How To Make Brown Butter Apple Cake

This Brown Butter Apple Cake is the ultimate fall dessert that brings together rich, nutty flavors and the sweetness of fresh apples in a moist, tender cake.

The star of the show is the browned butter, which adds a deep, caramelized richness that perfectly complements the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg.

With just the right amount of sweetness from granulated and brown sugars, plus the tangy creaminess of sour cream, this cake is a true delight for the taste buds.

Baking for a special occasion, a cozy gathering, or simply to enjoy a comforting homemade treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall.

Let me walk you through this delicious dessert, from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, so you can recreate it in your own kitchen.

Why You Should Try This Recipe Today

You should try this Brown Butter Apple Cake today because it combines the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the sweet and tart crunch of fresh apples, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the comforting flavor, while the sour cream keeps the cake moist and tender.

It’s an irresistible treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress anyone with its cozy, homemade charm—perfect for any occasion!

How To Make Brown Butter Apple Cake?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 70 minutes

Course: Dessert

Calories: 320 kcal

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 servings

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch round or square cake pan
• Mixing bowls (large and small)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Medium saucepan for browning butter
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream
• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Cake

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.

2. Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 cups of butter. Stir constantly until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Add the browned butter and sour cream, mixing until fully incorporated.

5. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter.

7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Serve: Slice and enjoy the rich, buttery, and spiced apple cake!

Special Notes

❖ Choosing Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they complement the richness of the brown butter nicely. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can use a sweeter apple variety.

❖ Making Ahead: This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. The flavors will only improve as it sits, and it stays moist for several days.

Tips And Variations

Tips

• Don’t Rush the Brown Butter: Take your time to brown the butter slowly, as this step adds a nutty flavor that’s key to the cake’s taste.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better texture.
• Use Tart Apples: Opt for firm and tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing too much can make the cake dense.
• Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before slicing for the best texture and to prevent it from falling apart.

Variations

• Spiced Brown Butter Apple Cake: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the batter for a deeper spiced flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the cooled cake for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nutty Brown Butter Apple Cake: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter for added texture and crunch.
• Apple-Cinnamon Streusel Topping: Top the cake with a cinnamon-sugar streusel before baking for a sweet, crunchy topping.
• Gluten-Free Brown Butter Apple Cake: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free without compromising on flavor.

How To Make With More Delicious

To make your Brown Butter Apple Cake even more delicious, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on top before baking for a sweet, crunchy crust.

You can also fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the brown butter.

For extra moisture, swap the sour cream for buttermilk, or drizzle a simple caramel sauce over the top once the cake is cooled. These small tweaks will elevate the flavor and make each bite even more irresistible!

Storing And Freezing Tips

This Brown Butter Apple Cake stays moist for several days when stored properly. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

✔ Storing: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.

✔ Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This Brown Butter Apple Cake is a cozy, indulgent dessert perfect for fall gatherings or just a weekend treat.

The brown butter provides a nutty richness that blends perfectly with the soft, sweet apples, making each bite melt in your mouth.

An experienced baker or a beginner, this cake is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. I’m sure it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.

Give it a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments below—I’d love to hear what you think!

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Brown Butter Apple Cake

Lipia

Brown Butter Apple Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert made with brown butter, which adds a rich, nutty flavor to the cake. Fresh apples are folded into the batter, enhancing its sweetness and texture. The result is a warm, comforting cake perfect for fall, with a tender crumb and delicious aroma.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• 9-inch round or square cake pan
• Mixing bowls (large and small)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Medium saucepan for browning butter
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups 4 sticks unsalted butter
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs at room temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar packed
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream
• 4 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
• Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 cups of butter. Stir constantly until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
• Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Add the browned butter and sour cream, mixing until fully incorporated.
• Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter.
• Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Serve: Slice and enjoy the rich, buttery, and spiced apple cake!

Notes

❖ Choosing Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they complement the richness of the brown butter nicely. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can use a sweeter apple variety.

❖ Making Ahead: This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. The flavors will only improve as it sits, and it stays moist for several days.

Keyword Brown Butter Apple Cake