Brown Butter Cake Recipe

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  • April 25, 2026
Breakfast

Brown butter sponge cake is rich and moist, with crisp, toasty edges. The browned butter gives a deep, nutty flavor that makes this cake special.

🧾 Ingredients

Cake

  • 2 sticks (1 cup / 227 g) unsalted butter
  • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar
  • 1 cup (236 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

 

 

 

 

 

Glaze

  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup Kentucky bourbon whiskey
  • ¾ cup (94 g) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
  3. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare Oven & Pan

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a bundt pan.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Step 4: Make Batter

  1. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add brown butter and mix well.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Add dry ingredients in parts, alternating with buttermilk.
  5. Mix until smooth (do not overmix).

Step 5: Bake

  1. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  2. Bake for 40–50 minutes.
  3. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Step 6: Make Glaze

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter.
  2. Add bourbon and sugar.
  3. Cook for 2–3 minutes until sugar dissolves.
  4. Remove from heat and add vanilla + salt.

Step 7: Soak & Finish

  1. While cake is still warm, poke holes using a skewer.
  2. Slowly pour glaze over the cake.
  3. Let it absorb completely.
  4. Cool before serving.

 

 

 

 

 

❓ FAQ

1. Can I skip bourbon?

Yes, replace with:

  • Apple juice
  • Milk
  • Or simple sugar syrup

2. Why use buttermilk?

It makes the cake soft, moist, and slightly tangy.

3. How do I know butter is perfectly browned?

It will:

  • Turn golden brown
  • Smell nutty
  • Have small brown bits at the bottom

4. Can I make it without a bundt pan?

Yes, use a regular cake pan, but adjust baking time.

5. How to store this cake?

  • Room temperature: 2–3 days
  • Fridge: up to 5–7 days

6. Can I freeze it?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

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