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Brown Butter Cake

Irresistibly Moist Brown Butter Cake for Sweet Moments

Experience the deliciousness of this Brown Butter Cake, elevated by nutty flavors and creamy frosting, for a perfect dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups Unsalted Butter Adds richness and moisture to the cake. Can use salted butter if necessary, but reduce the added salt.
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure to the cake. For a gluten-free option, swap with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • 3 cups Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cake and aids in browning.
  • 2.5 tsp Baking Powder Leavening agent to help the cake rise. Check for freshness.
  • 1 tsp Fine Salt Enhances flavor.
  • 0.75 cup Brown Butter Enhances flavor with nutty notes—essential for both cake and frosting.
  • 1 cup Egg Whites Adds lift and structure; whole eggs can be substituted for a richer cake—use 4 whole large eggs instead.
  • 1.5 cups Full-Fat Sour Cream Adds moisture and tenderness; Greek yogurt can be substituted if needed.
  • 0.25 cup Vegetable Oil Keeps the cake moist; can use canola oil as an alternative.
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste Adds aromatic flavor.
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup Full-Fat Cream Cheese Provides creaminess and tanginess to the frosting.
  • 6 cups Powdered Sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
  • 3 Tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream Adds moisture and balance to the frosting consistency.

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Oven
  • Cake pans
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 cups of unsalted butter. Stir constantly for about 5-6 minutes until the butter turns a rich golden brown and emits a delightful nutty aroma.
  2. While the brown butter is cooling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 8-inch or four 7-inch cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper and lightly greasing the sides.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 cups of granulated sugar, 2½ teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of fine salt. Whisk to distribute evenly.
  4. Gradually add the cooled brown butter to the flour mixture. Mix with a spatula until the texture resembles moist sand.
  5. Add 1 cup of egg whites, 1½ cups of full-fat sour cream, ¼ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
  6. Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 33-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Once baked, let the cake layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack or freezer to cool completely.
  8. To make the frosting, beat the remaining brown butter and 1 cup of cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until creamy.
  9. Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a platter, frosting between layers, and coating the sides with frosting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgSugar: 30gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.

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