Brown Sugar Glazed Butter Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the cozy, comforting flavors of butter and brown sugar, this Brown Sugar Glazed Butter Cake Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. It’s a rich, moist cake with that golden caramelized glow that comes from a luscious brown sugar glaze, making every bite pure indulgence. Whether it’s a family gathering or a treat for yourself after a long day, this cake brings warmth and a touch of elegance to your dessert table, all while being surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful Brown Sugar Glazed Butter Cake Recipe, you only need a handful of staple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Each component plays a pivotal role—from the richness of butter and brown sugar that creates depth of flavor, to the eggs and evaporated milk that ensure a tender crumb, while flour and leavening agents provide the perfect structure and rise.

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture, key for a tender crumb.
• ½ cup shortening (or more butter): Adds extra moisture and keeps the cake soft.
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar: The star sweetener with deep caramel notes enhancing the cake’s flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with texture.
• 5 large eggs, room temperature: Provide structure, moisture, and contribute to the cake’s richness.
• 1 cup evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle depth without extra liquid.
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract (or mix with maple): Infuses the cake with warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the cake’s structure and ensures a perfect rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake to rise and stay fluffy.
• Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds a nutty crunch for texture contrast.
• Optional: 1 cup Heath toffee bits: Gives a delightful bit of caramel crunch inside the cake.
• Extra butter/shortening or cooking spray for greasing: Ensures your cake releases perfectly from the pan.
• For the glaze: ¼ cup evaporated milk: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the glaze.
• 1 stick butter: Adds richness and glossy texture to the glaze.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze with that signature caramel flavor.
• Pinch of salt (about ¼ teaspoon): Balances the glaze’s sweetness.
• 2–3 cups sifted powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to the perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or maple extract: Adds aromatic depth and complements the brown sugar tones.

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). It’s essential to grease and flour a bundt or tube pan well to ensure your cake releases smoothly without sticking—especially important for such a moist and buttery cake.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Shortening, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, shortening, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, helping to create a tender texture in the cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Beat in the eggs one by one, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This careful mixing ensures the batter remains smooth and well emulsified, which leads to a uniform texture.

Step 4: Mix in Evaporated Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract (or your maple vanilla blend) and mix gently until combined. These ingredients add moisture and a lovely depth of flavor.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing here can result in a dense cake, so be mindful.

Step 6: Fold in Nuts and Toffee Bits (Optional)

If you’re adding pecans or Heath toffee bits, gently fold them into the batter now. These additions bring delightful texture and bursts of flavor that contrast wonderfully with the smooth cake base.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—when it comes out clean, your cake is ready. The exterior should be a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Release

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes to set. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. This step ensures the cake holds its shape and readiness for that beautiful glaze.

Step 9: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

While the cake cools, prepare the signature brown sugar glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the stick of butter with the evaporated milk, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently until the mixture thickens slightly, then remove from heat. Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar, and finally add the vanilla or maple extract. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the cake beautifully.

Step 10: Glaze the Cake

Drizzle the warm glaze evenly over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the sides for a decadent finish. If desired, sprinkle extra pecans or toffee bits on top immediately for added texture and flair.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Butter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the cake’s appearance and flavor with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped pecans, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few fresh berries. The nutty crunch pairs well with the smooth glaze, while berries add a refreshing pop to each bite.

Side Dishes

This cake shines best on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of salted caramel sauce to complement the deep brown sugar notes. A cup of hot coffee or chai tea also makes a perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the cake sliced on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of assorted toppings like chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even caramel drizzle. Alternatively, cut into small squares for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing and snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a good idea to keep the glaze firm, but bring slices back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing to preserve its moisture. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bring to room temperature for that irresistible buttery softness.

Reheating

To warm leftover slices, gently microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the freshly baked feel, making it taste just like the first bite.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter for shortening in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use all butter if you prefer, which will give an even richer flavor, though the texture might be slightly different—lively and tender rather than super soft.

Is evaporated milk necessary, or can I use regular milk?

Evaporated milk adds a creamy richness that regular milk doesn’t quite match. You can substitute with whole milk, but the cake might be a bit less moist and less dense in flavor.

How do I know when my Brown Sugar Glazed Butter Cake Recipe is fully baked?

The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs clinging, the cake is done. Also, the cake should have a golden-brown crust and pull slightly away from the pan edges.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, with the right flour substitute! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum to keep the cake’s texture moist and tender.

Why does the glaze sometimes get too thick or too runny?

Pay attention to the powdered sugar amount and the temperature of the glaze. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of evaporated milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually. The consistency should be pourable but thick enough to cling beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There is something so wonderfully nostalgic and comforting about the Brown Sugar Glazed Butter Cake Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. Its perfect balance of buttery richness, sweet brown sugar caramel notes, and that irresistible glaze makes it a dessert that feels like a warm embrace. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again to brighten your day or impress your loved ones. Happy baking and even happier tasting!

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