Name: Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 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 (e.g., Honeycrisp), chopped into small squares; 1 ½ Cups Umpqua Dairy Salted Butter, softened to room temperature (divided: ½ cup for browning, 1 cup for creaming); 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 looking for a cake that’s packed with warm, cozy flavors and a moist, tender crumb, the Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is going to be your new favorite dessert. This cake beautifully combines the richness of browned butter with the natural sweetness and slight tartness of fresh apples, all embraced by a blend of comforting spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s the kind of cake that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and wraps you in the nostalgic feeling of autumn, but honestly, it’s perfect any time you crave a slice of heartfelt homemade goodness.

Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake plays a critical role. From the spiced warmth to the tender texture and the luscious browned butter frosting, these simple essentials come together to create a truly spectacular cake experience.

Salted Umpqua Dairy Butter, ½ cup (softened): Adds richness and moisture to the cake while offering a perfect balance of saltiness.
Granulated Sugar, ¾ cup: Provides sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
Dark Brown Sugar, ½ cup (packed): Adds deep caramel notes and moisture, enhancing the spiced flavor profile.
Large Egg + Large Egg Yolk: Bind the ingredients while contributing to the cake’s tender crumb.
Umpqua Dairy Sour Cream, ⅓ cup: Adds a slight tang and keeps the cake moist and tender.
Pure Vanilla Extract, 1 tablespoon: Infuses the batter with warmth and depth of flavor.
Ground Cinnamon, 2 teaspoons: The star spice that brings comforting aromatic warmth.
Ground Nutmeg, ¾ teaspoon: A subtle hint that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Ground Cloves, ¼ teaspoon: Adds a touch of bold spice to round out the flavor.
Salt, ½ teaspoon: Enhances all flavors and balances sweetness.
Baking Powder, 2 teaspoons: Provides lift and lightness to the cake layers.
All Purpose Flour, 1 cup: The base that gives structure to the cake without heaviness.
Whole Wheat Flour, ¾ cup: Adds a wholesome texture and subtle nuttiness.
Umpqua Dairy Whole or 2% Milk, ¾ cup: Keeps the batter moist and tender.
Apples, ¾ cup (chopped, Honeycrisp recommended): Fresh and juicy, they add texture and bursts of natural sweetness.

How to Make Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease three 6-inch cake pans, flour them lightly or spray with nonstick spray, and line the bottoms with parchment circles. Having everything prepped ahead saves you stress and ensures an even bake.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened salted butter with both the granulated and dark brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is vital because it introduces air that will give the cake its tender rise and inviting texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs for Structure

Mix the large egg and egg yolk into the buttery sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Eggs act as a binder for the cake, improving its structure while keeping it moist.

Step 4: Incorporate Sour Cream and Vanilla

Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until everything is seamlessly combined. The sour cream adds a subtle tang and extra moisture, while vanilla boosts aroma and flavor depth.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Spices

In a separate bowl, blend the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour. Adding these to your wet mixture helps spread those warm spices evenly and gives the cake that signature spice profile.

Step 6: Add Milk and Combine Gently

Pour the milk into the batter and mix carefully until just incorporated. Overmixing here can make the cake dense, so a gentle hand is key to achieving that tender crumb we all love.

Step 7: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the chopped apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. These small bursts of juicy sweetness provide the cake’s delightful texture and flavor contrast.

Step 8: Bake Until Perfectly Done

Divide the batter equally between the three pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool slightly in their pans before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Make the Browned Butter Caramel Frosting

In a saucepan, melt ½ cup of salted butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it develops a deep golden brown color and nutty aroma. Let it cool a bit. Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat the remaining butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and caramel sauce. Slowly mix in the cooled browned butter until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and richly flavored.

Step 10: Assemble and Frost Your Cake

Once the cake layers are fully cooled, frost generously between layers and over the top with the browned butter caramel frosting. The buttery richness of the frosting perfectly complements the warm spice cake for a dreamy bite every time.

How to Serve Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the top and sides, then scatter small apple cubes tossed in caramel for extra sweetness and texture. Add a few sprigs of greenery for a fresh, rustic touch that makes this cake irresistible on the eyes as well as the palate.

Side Dishes

This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a cozy afternoon, enjoy it with a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement its rich spices and buttery notes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving this cake as mini cupcakes topped with browned butter frosting and a tiny caramel apple garnish. Or cut the cake into squares and layer it with whipped cream and caramel in a trifle dish for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake at room temperature in an airtight container, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the cake even more delicious as it sits.

Freezing

To keep this cake longer, wrap the cooled, unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Reheating

If you want a warm slice, simply microwave an individual piece for about 15 to 20 seconds. This wakes up the spices and softens the cake, making it feel freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for the cake?

Absolutely! Honeycrisp apples are great for their sweetness and texture, but you can swap in Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples based on your preference. Just make sure to chop them into small, even pieces for the best distribution.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use plant-based sour cream and milk alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly but still be delicious.

Can I prepare the cake layers in advance?

Definitely. You can bake the layers a day ahead, wrap them well, and keep them at room temperature or refrigerated. Just bring them to room temperature before frosting for easier spreading.

What if I don’t have whole wheat flour?

All-purpose flour can be used as a 1:1 substitute if you want a lighter texture, but the whole wheat flour adds a lovely nuttiness and heartiness that complements the spices well.

How do I achieve perfectly browned butter?

Keep your butter over medium heat and stir frequently. Watch carefully as it melts, foams, and then starts to brown with a nutty aroma. Remove it from heat as soon as it turns golden brown to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

The Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is truly a showstopper that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Its rich layers, fragrant spices, fresh apples, and decadent browned butter frosting come together to make a cake you’ll want to bake (and savor) again and again. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this wonderful creation — I promise it will become a cherished favorite before long!

Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 19 reviews

This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with chunks of fresh apples. Topped with a rich browned butter caramel frosting, this cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, enhanced by the nutty depth of browned butter and homemade caramel sauce.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert, Cake
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 (e.g., Honeycrisp), chopped into small squares

For the Browned Butter Caramel Frosting:

1 ½ Cups Umpqua Dairy Salted Butter, softened to room temperature (divided: ½ cup for browning, 1 cup for creaming)
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 Cake Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour or spray three 6-inch cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper circles for easy removal.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs: Beat in the whole egg and egg yolk one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure full incorporation.
Mix in Sour Cream and Vanilla: Add the sour cream and pure vanilla extract to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined and smooth.
Add Spices and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, salt, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Add Milk: Pour in the milk and mix just until incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them down.
Fill Cake Pans: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans, about a heaping cup per pan. Smooth tops with a spatula.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back slightly when pressed.
Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of salted butter. Stir occasionally and cook until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Cream Remaining Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup of salted butter until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add sifted powdered sugar to the creamed butter, mixing well after each addition until the frosting is fluffy and uniform.
Add Vanilla and Caramel Sauce: Pour in the vanilla extract and caramel sauce, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
Incorporate Browned Butter: Slowly add the slightly cooled browned butter to the frosting mixture, and beat thoroughly until evenly combined and smooth.
Adjust Consistency: Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time if needed to achieve a spreadable, creamy consistency. Beat until desired texture is reached.
Frost the Cake: Spread or pipe the browned butter caramel frosting over the cooled cake layers. Stack the layers carefully and apply frosting evenly on top and sides.
Add Optional Toppings: Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce, scatter caramel-coated apple pieces on top, and garnish with fresh greenery as desired.
Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store the frosted cake covered at room temperature for up to three days.

Notes

For dairy-free or gluten-free variations, refer to Heather’s Home Bakery blog for substitution suggestions.
Make sure not to over-mix the batter after adding the milk to keep the cake tender and moist.
Use fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp to add a nice texture and sweet-tart flavor contrast.
Allow browned butter to cool slightly before adding to frosting to avoid melting the creamed butter.
The cake layers can be made a day ahead and wrapped tightly for convenience.