Name: Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ Cup Salted Umpqua Dairy Butter, softened to room temperature; ¾ Cup Granulated Sugar; ½ Cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed; 1 Large Egg + 1 Large Egg Yolk; ⅓ Cup Umpqua Dairy Sour Cream; 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract; 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon; ¾ Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg; ¼ Teaspoon Ground Cloves; ½ Teaspoon Salt; 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder; 1 Cup All Purpose Flour; ¾ Cup Whole Wheat Flour; ¾ Cup Umpqua Dairy Whole or 2% Milk; ¾ Cup Apples of Choice (Honeycrisp recommended), chopped into small squares; 1 ½ Cups Umpqua Dairy Salted Butter, softened to room temperature; 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract; ¼ Cup Caramel Sauce (homemade or store bought); 3 Cups Powdered Sugar, sifted; 2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream; ½ Cup Homemade Caramel, drizzled on top and over the sides; ½ Apple, chopped into small squares and tossed in a tablespoon of caramel sauce; Greenery, for garnish

If you’re craving a cake that wraps you in warm, cozy flavors with a little nostalgic charm, the Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect marriage of tender cake enriched with browned butter’s nutty depth, sweet chopped apples, and a lovely blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The crowning glory is a luscious browned butter caramel frosting that not only tastes incredible but looks stunning too. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake radiates comfort and joy in every bite.

Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake recipe calls for simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen, each playing a key role to build its beautiful flavors and texture. From the rich browned butter to the fresh apples, every element brings a little magic that transforms the ordinary into extraordinary.

Salted Umpqua Dairy Butter: The hero for both cake and frosting, adding richness and a beautiful nuttiness when browned.
Granulated Sugar and Dark Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture with a hint of molasses flavor.
Egg and Egg Yolk: Bind the ingredients and give structure while keeping the cake tender.
Umpqua Dairy Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the warm spices and apple flavors.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: The classic apple spice trio that makes this cake fragrant and comforting.
Salt and Baking Powder: Essentials for flavor enhancement and proper rise.
All-Purpose and Whole Wheat Flour: Creates a great crumb with a hint of wholesomeness from the wheat flour.
Whole or 2% Milk: Moisturizes the batter for a tender crumb.
Apples (Honeycrisp recommended): Fresh, chopped, juicy apples that add sweetness, texture, and bursts of flavor.
Caramel Sauce and Powdered Sugar: Key for the indulgent, silky browned butter caramel frosting.
Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting texture.
Optional Toppers: Drizzled caramel, additional apple cubes, and greenery for a show-stopping presentation.

How to Make Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350° Fahrenheit, and prepare three 6-inch cake pans by greasing, flouring or spraying them, then lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your beautiful cake layers come out cleanly and evenly baked.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened salted butter with granulated and dark brown sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and smells buttery-sweet. This creaming step is key to a tender cake crumb and great rise.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Dairy

Beat in the whole egg and egg yolk, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated. Then mix in sour cream and vanilla extract for moisture and a depth of flavor that’s absolutely dreamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Mix together the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour in a separate bowl. Add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently so the flour is just combined — you want your cake to stay light and tender.

Step 5: Add Milk and Apples

Pour in the milk and stir carefully to bring the batter together without over-mixing. Then fold in the chopped apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed, promising pockets of juicy sweetness throughout the cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the three pans, smoothing out the tops. Pop them in the oven for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the cake has a beautiful golden color. Let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the Browned Butter Caramel Frosting

In a saucepan, gently melt ½ cup of the salted butter over medium heat until it browns and becomes a fragrant golden color. Cool it slightly while you beat the remaining butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and caramel sauce, then slowly fold in the browned butter. Beat until silky smooth and perfect for spreading or piping.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost

Once the cake layers are completely cool, generously spread or pipe the luscious browned butter caramel frosting between layers and on top. For an extra-special touch, drizzle more caramel sauce and sprinkle apple cubes and greenery as toppers.

How to Serve Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Garnishes

To turn your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake into a stunning centerpiece, add drizzles of homemade caramel sauce and a handful of fresh apple cubes tossed lightly in caramel. A few sprigs of greenery or tiny edible flowers can elevate the look, making it perfect for celebrations or cozy gatherings alike.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence. A warm cup of spiced chai tea or a mild coffee brings out the apple spice and caramel notes beautifully, making every bite even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd or a special dessert display, slice the cake into petite squares and serve on cinnamon-dusted plates with an additional drizzle of caramel sauce on the side. You can also turn it into an irresistible trifle by layering cake chunks, whipped cream, and caramel sauce in beautiful glassware.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This not only preserves its moist texture but also lets the flavors meld beautifully over time.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. Alternatively, freeze a fully assembled and frosted cake for up to two weeks, but be sure to thaw gently in the fridge to maintain that luscious frosting texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy chilled leftovers, let the cake come to room temperature for the best texture. You can also warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you prefer it slightly warmed—this dessert shines either way!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this cake?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, other varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith can work too. Just keep in mind that tart apples add brightness while sweeter apples make the cake richer.

Is it necessary to use both all-purpose and whole wheat flour?

The mix of flours adds a wonderful texture and a hint of nuttiness from the whole wheat without making the cake too dense. However, you can use all-purpose flour only if preferred, just note the flavor and texture will be slightly lighter.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free spread suitable for baking, and replace the sour cream and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt and almond milk. The flavor will shift a bit but remain deliciously moist.

Why is browning the butter important in this recipe?

Browning the butter develops nutty, caramel-like flavors that add incredible depth to both the cake and the frosting. It’s a simple step that transforms the whole flavor profile into something truly special.

How do I avoid the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Gently folding the apples into the batter and not over-mixing helps keep them evenly distributed. You can also toss the apple pieces with a little flour before folding in, which helps suspend them in the batter.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake enough for anyone craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug. The combination of rich browned butter, aromatic spices, and fresh apples creates a cake that’s simultaneously comforting and uplifting. Whether you’re baking it for your family or bringing it to a get-together, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds. So grab your mixing bowl, invite the cozy vibes in, and treat yourself to a slice of this dreamy cake!

Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 28 reviews

A rich and moist Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake featuring tender chopped apples and a blend of warm spices, layered with a luscious browned butter caramel frosting. Perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a cozy, flavorful dessert.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

½ Cup Salted Umpqua Dairy Butter, softened to room temperature
¾ Cup Granulated Sugar
½ Cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed
1 Large Egg + 1 Large Egg Yolk
⅓ Cup Umpqua Dairy Sour Cream
1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
¾ Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
¼ Teaspoon Ground Cloves
½ Teaspoon Salt
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1 Cup All Purpose Flour
¾ Cup Whole Wheat Flour
¾ Cup Umpqua Dairy Whole or 2% Milk
¾ Cup Apples of Choice (Honeycrisp recommended), chopped into small squares

For the Browned Butter Caramel Frosting:

1 ½ Cups Umpqua Dairy Salted Butter, softened to room temperature
1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
¼ Cup Caramel Sauce (homemade or store bought)
3 Cups Powdered Sugar, sifted
2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream

Optional Toppers:

½ Cup Homemade Caramel, drizzled on top and over the sides
½ Apple, chopped into small squares and tossed in a tablespoon of caramel sauce
Greenery, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour or spray three 6-inch cake pans, then line each bottom with a parchment paper circle to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Eggs: Beat in the whole egg and egg yolk, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate.
Mix in Sour Cream and Vanilla: Add the sour cream and pure vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
Add Milk: Pour in the milk and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, spreading them evenly throughout.
Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the three prepared pans, about a heaping cup per pan, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Cake Layers: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Browning Butter for Frosting: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of the salted butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare Frosting Base: In a mixing bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup of softened salted butter until creamy and smooth.
Add Powdered Sugar and Flavorings: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition for a smooth, fluffy frosting. Beat in the pure vanilla extract and caramel sauce until fully combined.
Incorporate Browned Butter: Slowly pour the cooled browned butter into the frosting, mixing thoroughly to blend it evenly.
Frost the Cake: Spread or pipe the browned butter caramel frosting onto the cooled cake layers. Optionally, drizzle with homemade caramel sauce and top with apple pieces tossed in caramel and some fresh greenery for garnish.
Storage: Store any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.

Notes

For dairy-free or gluten-free substitutions, check the original blog post for detailed recommendations.
Ensure butter is at room temperature before creaming for best texture.
Do not overmix batter after adding flour to keep the cake tender.
You can use any apple variety, but sweet and crisp apples like Honeycrisp work best.
Store frosted cake at room temperature for up to 3 days; refrigerate if using fresh fruit toppings to extend freshness.