Brown Butter Pound Cake Recipe
This Brown Butter Pound Cake recipe takes the classic pound cake to the next level with the deep, nutty flavor of brown butter. Moist, tender, and perfectly balanced in sweetness, it’s an irresistible treat for any occasion, offering a delightful twist on a traditional favorite.
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan (or similar size)
- Medium saucepan for browning butter
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter 2 1/2 sticks
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup whole milk at room temperature
- 1/3 cup walnuts chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Melt 1 1/4 cups butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until golden and nutty, then cool to room temperature.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat browned butter and 1 3/4 cups sugar until fluffy. Add 5 eggs one at a time, then 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla.
- Combine: Alternately add dry ingredients and 3/4 cup milk to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Stir in chopped walnuts.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
❖ Watch the Butter Closely: When browning butter, it’s essential to monitor it closely to prevent burning. The butter can go from perfectly browned to burnt in seconds, so once it turns golden and smells nutty, remove it from the heat immediately.
❖ Cool the Brown Butter: Before adding brown butter to your cake batter, let it cool slightly. Hot butter can cook the eggs prematurely, affecting the texture of your batter and the final cake.
❖ Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with brown butter by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a hint of cinnamon, or even citrus zest. These small additions can complement the nutty flavor and make your pound cake even more unique!