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Insanely Delicious Brown Butter Layer Cake


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  • Author: Julia
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8-12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Brown Butter Layer Cake is a decadent dessert with rich, nutty brown butter-infused layers and smooth brown sugar Swiss meringue buttercream. Perfect for any celebration, it offers a unique flavor profile that will impress with every bite!


Ingredients

For the Brown Butter Cake:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons malted milk powder

½ cup half & half

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

¼ teaspoon salt

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder

For the Brown Sugar Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

2 egg whites

½ cup light brown sugar, packed

1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste


Instructions

  • Make the Brown Butter:
    In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

  • Prepare the Cake Batter:
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour your cake pans.
    In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar, eggs, malted milk powder, half & half, and vanilla. Add the cooled brown butter and mix until smooth.
    Gradually fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.

  • Bake the Cake:
    Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
    Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

  • Make the Frosting:
    In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg whites and brown sugar over simmering water until warm.
    Transfer to a mixer and whip until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the butter and vanilla paste, beating until smooth.

  • Assemble the Cake:
    Once the cakes have cooled, frost the layers generously with the brown sugar Swiss meringue buttercream. Decorate as desired.

Notes

Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate brown butter layer cake.

Nuts: Top the cake with toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American