Brown Butter Apple Cake for Autumn

Do not let the apple season to conclude without preparing this cake infused with brown butter.

Image: FoodByMaria

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 3 medium baking apples

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon, divided

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 large eggs

• 0.5 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt

• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more if you like strong cinnamon flavor)

• 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom

• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar

• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Thoroughly lubricate a 9-inch round springform pan with butter. Line the base of the pan with a round piece of parchment paper.

   
   

2. Peel and cube the apples into ½-inch segments. Submerge the apples in a bowl of ice water containing lemon juice. This will avert the apples from discoloration as you prepare the batter.

   
   

3. Introduce the butter into a small pot set over medium-high heat, periodically rotating the pan until the butter melts and attains a frothy consistency. Lower the heat and cook until the butter attains a golden brown hue and emits a nutty aroma, approximately 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool for a minimum of 5 minutes prior to use.

   
   

4. In a sizable basin, whisk the eggs. Incorporate the sugar and whisk until the mixture is light and airy. Incorporate the browned butter, vanilla essence, and lemon zest, and mix until smooth.

   
   

5. Incorporate the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom, and whisk until merely amalgamated. Strain the apples in a colander, then incorporate them into the batter, folding gently until barely amalgamated.

   
   

6. Transfer the batter to the prepared springform pan and level the surface with a spatula. Disperse the turbinado sugar atop the cake. Bake until the surface is golden brown and glossy from the sugar, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, approximately 40 minutes.

   
   

7. Allow it cool for a minimum of 30 minutes in the springform pan prior to serving. Utilize a fine mesh screen to apply powdered sugar uniformly over the cake.