If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake will quickly become your go-to recipe. The combination of rich browned butter, tender apples, and warm fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a moist, flavorful cake that’s topped with a decadent caramel frosting. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply indulging in a cozy treat, this cake is sure to impress!
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Why You’ll Love This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Not only does it blend the comforting flavors of fall spices with the sweetness of honeycrisp apples, but it also includes a luxurious browned butter caramel frosting that takes it to the next level. This cake is easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and can even be adapted to suit dietary needs, making it as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
The key ingredients for this cake are simple, yet they come together to create a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
For the Cake:
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the other flavors.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper, molasses-like flavor that complements the spices.
- Eggs and Egg Yolk: Help bind the ingredients together, creating a tender crumb.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cake’s aroma and adds depth to the flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: A key fall spice that gives the cake its warm, cozy flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg and Ground Cloves: Further intensify the spice profile, adding complexity.
- Salt and Baking Powder: Essential for balance and to help the cake rise.
- All-Purpose and Whole Wheat Flour: Provide structure while keeping the cake tender.
- Milk: Brings everything together and helps create the perfect batter.
- Chopped Apples: The star ingredient, adding texture, sweetness, and a burst of freshness.
For the Browned Butter Caramel Frosting:
- Salted Butter: Provides a smooth base for the frosting and contributes to its rich flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Ensures the frosting is light, smooth, and perfectly sweet.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complements the caramel flavor.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Gives the frosting its signature rich, caramel taste.
- Heavy Cream: Helps achieve the right consistency for spreading or piping the frosting.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking for alternatives to suit dietary preferences, there are several easy swaps you can make:
- Gluten-Free: Use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour as a direct substitute for all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for Miyokos plant-based butter and use a dairy-free sour cream like Kite Hill for a completely dairy-free cake.
- Milk Alternatives: Silk’s Plant-Based Half and Half or any unsweetened plant milk like almond or coconut milk can replace the dairy milk in the recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Cake
Follow these simple steps to create this scrumptious Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 6-inch cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper circles to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and egg yolk, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Add the Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Browned Butter Caramel Frosting: In a saucepan, melt ½ cup of salted butter over medium heat. Let it cook until golden brown, then remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup of butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and salted caramel sauce. Slowly add the cooled browned butter, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, spread or pipe the browned butter caramel frosting between the layers and on top of the cake. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Browned Butter Timing: When making the browned butter, be sure to watch closely as it turns from golden to brown quickly. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the frosting to avoid melting the other ingredients.
- Storage: This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have leftovers, they also freeze well for up to two months.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages, including a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. For an extra festive touch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations:
- Spicy Version: Increase the amount of cinnamon and cloves for a more intense spice flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and dairy-free alternatives for a gluten-free and dairy-free option.
- Extra Caramel: For even more caramel goodness, drizzle additional homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top.
The Perfect Fall Dessert
Whether you’re making this cake for a family gathering, a special occasion, or just because it’s fall, this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is sure to be a hit. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it an irresistible treat, perfect for celebrating the season. The rich, moist cake paired with the decadent browned butter caramel frosting is a true indulgence.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn in every bite!
Conclusion: A Must-Try Fall Dessert
This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is the ultimate autumn treat, combining the warmth of fall spices with the sweetness of apples and a rich, decadent browned butter caramel frosting. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. With its moist texture and indulgent flavors, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Give it a try this fall, and savor the comforting taste of autumn with every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Absolutely! While honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture, you can swap them with other apple varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Each type of apple will give the cake a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour. Be sure to also check that your other ingredients, like baking powder and caramel sauce, are gluten-free.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake freezes wonderfully! After the cake has cooled completely, wrap each layer in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and frost it when fully defrosted.
More Relevant Recipes
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Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake combines the warm flavors of fall with the richness of browned butter and a caramel frosting. Topped with chopped apples and fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s the perfect treat for any autumn occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted Umpqua Dairy butter, softened
- 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 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp 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 chopped apples (e.g., Honeycrisp)
- 1 1/2 cups Umpqua Dairy salted butter (for frosting)
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Optional: 1/2 cup homemade caramel, drizzled on top, 1/2 apple, chopped into small squares and tossed in caramel sauce, greenery for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 6-inch cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and egg yolk, beating well after each addition. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, melt 1/2 cup of salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- In a bowl, beat the remaining unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and caramel sauce, then slowly incorporate the cooled browned butter. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost with the browned butter caramel frosting. Optional: drizzle with extra caramel sauce and garnish with chopped apples and greenery.
Notes
- Ensure the browned butter cools slightly before adding to the frosting to avoid melting the other ingredients.
- Use any apple variety you like, but Honeycrisp is recommended for its sweetness and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- This cake can be made ahead and frozen. Wrap cooled layers tightly and freeze for up to two months. Let thaw before frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
