling. Simply wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer. This helps maintain freshness and prevents them from drying out. For the cream cheese frosting, you can prepare it up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it, making sure it’s in an airtight container to preserve its creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw the cake layers at room temperature for about an hour, stack, and frost them with your chilled frosting for a delightful dessert that’s just as delicious as if made fresh!
Brown Butter Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right butter for my Brown Butter Cake?
Absolutely! For the best results, always use unsalted butter to control the salt in your recipe. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute it with margarine, but the rich flavor of brown butter really shines with the original. Make sure your butter is fresh—check that it has a smooth texture without any odd smells.
How should I store leftover Brown Butter Cake?
Very! If you have any frosted cake left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For unfrosted layers, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store it longer, place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to a month without losing its delightful flavor.
Can I freeze Brown Butter Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze your Brown Butter Cake, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Label it with the date and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just transfer it to the fridge overnight to thaw. For best results, enjoy it within 3 months for optimal taste!
What can I do if my cake layers sink in the middle?
Oh no! If your cake layers sink, it could be due to a few factors. Make sure you’ve measured your baking powder accurately—too little can lead to dense cakes. Also, avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients; this can cause too much air to be incorporated. If they’re not baking evenly, rotate the pans halfway through the baking time to ensure they rise properly and evenly.
Are there any dietary considerations for this Brown Butter Cake?
Yes! For those with gluten sensitivities, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Additionally, if you’re preparing the cake for someone with dairy allergies, consider using dairy alternatives for the butter and sour cream, like coconut cream or vegan butter. Always double-check all ingredient labels for potential allergens!
Irresistibly Moist Brown Butter Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Butter: Melt 2 cups of unsalted butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it turns a golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Let it cool in the fridge before using.
- Prepare Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease cake pans. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine salt. Add cooled brown butter and mix until sandy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add egg whites to sandy mixture, mixing well. Incorporate full-fat sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 33-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for a few minutes, then freeze briefly.
- Make Frosting: Beat remaining brown butter with cream cheese until combined. Gradually add vanilla extract and salt, then mix in powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until desired consistency is achieved.
- Assemble Cake: Once cool, stack cake layers on a serving plate and frost generously with cream cheese frosting. Create a textured finish if desired.