Brown Butter Caramel Cake: A Delectable Delight

Brown Butter Caramel Cake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds begging for more. This richly flavored dessert features a moist brown butter cake layered with creamy caramel and topped with smooth brown butter cream cheese frosting. It is the perfect centerpiece for any celebration or a delectable treat for your everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Brown Butter Caramel Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Brown Butter

2 cups (448 g) unsalted butter

For the Brown Butter Cake

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 extract
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 extract
1/4 tsp salt

For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold
2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar

These ingredients come together to form a cake that is not only visually stunning but offers a complex and satisfying flavor profile.

Instructions

The process of creating the Brown Butter Caramel Cake is a labor of love but is well worth the effort. Follow these steps to make the cake from scratch:

Prepare the Brown Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Continue heating the butter, stirring frequently, until it turns a golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Once browned, remove the butter from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Make the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cooled brown butter. Beat until the sugars are well incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Bake the Cake: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is melted and bubbly. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt before removing from heat.
Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the cold cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cooled brown butter, mixing until creamy and well blended.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of caramel sauce over the top and then a layer of cream cheese frosting. Place the second layer on top and repeat the process, finishing with frosting on the top and sides of the cake. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the frosted cake for an extra touch.

Benefits of This Craft

Baking is not just about creating delicious treats; it also offers a plethora of benefits for both the mind and body. Engaging in a baking project like the Brown Butter Caramel Cake provides a sense of accomplishment and creativity. It can serve as a form of stress relief as the act of measuring, mixing, and observing the transformation of ingredients can be a therapeutic experience. Additionally, sharing your baked goods with friends and family fosters connection and enjoyment, making gatherings more memorable.

Tips for Success

To ensure that your Brown Butter Caramel Cake turns out perfectly, keep the following tips in mind:

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps in achieving a uniform batter.
Do not overmix the cake batter; mix until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
Allow the brown butter to cool slightly before adding it to the sugar mixture to prevent cooking the eggs.
When making the caramel sauce, be attentive and stir constantly to prevent it from burning.
If the cream cheese is too cold, it may not incorporate well. Let it sit at room temperature for a while before using.

What Does It Taste Like?

The Brown Butter Caramel Cake is a harmonious blend of nutty, sweet, and creamy flavors. The brown butter imparts a rich, toasty note that enriches the cake layers, while the combination of white and brown sugars adds depth to the sweetness. The caramel sauce introduces a delightful sticky sweetness that perfectly contrasts with the light cream cheese frosting, which adds a tangy richness. Each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures, making it an unforgettable experience.

How to Store

To keep your Brown Butter Caramel Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to store it for a longer duration, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance the flavors and textures. If you prefer freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months.

Conclusion

The Brown Butter Caramel Cake is not just a dessert; it is an experience that combines the rich flavors of brown butter, the sweetness of caramel, and the creaminess of cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious treat, this cake will undoubtedly impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. By following the instructions carefully and keeping the tips in mind, you can create a stunning and delicious cake that will be the highlight of any gathering.

FAQ

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While it is recommended to use unsalted butter for precise control over salt levels, using salted butter can still yield delicious results. Just be mindful of the added salt in the recipe.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freeze them. Frost the cake just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice allows it to sour).

By following this article, you can confidently create your delicious Brown Butter Caramel Cake, enjoying both the process and the delightful outcome that will enchant your family and friends. Happy baking!

Brown Butter Caramel Cake