Brown Butter Maple Crumb: Utterly Divine

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Brown butter maple crumb cake has become my absolute go-to for cozy mornings and afternoon treats. I remember the first time I tried making it; the aroma of toasting butter and sweet maple syrup filled my kitchen, promising something truly special. This cake is incredibly moist with a tender crumb, but what really sets it apart is that glorious, crunchy brown butter maple crumb topping. It’s an easy brown butter maple crumb cake that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Maple Crumb Cake

You’re going to adore this cake for so many reasons! It’s the perfect blend of comforting flavors and delightful textures.

The taste is simply divine, a perfect balance of nutty brown butter and sweet maple.
It’s surprisingly quick to whip up, making it an ideal treat for busy days.
While it’s a dessert, the use of real maple syrup offers a touch of natural sweetness.
It’s budget-friendly, using common pantry staples for a gourmet result.
This maple brown butter crumb cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family gatherings.
Kids and adults alike will rave about the moist cake and irresistible crumb topping.
Making this maple brown butter crumb cake recipe is a joy, with simple steps for a rewarding bake.
It’s the ultimate coffee companion or a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients for Brown Butter Maple Crumb Cake

Gathering these brown butter maple crumb cake ingredients is the first step to baking pure bliss. The magic starts with the butter – browning it unlocks a nutty, toasty depth that’s simply unparalleled. For the crumble topping, we’ll use a mix of sugars and cinnamon for that perfect sweet crunch. The cake itself relies on real maple syrup for its signature flavor and sour cream for an unbelievably moist and tender crumb. Don’t worry if you’re new to these brown butter maple crumb cake ingredients; they all come together easily!

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, divided – for browning and richness
1 cup + 2 tablespoons (145g) all-purpose flour, divided – for the cake and crumble
1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar, divided – for sweetness and moisture
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar – for the crumble’s texture
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided – for warm spice notes
1 large egg, room temperature – for binding and structure
1/2 cup (140g) real maple syrup – the star flavor!
1/2 cup (120g) sour cream – for an extra moist cake
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
1/4 teaspoon baking soda – for lift
1/2 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness
1 teaspoon baking powder – ensures a light crumb
Powdered sugar and maple syrup (for optional icing) – for a sweet finish

How to Make Brown Butter Maple Crumb Cake

Follow these simple brown butter maple crumb cake instructions to create your own slice of heaven. It’s a straightforward process that guarantees a delicious outcome, perfect for any occasion. The key is patience when browning the butter and not overmixing the batter, ensuring that lovely texture. Get ready for some amazing results!

Brown Butter Maple Crumb Cake Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into learning how to make brown butter maple crumb cake! It’s a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas.

Step 1: Start by browning your butter. Add 1 cup of unsalted butter to a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter melts, sizzles, and turns a beautiful golden brown with a nutty fragrance. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it! Pour the browned butter into a measuring cup, then add 2 tablespoons of cool butter to reach exactly 1 cup total. Let this cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare your baking pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease an 8-inch square baking pan and then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This step is crucial for preventing sticking.
Step 3: Create the irresistible crumble topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Add the 1/2 cup of cooled browned butter. Mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture is moistened and forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients for the cake. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Step 5: Combine the wet and dry ingredients for the cake batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled browned butter (from Step 1), 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup of real maple syrup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Add the dry ingredients from Step 4 to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
Step 6: Assemble and begin the brown butter maple crumb cake baking process. Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the prepared crumble topping generously and evenly over the batter.
Step 7: Bake the cake for 40-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Over-baking can make it dry, so keep an eye on it towards the end.
Step 8: Cool and add optional icing. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. If you’re using the icing, whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup in a small bowl. Add a tiny bit of water or milk if needed to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle this over the slightly cooled cake.

Pro Tips for the Best Brown Butter Maple Crumb Cake

Want to elevate your bake? These tips will ensure your brown butter maple crumb cake is absolutely perfect. Browning butter might seem intimidating, but it’s a game-changer for flavor and totally worth the effort. Trust me, that nutty, toasty aroma is heavenly!

Don’t rush the browning process; low and slow is key to perfect flavor.
Measure your flour correctly by weight for the most consistent texture.
Let the cake cool sufficiently before adding the optional icing, otherwise, it will melt right off.
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.

What’s the secret to perfect brown butter maple crumb cake?

The real secret lies in the brown butter and the careful balance of ingredients. Browning the butter unlocks a deep, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with maple. Also, don’t overmix the batter – a gentle hand creates that wonderfully tender crumb everyone loves in a good brown butter maple crumb topping. For more baking tips, check out our recipes section.

Can I make brown butter maple crumb cake ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the cake batter and the crumble topping separately up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when you’re ready. The baked cake also stores well at room temperature for a couple of days. Learn more about our baking philosophy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with brown butter maple crumb cake?

The biggest mistake is overmixing the batter, which leads to a tough cake. Also, be careful not to burn the butter when browning it; watch it closely! Finally, don’t overbake; a skewer should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean, for the best texture. Understanding the science behind baking can help prevent these issues; you can explore resources on how to brown butter.

Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter Maple Crumb Cake

This delightful brown butter maple crumb cake is wonderfully versatile and makes a fantastic dessert or breakfast treat. For a cozy morning, I love serving a warm slice with a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. It’s the perfect pairing to kickstart your day!

As a dessert, this brown butter maple crumb cake dessert truly shines. Try it slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of warm cake and cool, creamy topping is simply divine. You could also pair it with a side of fresh berries for a touch of brightness. For more serving suggestions, visit our contact page.

Nutrition Facts for Brown Butter Maple Crumb Cake

This delightful brown butter maple crumb cake is a treat that balances rich flavor with a satisfying sweetness. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per slice, giving you a good idea of what you’re enjoying with this delicious dessert.

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: Approx. 450 kcal
Fat: Approx. 25g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 15g
Protein: Approx. 4g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 55g
Fiber: Approx. 2g
Sugar: Approx. 35g
Sodium: Approx. 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more information on our site, please see our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Brown Butter Maple Crumb Cake

Once your delicious brown butter maple crumb cake has cooled completely, it’s time to think about storage. For the best flavor and texture, I like to keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This way, you can easily grab a slice whenever a craving strikes! If you won’t finish it within a few days, freezing is a fantastic option. I’ve found that wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, works perfectly. Properly stored, your homemade brown butter maple crumb cake can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. These are great brown butter maple crumb cake ideas for meal prepping!

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice, simply unwrap it and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If the topping has softened a bit after storage, don’t worry! You can easily crisp it up again. Just place a slice on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes. It’ll be like you just baked it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Butter Maple Crumb Cake

What is brown butter maple crumb cake?

It’s a delightful coffee cake that features a moist, spongy cake base infused with the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter and sweet real maple syrup. The star of the show is the generous, crispy brown butter maple crumb topping, which adds amazing texture and a burst of caramelized goodness to every bite. It’s the ultimate sweet treat!

What gives brown butter maple crumb cake its unique flavor?

The signature brown butter maple crumb cake flavor comes primarily from the browned butter. When butter is cooked until golden brown, it develops deep, nutty, and caramelized notes that are far more complex than regular butter. This is then complemented beautifully by the natural sweetness and distinct aroma of real maple syrup, creating a warm and comforting flavor profile.

Can I make this cake vegan or gluten-free?

While this specific recipe isn’t vegan or gluten-free, you can certainly adapt it! For a vegan version, you’d substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, the egg with a flax egg or applesauce, and the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream. For gluten-free, a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend would work, but you might need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right batter consistency. Experimentation is key! For more baking tips, visit our homepage.

How does the brown butter maple crumb topping stay so crispy?

The key to a consistently crispy brown butter maple crumb topping is the ratio of fat to dry ingredients and a proper bake. The browned butter coats the flour and sugars, creating little clumps that crisp up beautifully in the oven. Ensuring you don’t overmix the crumble and baking it at the correct temperature helps maintain that delightful crunch, even after cooling.

Variations of Brown Butter Maple Crumb Cake You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you’ll love exploring these brown butter maple crumb cake variations. Trying different additions can lead to new favorite versions of this already amazing dessert. These ideas are perfect for bakers looking to personalize their treat or cater to specific needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the best brown butter maple crumb cake.

Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You might need to slightly adjust the liquid in the batter to reach the correct consistency. For a dairy-free option, swap the butter for a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free sour cream or thick plant-based yogurt.
Flavor Boosts: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter to deepen the chocolate notes, or fold in a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter just before baking for a fruity twist. A pinch of cardamom in the crumble topping also adds a lovely warmth.
Topping Twists: Incorporate chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for added crunch and nutty flavor. A sprinkle of coarse turbinado sugar on top of the crumble before baking will give it an extra-crisp texture and a beautiful sheen.
Bundt Pan Baking: For a more elegant presentation, try baking this batter in a well-greased Bundt pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so start checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark. The caramelization of the brown butter and maple really shines on a Bundt shape.