Indulge in the delightful blend of warm spices, rich caramel, and the crunch of fresh apples with this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake. Perfect for cozy fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any time you’re craving a sweet, seasonal treat, this cake brings together the nutty richness of browned butter, the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and the delightful sweetness of apples. Topped with a luscious browned butter caramel frosting and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, this cake is bound to impress your guests and become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is not only a showstopper but also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and a few steps, you’ll be rewarded with a decadent, multi-layered cake that tastes as good as it looks. The combination of browned butter and apple spice creates an irresistible flavor profile, making this cake perfect for autumn celebrations or cozy family get-togethers. Plus, the homemade caramel frosting adds an extra touch of indulgence that will leave everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients for the Perfect Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
For the Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake:
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its structure.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like flavor to complement the spices.
- Egg + Egg Yolk: Provides structure and richness to the batter.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tang to balance the sweetness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm aroma.
- Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice that brings a cozy, aromatic warmth.
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- Ground Cloves: Complements the cinnamon and nutmeg with a bold, aromatic punch.
- Salt: Balances and enhances the flavors in the cake.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cake, providing structure.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a touch of nuttiness and whole-grain goodness.
- Whole or 2% Milk: Provides moisture and helps the batter come together.
- Apples (Honeycrisp or your favorite variety): Adds texture, flavor, and a fresh, fruity sweetness.
For the Browned Butter Caramel Frosting:
- Salted Butter: Forms the base of the frosting, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting while contributing to its smooth consistency.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Adds a rich, buttery sweetness to the frosting.
- Heavy Cream: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based substitutes like Miyokos butter for the salted butter, Kite Hill dairy-free sour cream, and Silk plant-based milk alternatives.
- Sugar-Free: Swap the granulated and brown sugars with a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 6-inch cake pans by greasing and flouring them, and lining the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Sour Cream: Beat in the egg and egg yolk one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated. Then, mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a saucepan, melt ½ cup of salted butter until it turns golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, beat the remaining butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Then add the vanilla extract and salted caramel sauce. Slowly add the cooled browned butter, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread the frosting between each layer and around the sides. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Tips & Tricks
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, be careful not to overmix. This can result in a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This will ensure the perfect texture.
- Allow the Cake to Cool: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting them to avoid melting the frosting.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer, refrigerate it to extend its freshness.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider, making it the perfect dessert for fall. For a twist, try adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for extra indulgence.
Variations:
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the flour with gluten-free baking flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the batter for an extra kick of spice.
- Vegan Version: Replace the eggs and dairy with plant-based substitutes to make this cake vegan-friendly.
Seasonal Delight with a Caramel Touch
This Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake isn’t just a fall favorite; it’s a year-round indulgence that can be made for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. The caramel frosting brings out the natural sweetness of the apples and spices, making each bite a heavenly experience.
This cake is a true celebration of the fall season, offering a blend of warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia. Whether for Thanksgiving or just a cozy day at home, this cake will surely make your day a little sweeter.
Enjoy your Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake and savor the delicious flavors of fall!
Conclusion
The Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake is the perfect dessert to showcase the flavors of fall. With its blend of aromatic spices, tender apples, and decadent browned butter caramel frosting, this cake will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, this cake is sure to delight everyone who takes a bite. Its rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it a showstopper that will leave your guests impressed and asking for the recipe.
This cake combines the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of spiced apple cake and the luxurious touch of browned butter caramel frosting. It’s the kind of dessert that will make every occasion feel extra special.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of apple for this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake?
Yes, you can use any apple variety you prefer! While Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can also use Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples. Just make sure to chop them into small, even pieces so they bake evenly throughout the cake.
How do I store leftover Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate it, but make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually improves in flavor after a day or two. You can bake the cake layers in advance, store them in an airtight container, and frost them just before serving. This is a great time-saver for special occasions or gatherings.
More Relevant Recipes
- Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
- Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake: A Fall Favorite
- Apple Hand Pies: A Deliciously Portable Fall Treat

Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful blend of warm spices, rich caramel, and the crunch of fresh apples with this Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake. Perfect for cozy fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any time you’re craving a sweet, seasonal treat, this cake brings together the nutty richness of browned butter, the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and the delightful sweetness of apples. Topped with a luscious browned butter caramel frosting and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, this cake is bound to impress your guests and become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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 (I used Honeycrisp), 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
- Optional: ½ Cup Homemade Caramel, drizzled on top and over the sides
- Optional: ½ Apple, chopped into small squares and tossed in a tablespoon of caramel sauce
- Optional: Greenery, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 6-inch cake pans by greasing and flouring them, and lining the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and egg yolk one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated. Then, mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking powder, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans, about a heaping cup per pan, and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: In a saucepan, melt ½ cup of salted butter until it turns golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, beat the remaining butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar to the creamed butter, mixing well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Pour in the pure vanilla extract and salted caramel sauce, continuing to mix until well combined.
- Once the browned butter has cooled slightly, slowly incorporate it into the frosting mixture. Mix thoroughly until the browned butter is evenly distributed.
- Continue to beat the frosting until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cakes. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter, as it can lead to a dense cake.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
- Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting them to avoid melting the frosting.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
- Make ahead: You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and frost them just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg