Browned Butter Pound Cake Recipe

Name: Browned Butter Pound Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 19 tablespoons (2 sticks plus 3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped; 3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar; 2 to 4 tablespoons warm milk

Servings: persons

1
In a medium light-colored skillet, melt 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) of the butter over medium-high heat.
2
Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the milk solids are golden brown and the butter smells nutty, 4 to 6 minutes.
3
Immediately transfer the butter to a large bowl (this will be for the cake batter); be sure to scrape out the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4
Wipe the skillet out and repeat the same process with the remaining 3 tablespoons butter.
5
Transfer the butter to a medium bowl (this will be for the glaze).
6
Set both bowls aside until the butter has solidified to the texture of softened butter.
7
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 4 1/2- by 8 1/2-inch loaf pan.
8
To prepare the cake, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
9
Add the granulated sugar to the 2 sticks of browned butter and beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes.
10
Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
11
Then add the vanilla bean seeds.
12
Beat in the flour mixture just until combined.
13
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
14
Bake until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, 60 to 70 minutes.
15
Transfer the cake to a rack to cool for 20 minutes, then remove the cake from the pan and let cool completely.
16
Add the cream cheese to the 3 tablespoons browned butter and beat with an electric mixer on medium until fluffy.
17
Beat in the confectioners' sugar.
18
Add enough milk to the mixture to make a thick but pourable glaze.
19
Top the cooled cake with the glaze before slicing.

1230

kcal

Calories

Fat

112

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 19 tablespoons (2 sticks plus 3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan, 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and more.

Yes, Browned Butter Pound Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Browned Butter Pound Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions