Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall with its rich flavors and comforting spices. This cake features a moist, spiced batter packed with crispy apples and topped with a luscious browned butter frosting. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy family dessert, this cake is sure to impress. The combination of browned butter and homemade caramel sauce elevates it to a new level, making it perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delectable Flavor: The combination of browned butter, apples, and warm spices creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or simply as an afternoon treat.
• Homemade Goodness: Made with wholesome ingredients, including Umpqua Dairy products.
• Easy to Follow: Step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Stunning Presentation: Layers of cake topped with caramel and fresh apples make for a beautiful centerpiece.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have all the necessary tools ready. This will streamline your baking process and help you create the perfect Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 3 (6-inch) cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Cake Pans: Using 6-inch pans helps achieve the right height for layered cakes.
• Electric Mixer: Saves time and energy when mixing batter and frosting until fluffy.
• Spatula: Ideal for smoothing batter in pans and spreading frosting evenly.

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
– 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
– 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°F. Grease and flour three 6-inch cake pans. Line each bottom with parchment paper circles.

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 the egg and egg yolk; beat well after each addition.
3. Mix in sour cream and pure vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour; mix well.
5. Pour in the milk; mix until just incorporated without over-mixing.
6. Gently fold in the chopped apples.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans—about a heaping cup per pan. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Allow cakes to cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a saucepan over medium heat:
1. Melt 1/2 cup salted butter, allowing it to cook until golden brown; stir occasionally.
2. Remove from heat; let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat remaining 1 cup unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar; mix well after each addition until fluffy.
3. Stir in pure vanilla extract and salted caramel sauce until combined.
4. Slowly incorporate cooled browned butter into frosting; mix until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Assemble & Decorate

Spread or pipe frosting between cooled cakes as desired. Drizzle homemade caramel on top along with apple pieces tossed in caramel for garnish. Store any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to three days. Enjoy!

This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is not just another dessert; it’s an experience filled with warmth, flavor, and joy!

How to Serve Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Serving your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake can elevate any gathering or special occasion. This cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Classic Presentation

• Use a cake stand to showcase the layers of your cake, allowing guests to admire its beauty before serving.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce

• For those with a sweet tooth, adding an extra drizzle of caramel sauce on top enhances the flavor and creates an indulgent treat.

Garnish with Fresh Apples

• Top each slice with thin apple slices tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning. This adds freshness and a pop of color.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the spices in the cake beautifully, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Offer Coffee or Tea

• Serving warm slices alongside coffee or tea provides a cozy experience that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the cake.

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How to Perfect Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Achieving the perfect Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and incorporation.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes; start checking for doneness around 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let your cakes cool completely before applying frosting to prevent it from melting or sliding off.
• Store Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, ensuring it stays fresh.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice quantities according to your taste preference for a personalized flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake can enhance the overall experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this delightful dessert perfectly.

1. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy contrast that balances the softness of the cake.
2. Autumn Salad: A salad featuring mixed greens, candied pecans, and apples adds freshness and crunch alongside the rich cake.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup offers a comforting pairing that highlights fall flavors.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially sharp cheddar, contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake.
5. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce enhances the flavors in the spiced cake while adding a vibrant color.
6. Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from seasonal fruits like pears or berries can add moisture and natural sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake, it’s easy to stumble into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not Browning the Butter Correctly: Ensure you cook the butter until it turns a golden brown. This step adds rich flavor; if you skip it, your cake may lack depth.
• Overmixing the Batter: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in a tough cake, so handle gently!
• Skipping Ingredient Measurements: Always measure your ingredients precisely. A small difference in flour or sugar can affect the final texture and taste.
• Not Using Fresh Apples: Fresh apples bring moisture and flavor. Using old or mushy apples will compromise your cake’s quality.
• Ignoring Cooling Times: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. If not cooled, the frosting may melt and slide off.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

• Wrap each layer in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on high power.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake special?

The combination of browned butter and warm spices creates a unique flavor that is comforting and perfect for fall gatherings.

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp is delightful, you can experiment with Granny Smith or Fuji apples for varied taste and texture.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make it gluten-free while maintaining its deliciousness.

How can I customize my Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake?

Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch or incorporate dried fruits like raisins for added sweetness.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the layers in advance, store them in the fridge, and frost just before serving for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different spices or toppings to suit your tastes. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering, give this recipe a try—it’s sure to impress!