Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Name: Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ Cup Salted Umpqua Dairy Butter, softened to room temperature; ¾ Cup Granulated Sugar; ½ Cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed; 1 Large Egg + 1 Large Egg Yolk; ⅓ Cup Umpqua Dairy Sour Cream; 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract; 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon; ¾ Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg; ¼ Teaspoon Ground Cloves; ½ Teaspoon Salt; 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder; 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour; ¾ Cup Whole Wheat Flour; ¾ Cup Umpqua Dairy Whole or 2% Milk; ¾ Cup Apples (Honeycrisp), chopped into small squares; 1 ½ Cups Umpqua Dairy Salted Butter, softened to room temperature; 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract; ¼ Cup Caramel Sauce (homemade or store-bought); 3 Cups Powdered Sugar, sifted; 2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream

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Indulge in the perfect autumn dessert with this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake. Infused with the warmth of fall spices, tender chunks of apples, and a rich, nutty caramel frosting, this cake is a celebration of seasonal flavors. Whether you’re planning for Thanksgiving or simply craving a cozy treat, this cake is sure to impress. Easy to make yet sophisticated in flavor, it’s a delightful way to bring comfort to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

The Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake combines everything we love about fall. The cake is soft and moist with a complex depth of flavor from the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The browned butter frosting adds a luscious, nutty sweetness, making each bite pure bliss. This cake is not only perfect for special occasions, but also easy enough to enjoy on a cozy afternoon. Plus, the homemade caramel drizzle takes it to the next level, adding a touch of decadence.

Ingredients for Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

This cake requires simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Salted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with browning.
Dark Brown Sugar: Provides deep flavor and moisture.

Eggs: The binding agents that give structure to the cake.
Sour Cream: Contributes moisture and a slight tang for balance.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: These spices create that comforting fall aroma.
All-Purpose Flour and Whole Wheat Flour: A blend that gives the cake its structure and slight heartiness.
Milk: Moistens the batter and helps achieve the perfect consistency.

Apples (Honeycrisp): Chopped apples bring a burst of sweetness and texture.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for a gluten-free or dairy-free version, there are plenty of substitutions:

Gluten-Free Flour: Use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour for an easy swap.

Dairy-Free Butter: Miyokos butter works wonderfully as a 1:1 substitute.
Dairy-Free Milk: Use almond or coconut milk in place of dairy milk.
Dairy-Free Sour Cream: Kite Hill makes a great dairy-free option.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Follow these simple steps to bake this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake from scratch:

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 6-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Sour Cream: Beat in the egg and egg yolk one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) and salt. Then, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and baking powder. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture.
Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, mixing until smooth. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Browned Butter Caramel Frosting

The frosting is where the magic happens. Here’s how to make the delicious browned butter caramel frosting:

Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt half a cup of salted butter until it turns golden brown. Let it cool slightly.
Mix Butter and Powdered Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the remaining unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until light and fluffy.
Add Flavor: Add vanilla extract and caramel sauce to the frosting, followed by the cooled browned butter. Beat until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting generously on the cooled cakes, layering them and topping with more caramel sauce, if desired.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Do Not Overmix: When mixing the batter, avoid overmixing once you add the flour to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Test for Doneness: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Let the Frosting Cool: Allow the browned butter to cool slightly before adding it to the frosting to prevent it from separating.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of fall-inspired sides and drinks:

Toppings: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

Side Dishes: A warm spiced cider or a creamy pumpkin soup would complement this cake beautifully.
Make-ahead: The cake can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer a colder treat, refrigerate the cake and enjoy it chilled.

Seasonal Delight: Why Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is Perfect for Fall

The Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is the perfect way to embrace fall flavors. The combination of apples, spices, and caramel is not only comforting but also embodies the essence of autumn baking. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just enjoying a cozy day at home, this cake is the ideal way to share the flavors of the season.

Conclusion

The Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is a showstopper, combining the rich flavors of browned butter, aromatic spices, and tender apples into a single, delectable dessert. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or just to indulge in fall flavors, this cake is sure to be a hit. With its moist texture, rich caramel frosting, and perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes, every bite offers comfort and joy. Try it today, and savor the warmth of autumn in every slice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?

Yes, while Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can use other varieties like Granny Smith for a more tart flavor or Gala apples for added sweetness. Just be sure to chop the apples into small pieces to distribute them evenly in the batter.

2. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If you find that the frosting is too runny, you can add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, chilling the frosting in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes can help thicken it up as well.

3. Can I freeze this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake?

Yes, you can freeze both the cake and the frosting. For best results, wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake at room temperature and frost it once fully defrosted.

4. Can I make this cake dairy-free or gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make the Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake dairy-free, use a plant-based butter, dairy-free sour cream, and your preferred dairy-free milk. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Baking Flour. Be sure to check that all ingredients, such as caramel sauce, are also dairy-free and gluten-free if needed.

More Relevant Recipes

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes: These mini cheesecakes combine the flavors of a classic apple crisp with a creamy cheesecake base. Topped with a crunchy oat streusel, they’re a perfect bite-sized dessert that brings the same warm, fall-inspired flavors as the Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake.
Apple Crisp Cheesecake: A decadent fusion of apple crisp and cheesecake, this dessert features a creamy cheesecake filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with spiced apples and a streusel topping. It’s a rich, comforting dessert that complements the flavors of the Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake.

Cinnamon Roll Cake: This cinnamon roll cake features the warm, sweet spices of cinnamon and sugar swirled into a moist cake, similar to the comforting fall spices in the apple spice cake. With a glaze on top, it’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake – Fall Delight

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