Golden Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake

Warm, aromatic, and irresistibly moist, Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall.

This cake combines the rich, nutty depth of browned butter with the sweet, comforting taste of pumpkin, creating a tender, spiced treat that’s both flavorful and comforting.

The addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives it that quintessential autumn spice profile, while the tangy cream cheese frosting provides the perfect balance to the sweetness of the cake..

This Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. It’s a unique twist on a classic pumpkin cake that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through every step of preparing this mouthwatering dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You Will Choose Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake?

You’ll choose Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake because it combines the irresistible warmth of fall spices with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter, making it the perfect dessert for any autumn occasion.

The moist, tender cake paired with creamy frosting creates a balanced and indulgent treat that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Craving a cozy dessert or impressing guests at a gathering, this Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake offers a unique twist on traditional pumpkin flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

How To Prepare Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake?

Recipe Overview

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

Course: Dessert

Calories: 350 kcal

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 servings

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan (or similar size)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or whisk for manual mixing)
• Medium saucepan (for browning butter)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Spatula or knife for frosting

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 cup whole buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp meringue powder (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt

How To Make Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.

2. Brown the Butter:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, beat together the browned butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, ground ginger, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined, being careful not to overmix.

6. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely on a cooling rack.

7. Make the Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, meringue powder (if using), and salt. Beat until fluffy.

8. Frost the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.

9. Serve:

Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Health Benefits

While this cake is indulgent, it does contain some healthy elements:

1. Pumpkin: Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, which are great for skin health and boosting immunity. It’s also high in fiber, which supports digestive health.

2. Brown Butter: While brown butter does add richness and calories, the slow-browning process creates antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from oxidative damage.

3. Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger all have anti-inflammatory properties and may offer benefits like improved circulation and better blood sugar control.

Quick Kitchen Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For cakes and baked goods, use eggs, butter, and dairy at room temperature. It helps ingredients blend more evenly, resulting in better texture and flavor.

2. Sharp Knives Are Safer: A sharp knife requires less force, reducing the risk of slips and cuts. Keep your knives sharpened for safer and more efficient chopping.

3. Prep Before You Cook: Gather and measure all your ingredients before you start cooking. This “mise en place” technique saves time and helps ensure you don’t forget any important ingredients.

4. Store Fresh Herbs in Water: To keep fresh herbs like basil or parsley vibrant longer, treat them like flowers—store them in a jar of water on your countertop. Cover loosely with a plastic bag for extended freshness.

5. Clean as You Go: Keep your workspace tidy by washing utensils and dishes as you cook. This will make cleaning up afterward a lot easier and quicker.

Substitutions

• Unsalted Butter → Use melted coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free version.
• Pumpkin Puree → Substitute with sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree.
• Brown Sugar → Use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar flavor.
• Buttermilk → Replace with whole milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Cream Cheese Frosting → Use mascarpone cheese for a lighter, less tangy frosting.

How To Store Leftovers

To store leftovers properly, allow them to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.

Use airtight containers to keep food fresh and prevent odors from spreading. Label containers with the date to ensure you consume leftovers within a safe time frame (typically 3-4 days for most dishes).

For longer storage, consider freezing leftovers in portion-sized containers or freezer bags to preserve flavor and texture. When reheating, ensure food is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.

Conlusion

This Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake is the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall. The rich, nutty undertones of the browned butter paired with the sweet, earthy pumpkin make for an incredibly moist and flavorful cake that will impress anyone who tastes it.

Whether served with a simple glaze or enjoyed on its own, this cake is sure to become a go-to recipe for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any time you want to indulge in a comforting, homemade treat.

I hope you give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!

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