Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of browned butter, crisp apples, and warm fall spices. Perfect for any occasion, this cake will impress your guests at holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or even as a cozy afternoon snack. The addition of homemade caramel sauce takes this cake to a whole new level, making it a standout treat that captures the essence of autumn.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of browned butter and spices creates a unique taste that’s both comforting and indulgent.
- Versatile Occasion: This cake is suitable for many events—be it Thanksgiving, birthdays, or casual get-togethers.
- Easy to Follow: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dessert without stress.
- Homemade Goodness: The use of fresh apples and homemade caramel sauce elevates the flavor and quality.
- Gorgeous Presentation: Layering the cake with frosting and garnishing with apples makes it visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe for Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Three 6-inch cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric Mixer: Saves time and ensures your batter is mixed evenly for a fluffy cake texture.
- Mixing Bowls: Allows you to prepare your ingredients separately before combining them.
- Cooling Rack: Helps cool cakes evenly, preventing sogginess from steam.
Ingredients
Browned butter, crisp apples, fall spices, and homemade caramel sauce make up this delight browned butter apple spice cake.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 Cup Salted Umpqua Dairy Butter, softened to room temperature
– 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
– 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed
– 1 Large Egg + 1 Large Egg Yolk
– 1/3 Cup Umpqua Dairy Sour Cream
– 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
– 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
– 3/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
– 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
– 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
– 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
– 1 Cup All Purpose Flour
– 3/4 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
– 3/4 Cup Umpqua Dairy Whole or 2% Milk
– 3/4 Cup Apples of Choice (I used Honeycrisp), chopped into small squares
– 1 1/2 Cups Umpqua Dairy Salted Butter, softened to room temperature (for frosting)
– 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
– 1/4 Cup Caramel Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 3 Cups Powdered Sugar, sifted
– 2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream
– 1/2 Cup Homemade Caramel, drizzled on top and over the sides
– 1/2 Apple, chopped into small squares and tossed in a tablespoon of caramel sauce
– Greenery, for garnish
How to Make Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°. Grease and flour three 6-inch cake pans. Line each bottom with a parchment paper circle.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add one egg and one egg yolk to the mixture; beat well after each addition.
3. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour; mix well.
Step 3: Incorporate Apples & Bake
Add milk to the batter:
1. Mix until incorporated but do not over-mix.
2. Gently fold in chopped apples evenly throughout the batter.
3. Divide the batter among the prepared pans (about one heaping cup per pan).
4. Smooth the tops with a spatula before baking for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Allow cooling in the pans for about ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
In a saucepan over medium heat:
1. Melt half a cup of salted butter until browned; stir occasionally until golden brown.
2. Remove from heat; let it cool slightly.
In another mixing bowl:
3. Beat remaining unsalted butter until creamy.
4. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar while mixing until smooth.
5. Pour in vanilla extract and caramel sauce; mix well.
6. Slowly incorporate cooled browned butter into the frosting mixture until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cake
Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled layers of cake:
Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to three days. Enjoy!
How to Serve Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
This delightful Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday feast, here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your dessert experience.
With Whipped Cream
- Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a light and airy texture that complements the cake’s richness.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- Pair your slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that balances the warm spices and sweetness.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Add an extra drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an indulgent touch that enhances the apple flavor in the cake.
Garnished with Fresh Apples
- Top each slice with thinly sliced fresh apples for a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the spiced cake.
Accompanied by Hot Tea or Coffee
- Enjoy your cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The beverages enhance the flavors and provide a cozy experience.
As a Layered Dessert
- Create individual layered desserts in jars by alternating layers of cake, frosting, and chopped apples for an appealing presentation at parties.
How to Perfect Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
Achieving perfection with your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.
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Use room temperature ingredients – Allow butter, eggs, and sour cream to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
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Don’t overmix the batter – Gently fold in dry ingredients and apples to keep the cake light and fluffy.
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Monitor baking time closely – Check for doneness around 25 minutes; ovens may vary, so adjust as needed.
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Cool completely before frosting – Ensure the cake layers are completely cool to prevent melting your frosting.
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Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg based on your taste preference for added warmth or spice.
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Store properly – Keep leftovers covered at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
When serving your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake, consider pairing it with these delightful side dishes that complement its flavors perfectly.
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Chai Spiced Tea – A warm cup of chai complements the spices in the cake beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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Cinnamon Sugar Pecans – Crunchy pecans tossed in cinnamon sugar add both texture and flavor that pairs well with apple spice.
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Baked Cinnamon Apples – Warm baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon make an excellent side that echoes the cake’s apple component.
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Pumpkin Soup – A creamy pumpkin soup provides a savory contrast, making it a cozy addition to any fall gathering.
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Cheese Platter – Include sharp cheddar or creamy brie on a cheese platter; both cheeses pair excellently with sweet desserts like this cake.
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Ginger Snap Cookies – These cookies offer another layer of spice and sweetness, complementing the apple flavors wonderfully.
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Caramelized Pears – Sweet caramelized pears add elegance and sophistication, making them perfect alongside this autumn treat.
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Pecan Pie Bites – Mini pecan pies can be served as bite-sized desserts that echo the flavors found within your apple spice cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake, it’s easy to get caught up and make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using Cold Ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture. This ensures a more uniform batter and fluffier cake.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, resulting in a tough texture.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Use the spoon and level method for accurate flour measurement. Too much flour can dry out your cake, ruining its moistness.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt and slide off.
- Ignoring Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time and do the toothpick test. Every oven is different, so adjust accordingly to avoid overbaking or underbaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
- Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Microwave individual slices on low power for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to prevent overheating.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake:
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! While Honeycrisp apples are great, you can use any variety you prefer, such as Granny Smith or Fuji.
How do I make my frosting thicker?
To thicken your frosting, add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I substitute butter with oil?
While you can use oil, it may alter the flavor and texture. For best results, stick with butter for that rich taste.
What toppings go well with Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake?
Consider adding nuts, additional caramel sauce, or whipped cream on top of your cake for extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or swapping spices according to your taste. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family nights. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!
Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Description
Introducing the Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake—an irresistible autumn dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavors of browned butter with crisp apples and a medley of warm spices. This delightful cake is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy afternoon snacks. Topped with luscious homemade caramel sauce and adorned with fresh apple slices, each bite captures the essence of fall. With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe ensures a stress-free baking experience, allowing you to impress your guests effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup salted butter
- 3/4 Cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 Cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1/3 Cup sour cream
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 Teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 Teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 Teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 Teaspoon salt
- 2 Teaspoons baking powder
- 1 Cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 Cup whole wheat flour
- 3/4 Cup milk
- 3/4 Cup chopped apples (Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 1/2 Cups unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/4 Cup caramel sauce
- 3 Cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 Cup homemade caramel, drizzled on top
- 1/2 Apple, chopped and tossed in caramel sauce
- Greenery for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare three greased and floured 6-inch cake pans lined with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg, yolk, sour cream, and vanilla; mix well.
- Stir in dry ingredients (flours, spices, baking powder) until combined. Add milk and fold in chopped apples.
- Divide batter among pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire racks.
- For frosting, melt half a cup of butter until browned; combine with remaining frosting ingredients until smooth.
- Frost cooled cake layers and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
