Fall is the season of cozy moments, crisp air, and all things deliciously spiced. And what better way to celebrate this time of year than with a warm, aromatic, and decadent dessert? If you’re looking for the ultimate fall treat, look no further than Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake. This moist, flavorful cake combines the rich, nutty taste of browned butter with the comforting sweetness of apples and a perfect blend of spices. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy on a chilly autumn day, whether for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just because.
In this post, we’ll dive into why this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is a must-try, what makes it unique, and how to make it yourself with our easy-to-follow recipe. Let’s get baking and savor the flavors of fall with this delightful cake!
Table of Contents
What is This Recipe and Why You’ll Love It
Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is a delightful fusion of two classic flavors—apples and spice—brought to life with a twist: browned butter. Browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of the apples and the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other fall spices.
This cake is moist, fluffy, and fragrant, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. It’s perfect for any fall occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cup of coffee on a crisp morning, or treating your loved ones to a homemade dessert. Plus, it’s simple to make and sure to impress.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
So, what makes this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake stand out from the crowd of typical apple cakes? The secret lies in the browned butter. When butter is heated until it turns golden brown, it releases a rich, nutty aroma and flavor that is unlike any other fat used in baking. This subtle caramelized flavor elevates the cake, giving it a depth of taste that you won’t find in regular apple cakes.
Additionally, the combination of fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a fall-inspired flavor profile that’s both comforting and indulgent. The moist texture, the rich browned butter flavor, and the delightful crunch of the apples make this cake a true showstopper.
Ingredients for Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
Now that we’ve covered what makes this cake so special, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to make your very own Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake. The list is simple, yet each ingredient contributes to the unique flavor of the cake.
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces)
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 45-50 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings | 10-12 slices |
| Yield | 1 9-inch round cake |
Key Features of Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake not only tastes incredible but also offers a few key features that make it stand out. Let’s take a look at the nutritional breakdown and how this cake fits into your fall baking plans.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
Directions: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
Ready to create this mouthwatering Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake? Follow these simple steps for a fail-proof dessert.
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir frequently, watching as the butter turns from yellow to a golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. After browning, take it off the heat and allow it to cool for a moment.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and browned butter (be sure it’s slightly cooled but still liquid). Mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with the dry ingredients, mix, then add the buttermilk and mix again. Continue alternating until all ingredients are combined.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
To ensure your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake turns out perfect every time, here are some pro tips:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Monitor Butter: Keep an eye on the butter as it browns to avoid burning it. It should smell nutty and golden, not charred.
- Chill the Butter: If you’re in a hurry, pop the browned butter in the fridge for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the batter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use regular butter instead of browned butter?
While you can use regular butter, browned butter adds a unique, nutty flavor that elevates the cake. It’s worth the extra effort!
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
3. Can I substitute the apples?
You can substitute the apples with pears or other fruits, but apples provide the best texture and flavor for this cake.
4. Can I add frosting to this cake?
While it’s delicious on its own, you can top the cake with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or a caramel drizzle for an extra indulgence.
You’ll Also Love:
If you enjoyed this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake, you’ll definitely want to try some of these other fall-inspired recipes from BeesRecipes:
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Perfectly spiced, light, and fluffy muffins that capture the essence of fall.
- Caramel Apple Pie – A classic dessert made with fresh apples and a buttery caramel sauce.
- Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake – A sweet, moist cake swirled with cinnamon sugar for the ultimate breakfast treat.
Conclusion
The Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall. With its rich, nutty flavor from the browned butter and the comforting sweetness of apples and warm spices, it’s a cake that will delight your taste buds and become a new fall favorite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just indulging in a cozy afternoon treat, this cake is sure to impress. So, preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and savor the flavors of fall with this easy and delicious cake.
Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your unique take on this decadent tiramisu!