Best Brown Sugar Cake Recipe with Creamy Frosting

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Brown sugar cake recipe promises a delightful cake with the distinct sweetness of brown sugar, perfectly complemented by the creamy brown sugar frosting. It’s an ideal treat for any celebration or simply as a delightful dessert.

Homemade Dessert (Brown Sugar Cake Recipe)

A brown sugar cake recipe is a rich, moist dessert characterized by the distinctive flavor of brown sugar, which imparts a caramel-like sweetness and a deep golden brown color to the cake. This cake often includes almond extract, which adds a unique aromatic touch. The texture is soft and tender, thanks to the method of mixing all the dry ingredients first and then adding room temperature butter and liquid ingredients. This method, known as the “one bowl” or “quick method,” helps create a dense but soft crumb by reducing gluten formation in the flour.

To make brown sugar cake recipe, you start by combining the dry ingredients in a bowl. Then, you add the room temperature butter along with any other liquid ingredients, such as milk or eggs, and mix until you have a smooth batter. The brown sugar not only colors the cake but also adds moisture, making it denser and richer than cakes made with white sugar.

An optional but highly recommended topping is the Broiled Pecan Frosting. This frosting is made by stirring together melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a little cream, then adding toasted, chopped pecans. You spread this mixture over the warm cake and place it under the broiler until it becomes golden brown and bubbly. The result is a crunchy, sweet topping that complements the soft cake perfectly.

Brown sugar cake is versatile and can be served plain or with additional toppings like fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Brown sugar cake recipe is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with a delicious homemade dessert. The combination of the rich brown sugar flavor and the soft, moist texture makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Brown Sugar Cake Recipe Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For Brown Sugar Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 5 teaspoon Broiled pecan frosting (For Toppings)

Brown Sugar Cake Recipe Instructions

Making the Cake

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and flouring them, or by lining them with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt by whisking them together. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add the Eggs:

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined after each addition.

Bake the Cake:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth 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 the Cake:

Allow the cake to cool in the pans for approximately 10 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting

Melt the Butter:

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Add Brown Sugar and Milk:

Stir in the light brown sugar and milk. Stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Cool the Mixture:

Let the brown sugar mixture cool to room temperature.

Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla:

Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assembling the Cake

Frost the Cake:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top of the first one and proceed to frost both the top and sides of the cake.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar Cake recipe with Brown Sugar Frosting!

Tips to Make the Perfect Brown Sugar Cake Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and any other dairy ingredients like milk or yogurt are at room temperature before you start baking. Room temperature ingredients mix more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a better texture for your cake.
Proper Mixing Technique: When mixing the batter, follow the instructions carefully, especially if the recipe uses the “one bowl” method. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so mix just until the ingredients are combined and the batter is smooth.
Use Quality Ingredients: Since brown sugar is a key flavor in this cake, using high-quality brown sugar will make a difference in the taste. Look for fresh, soft brown sugar without any clumps for the best results.
Serve with Whipped Cream: Make the cake even better by adding fresh whipped cream. To make it, beat cold heavy cream with some powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it becomes thick and fluffy. For the best results, chill the bowl and beaters before you start.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cake while it’s in the oven, and don’t overbake it. Overbaking can result in a dry cake, so test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready.
Optional Frosting or Glaze: Consider topping your brown sugar cake recipe with a frosting or glaze to enhance its flavor and presentation. The Broiled Pecan Frosting mentioned earlier adds a deliciously crunchy and sweet finish to the cake.
Cooling Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely. If it cools down too fast, the cake might collapse or stick to the pan.

FAQS

What can I use brown sugar for?

Brown sugar can be used in many different recipes. In baking, it adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor to cakes, cookies, muffins, and bread. It’s also commonly used in sauces, glazes, and marinades for meats, adding depth and sweetness to savory dishes. Additionally, brown sugar can be sprinkled over oatmeal or fruit, used to sweeten beverages like coffee or tea, or incorporated into homemade spice blends.

Does brown sugar make cake dry?

No, brown sugar doesn’t make cakes dry. In fact, it tends to have the opposite effect. Brown sugar has molasses, which makes baked goods moist. When used in cake recipes, brown sugar contributes to a moist and tender texture, enhancing the overall flavor and richness of the cake.

Is brown sugar good for chocolate cake?

Yes, brown sugar can be excellent for chocolate cake. Its natural caramel flavor complements the richness of chocolate, adding depth and complexity to the cake’s taste. Brown sugar also helps create a moist and tender crumb in chocolate cakes, making them even more indulgent and flavorful.

What’s the process for making brown butter?

To make brown butter, melt butter in a saucepan on medium heat. Once melted, continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter begins to foam and turn a golden brown color. Be vigilant and keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once the butter develops a nutty aroma and reaches a deep golden brown hue, remove it from the heat immediately and transfer it to a heatproof bowl to cool. The browned bits at the bottom of the pan can be strained out if desired. Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to dishes and is often used in both sweet and savory recipes.

Is brown sugar healthier than white sugar?

Brown sugar contains slightly more nutrients than white sugar because it retains some of the natural molasses from the sugar cane. This gives it a slightly higher mineral content, including small amounts of calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. However, both brown and white sugars are similar in calorie content and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. While brown sugar may offer a slightly richer flavor profile and a bit more nutritional value, it’s not significantly healthier than white sugar and should still be used sparingly.

Storing Tips for Brown Sugar Cake Recipe

Room Temperature: Store your brown sugar pound cake at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from drying out too quickly.
Refrigeration: If your brown sugar cake has any perishable fillings or toppings, such as cream cheese frosting or fresh fruit, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. Put it in an airtight container to stop it from taking on any smells from the fridge.
Freezing: Brown sugar cake can be frozen for longer-term storage. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can place the cake in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, brown sugar cake can last in the freezer for up to three months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen brown sugar cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures that it defrosts evenly and retains its moisture. For faster thawing, you can also defrost individual slices at room temperature.
Quality Check: Before serving, check the cake for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off smell. If the cake looks or smells off, it’s best to discard it to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

By following these storing tips, you can keep your brown sugar cake recipe fresh and delicious for longer periods, allowing you to enjoy it whenever you crave a sweet treat.

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