How to Bake a Soft Brown Sugar Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

Looking for a simple yet show-stopping dessert to elevate your weekend? This soft and moist brown sugar cake delivers a rich, caramel-like depth of flavor, topped with a generous layer of airy vanilla buttercream.

The preparation is straightforward and comes together in a single pan. Within a short time, your home will be filled with an irresistible, comforting aroma that is impossible to resist.

Ingredients for the Cake

• 170g softened butter

• 2 cups (400g) light brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup (100g) white sugar

• 3 large eggs, at room temperature

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 3 cups (360g) flour

• 1.5 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¾ tsp salt

Ingredients for the Frosting and Assembly

• 170g unsalted butter

• 3 cups (330g) powdered sugar, sifted if needed

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ⅛ tsp almond extract (optional)

• A pinch of salt

• 2 to 3 tbsp (30-45ml) heavy cream

• Chopped dark or milk chocolate, or chocolate curls for decoration

Step-by-Step Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a rectangular baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

• In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

• In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with both types of sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes very pale and fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes.

• Add the eggs one by one while beating, then mix in the vanilla extract.

• In a small container, combine the buttermilk and sour cream. Add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the batter in alternating batches, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.

• Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely before frosting.

• To make the frosting, whip the softened butter until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and spreadable.

• Spread a generous layer of frosting over the cooled cake and top with chopped chocolate or curls.