Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream
A delightful dessert that combines warm flavors of apples and spices with rich buttercream, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the cake
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup milk or half and half
For the buttercream
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (3 sticks)
- 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp molasses
- 4 Tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
For the cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the apple butter and milk until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
For the buttercream
- In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Mix in the salt, molasses, and heavy cream until well combined.
- If the buttercream is too thick, add a bit more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
Serve Apple Butter Cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and add a sprinkle of cinnamon or caramel sauce for extra flavor. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.