counter create hit Print

Browned Butter Cake with Vanilla‑Honey Frosting | How to Master a Rich, Bakery‑Style Showpiece at Home

This elegant browned butter cake is soft, flavorful, and elevated with a silky vanilla-honey cream cheese frosting. Topped with candied thyme and edible flowers, it’s a showstopping dessert perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 egg whites, beaten until frothy (for candied thyme)
  • 20 thyme sprigs
  • 1 cup sugar (for candied thyme)
  • 3 cups cake flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¾ cups superfine sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for cake)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 ½ to 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Milk, as needed (1 tablespoon at a time)
  • Candied thyme sprigs (for garnish)
  • Edible flowers (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of three cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. To make candied thyme: Dip thyme sprigs into beaten egg whites, then dredge in sugar until coated. Place on a cooling rack and let dry for at least 1 hour (can be made 1–2 days in advance).
  3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together superfine sugar, browned butter, and eggs. Add the dry ingredients and mix until thick and combined.
  5. Stir in milk and vanilla until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cakes cool in pans for 15–20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. To make the frosting: Beat softened butter, cream cheese, and honey until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually and mix until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Add milk as needed to adjust consistency.
  9. To assemble: Layer cakes with thin frosting between each layer, stacking inverted. Frost the top and sides lightly.
  10. Decorate with candied thyme and edible flowers. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Browning the butter in advance and letting it cool enhances the flavor.
  • Candied thyme can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
  • Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to taste and consistency preference for the frosting.
  • The edible decorations make this cake perfect for garden parties or celebrations.
  • Use a cake turntable for smoother frosting application.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fiteatshub.com/browned-butter-cake-with-vanilla%e2%80%91honey-frosting-how-to-master-a-rich-bakery%e2%80%91style-showpiece-at-home/