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Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Bean Browned Butter Glaze

Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Bean Browned Butter Glaze

A deliciously moist Vanilla Cake topped with a rich Vanilla Bean Browned Butter Glaze.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 47 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 246 kcal

Equipment

  • 8-by-8-inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • small saucepan
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • wire rack

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt optional and to taste
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • cup sour cream lite is okay (plain Greek yogurt may be substituted)
  • 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Glaze

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter browned
  • 1 heaping cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1 pinch salt optional and to taste
  • ¼ cup cream or milk as necessary for consistency

Instructions
 

Make the Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, optional salt; set aside.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla.
  • Add the wet mixture to the dry, mixing lightly with a spoon or folding with a spatula until just combined. Small lumps will be present, don’t overmix or try to stir them smooth.
  • Turn batter out into prepared pan and bake for about 29 to 32 minutes, or until center is set and not jiggly, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter.
  • Place pan on a wire rack and allow cake to cool. While cake cools, make the glaze.

Make the Glaze

  • Cook butter over medium-high heat in a small saucepan until it’s amber to brown in color, about 5 minutes depending on pan size, but watch it closely so you don’t burn it.
  • Transfer butter, including brown bits at the bottom of the pan to a large mixing bowl to stop any carryover cooking.
  • Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla bean paste, optional salt, and slowly add the milk, whisking until smooth or beat with a handheld electric mixer.
  • As necessary, add additional cream (or confectioners’ sugar) to reach desired glaze consistency. Glaze should be of medium thickness and easily pourable.

Assemble the Cake

  • Evenly pour glaze over cake (doesn’t have to be fully cooled), smoothing it lightly with a spatula if necessary.
  • Allow cake to cool in pan uncovered for at least 2 hours (or overnight and cover with a sheet of foil) before slicing and serving so glaze can set up.
  • Cake will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Notes

For more info on how to brown butter, check out this tutorial. Seeds from 1 large vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon McCormick Extra Rich Pure Vanilla Extract may be substituted.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 149mgSugar: 23g
Keyword baking, browned butter glaze, cake recipe, dessert, vanilla, Vanilla Cake
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