If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that’s bursting with rich, nutty flavor and draped in luxuriously smooth caramel, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. This Brown Butter Caramel Cake Recipe is truly a gem, marrying the deep, toasty essence of browned butter with a luscious homemade caramel glaze that elevates every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this cake’s tender crumb and irresistible caramel topping will quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a bundt cake with a thick, smooth layer of shiny caramel-colored glaze flowing over the top and down the sides. The cake is golden brown with a soft, spongy texture that is visible in the rounded ridges of the bundt shape. The glaze drips slightly over the edges, adding a rich look. The background and surface beneath the cake have a white marbled texture, and the cake sits on a wire rack that catches some of the glaze drips. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the length of the list intimidate you—every ingredient is simple and essential, building layers of flavor, texture, and gorgeous color to make this cake unforgettable.

Cake flour (3 cups): Provides a delicate, tender crumb perfect for moist cakes without heaviness.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the cake a wonderful lift and lightness as it bakes.
Fine sea salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Unsalted butter (1 stick, plus 1 stick for caramel): Key for creating the nutty brown butter and luscious caramel sauce.
Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the cake incredibly moist without overpowering flavor.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and strengthens the cake’s structure.
Dark brown sugar (½ cup packed + 1 cup packed for caramel): Adds rich molasses notes to both cake and caramel glaze.
Large eggs (4, room temperature): Bind the cake together and add richness.
Vanilla essence or bean paste (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon for caramel): Infuses the cake and caramel with warm, aromatic vanilla tones.
Rum extract (1 teaspoon, optional): Offers a subtle depth and complexity—feel free to skip or add as you desire.
Whole buttermilk (1⅓ cups): Provides tender acidity for a soft, fluffy texture and slight tang.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Blends into the caramel sauce for incredible creaminess and shine.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Brown Butter Caramel Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Set your oven to 325°F and prepare a 10-cup bundt pan by generously greasing it with butter or baking spray. This careful prep makes sure your masterpiece releases flawlessly after baking, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your cake flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Whisk these dry components well to ensure an even distribution of rising agents and salt, which will ultimately create that picture-perfect crumb.

Step 3: Brown the Butter to Perfection

Now for the magic moment—melt the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stay close, as the butter first foams, then bubbles, then turns a rich golden brown with beautiful nutty bits settling at the bottom. This browned butter is the star of the show, imparting a warm, toasty flavor you won’t find in any ordinary cake. Once browned, remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the browned butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, eggs, vanilla essence, rum extract (if using), and buttermilk. This blend brings moisture and deep flavor, creating a luscious cake batter that will yield softness and richness.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix. This delicate folding keeps the texture light and ensures the cake crumb stays tender.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Delight

Pour your batter into the prepped bundt pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely—a crucial step to maintain that perfect shape and texture.

Step 7: Make the Heavenly Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine dark brown sugar, butter, and salt. Stir occasionally as the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers gently for 3-4 minutes. Add the heavy cream and whisk to combine, then simmer for another 6-7 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully. Stir in the vanilla essence, then cool to room temperature—it will become luscious and glossy, perfect for glazing your cake.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Place the cooled cake on a serving platter and generously pour the caramel sauce over it. This Brown Butter Caramel Cake Recipe truly shines when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, making each bite a decadent experience you’ll want to recreate again and again.

How to Serve Brown Butter Caramel Cake Recipe

A close-up view of a golden brown bundt cake with a detailed ridged texture, sitting on a round wire rack. A smooth caramel-colored sauce is being poured over the top, flowing down the curved ridges, creating a shiny, thick layer. The background features a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright contrast to the warm colors of the cake and sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, sprinkle flaky sea salt flakes on top of the caramel glaze for a beautiful sweet-salty contrast. Toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts also add gorgeous texture and a nutty crunch that complements the cake’s buttery richness.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple and inviting with classic partners: a scoop of luscious vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream is a dream come true alongside each slice. For a touch of freshness, a handful of fresh berries adds vibrant color and a bright, tangy note.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this cake as part of a coffee or tea gathering on a beautiful tiered stand, or slice it into petite squares for individual dessert plates. Wrapping slices in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming gift that friends or family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled and glazed, store leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it moist and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole bundt cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm slightly for that freshly-baked feel.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, microwave slices for about 15-20 seconds or warm gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Add extra caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream and you’re in heaven again.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted for this Brown Butter Caramel Cake Recipe?

You can, but unsalted butter gives you greater control over the final saltiness. If using salted butter, reduce added salt slightly in the recipe to keep flavors balanced.

What’s the best way to brown butter without burning it?

Use a light-colored pan to monitor the color change, keep heat medium, and stir frequently. Remove immediately once deep brown and nutty aroma appears to avoid bitterness.

Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the caramel sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm gently before drizzling over the cake for a silky finish.

Is this cake suitable for a bundt pan only?

While a bundt pan gives it wonderful shape, you can use a loaf pan or two 8-inch round pans. Adjust baking time accordingly and check doneness with a toothpick.

Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?

Yes, but add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute that provides similar acidity and tenderness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a cake that combines the soulful richness of browned butter with the sweet, silky allure of homemade caramel. This Brown Butter Caramel Cake Recipe is a fantastic way to impress family and friends while indulging yourself in cozy, unforgettable flavors. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how this stunning cake quickly becomes your go-to for celebrations or simple sweet moments any day of the week.