Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavor of browned butter with crisp apples and warm fall spices. Ideal for any occasion, this cake not only pleases the eye but also tantalizes the taste buds. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy family dinner, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this cake stands out with its unique caramel frosting and moist texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of browned butter and spices creates a deep, savory-sweet flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because; this cake fits any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, you can whip up this cake in no time.
• Impressive Presentation: Layered with caramel frosting and garnished with fresh apples, it looks as good as it tastes.
• Comforting Aroma: Baking this cake fills your kitchen with the warm scents of cinnamon and apples.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake, ensure you have the right tools on hand. These will help make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 3 (6-inch) cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to mix different components without clutter.
• Electric mixer or whisk: A mixer saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar or whipping frosting.
• Rubber spatula: Useful for folding in ingredients gently without deflating your batter.

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

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three (6-inch) cake pans by greasing them with butter or cooking spray. Additionally, line each bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make 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 in the egg and egg yolk one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in sour cream and pure vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour; mix well.
5. Incorporate milk gently without over-mixing.
6. Fold in chopped apples evenly throughout the batter.

Once ready:
7. Divide batter among prepared pans (about a heaping cup per pan) and smooth tops with a spatula.
8. Bake in preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow cakes to cool in pans for approximately ten minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

For the frosting:
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt half a cup of salted butter until it turns golden brown while stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly in another mixing bowl; beat remaining unsalted butter until creamy.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until smooth; then pour in vanilla extract and salted caramel sauce.
4. Slowly incorporate browned butter once cooled slightly; mix until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled:
1. Spread or pipe frosting onto each layer before stacking them together.
2. Drizzle homemade caramel on top and over the sides for an extra touch of sweetness.
3. Garnish with additional apple pieces tossed in caramel if desired.

Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to three days. Enjoy your delicious Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake!

How to Serve Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Serving your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake can elevate any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cake experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that beautifully balances the richness of the cake.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla or caramel ice cream complements the fall spices and adds a creamy, cold contrast to the warm cake.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Extra caramel sauce on top enhances the flavors, making each slice irresistibly decadent.

Garnished with Nuts

• Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices.

Served with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoying a slice alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai tea makes for a cozy treat, perfect for chilly days.

As a Layer Cake

• Stack layers of the cake with frosting in between for an impressive presentation at parties or special occasions.

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How to Perfect Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

To achieve the best results with your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake, keep these tips in mind.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and sour cream to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold in ingredients to avoid a dense cake; overmixing can lead to tough results.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean for perfect baking.
• Cool completely before frosting: Let the cake cool on a wire rack to prevent melting your frosting.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.
• Experiment with apple types: Different apple varieties can change the flavor profile; try Granny Smith or Fuji for different tastes.

Best Side Dishes for Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake can create an unforgettable dining experience. Here are some delightful options.

1. Cinnamon Sugar Pecan Pie: A rich pie that echoes the flavors of your cake while adding a nutty crunch.
2. Spiced Hot Cider: Warm apple cider infused with spices complements the autumnal essence of your dessert.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness and caramelization of sweet potatoes pair nicely with spiced cakes.
4. Maple Glazed Carrots: These sweet and savory carrots harmonize with fall flavors, enhancing your meal’s theme.
5. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup serves as a cozy starter that aligns perfectly with fall themes.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy brie contrasts with sweetness while enhancing flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to steer clear of:

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing your batter too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your cake pans can cause sticking. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.
• Not checking oven temperature: An inaccurate oven can ruin baking times. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your temperature is correct.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Cold ingredients can affect how well they combine. Always bring butter and eggs to room temperature before mixing.
• Using the wrong apple variety: Not all apples bake well. Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cooled cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge.

Freezing Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

• Wrap slices or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to three months.

Reheating Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over low heat until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake special?

Browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of the apples and spices, creating a comforting dessert perfect for fall.

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp is great, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Fuji or Granny Smith for different flavors and textures.

How do I customize this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake?

You can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or incorporate dried fruits like raisins for added texture and flavor variations.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup and ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for any occasion, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Try it today and enjoy its warmth and charm!