Let me tell you about my latest obsession: the Apple Date Brown Butter Cake with Warm Syrup! I stumbled upon this gem while trying to use up some apples and dates I had lying around, and wow, it blew my mind! The moment that nutty aroma of brown butter filled my kitchen, I knew I was onto something special. The combination of sweet, caramel-like dates and tart apples creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is moist and comforting, especially when drizzled with that warm maple syrup. Trust me, this cake is going to become your new favorite!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delightful Apple Date Brown Butter Cake with Warm Syrup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams), plus an additional 1/4 cup for the warm syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (220 grams)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped (about 8-10 dates)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (120 ml) for the warm topping
Make sure to prep your apples and dates before you start mixing; it makes the process smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Apple Date Brown Butter Cake with Warm Syrup
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your cake to bake evenly. While that’s warming up, grab a 9-inch round cake pan. I like to grease it with a little butter and dust it with flour, or you can use parchment paper to make sure it comes out easily. Trust me, you don’t want your beautiful cake to stick!
Make the Brown Butter
Now for my favorite part! In a medium saucepan, melt your 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as it transforms—stir occasionally until it turns a lovely golden brown and starts to smell nutty, which takes about 5-7 minutes. This is when you need to be careful; you don’t want it to burn! If it starts to look too dark, take it off the heat immediately. Let it cool slightly before using it in your batter.
Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Pour in that glorious browned butter and give it a good mix. Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, along with the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Lastly, gently fold in the diced apples and chopped dates until they’re evenly distributed. This folding technique keeps your batter light and fluffy!
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once it’s ready, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for that perfect texture!
Prepare the Warm Syrup
While your cake is baking, whip up the warm syrup! In a small saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup of maple syrup with the additional 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Heat it over low until everything is melted and warm. Stir it well to combine, and make sure it’s drizzled over your cake while it’s still warm for that extra touch of sweetness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful cake that’s a true crowd-pleaser.
- The warm, nutty aroma of brown butter fills your kitchen with comfort.
- Sweet apples and chewy dates create a delightful texture and taste.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or just a cozy night in.
- Drizzled with warm maple syrup, it takes indulgence to a whole new level!
- It’s vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy a slice!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Apple Date Brown Butter Cake with Warm Syrup turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this really helps with the mixing and overall texture. Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour; we want it to be fluffy, not dense! Also, don’t skip the cooling time in the pan; it helps the cake set properly. If you’re using fresh dates, chop them small to distribute their sweetness evenly. Lastly, feel free to adjust the spices—cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate those warm flavors even more!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious Apple Date Brown Butter Cake with Warm Syrup. Each serving contains around 350 calories, with 18 grams of fat (10 grams saturated), 3 grams of protein, and 45 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 30 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fiber in each slice. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this indulgent treat in moderation!
FAQ Section
Can I use different fruits?
Absolutely! While the Apple Date Brown Butter Cake with Warm Syrup shines with its apple and date combo, you can experiment with other fruits too. Try swapping apples for pears or adding some diced peaches for a summery twist. If you’re not a fan of dates, dried figs or raisins can work well, adding a different texture and sweetness. Just be sure to adjust the sugar levels if you use sweeter fruits!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, though it’s best enjoyed at room temperature. Just remember to warm it up slightly in the microwave if you want that cozy, fresh-baked taste again!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
You can definitely make this Apple Date Brown Butter Cake ahead of time! It stores beautifully, so bake it a day in advance and let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Just remember to prepare the warm syrup fresh when you’re ready to serve; it really elevates the cake’s flavor. Enjoy the compliments!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Apple Date Brown Butter Cake with Warm Syrup, the possibilities are endless! I love to serve it warm, drizzled generously with that luscious syrup. For an extra indulgent treat, why not add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top? You could also sprinkle some chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up!
Print
Apple Date Brown Butter Cake with Warm Syrup Blissful Treat
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful cake featuring brown butter, apples, and dates, topped with warm maple syrup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams)
- 1 cup brown sugar (220 grams)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped (about 8–10 dates)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (120 ml)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Cook until golden brown and nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and granulated sugar. Add the browned butter and mix well.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped dates until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the warm syrup. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Heat over low until melted and warm. Stir to combine.
- Once the cake is done, cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm, drizzled with the warm syrup.
Notes
- Consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- This cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 grams
- Sodium: 200 milligrams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams
Keywords: Apple Date Brown Butter Cake, Warm Syrup, Dessert, Cake