Brown Butter Traybake Cake
Prep
20 mins
Cook
40 mins
Servings
6
Difficulty
Easy
This brown butter traybake cake is my go to when I want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. The whole thing comes together in just an hour, and honestly, it's so simple that even on my busiest days I can get it done. What I love most is that the brown butter gives it this incredible nutty depth, while the applesauce keeps it moist and adds natural sweetness plus fiber. The walnuts add a lovely crunch and are packed with omega 3s, so I feel a little better about indulging. Just mix, pour into a tray, and bake. That's it. Perfect for coffee mornings or when unexpected guests drop by.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 250 gall-purpose flour
- 150 ggranulated sugar
- 100 gbrown butter
- 2eggs
- 50 gunsweetened applesauce
- 1 mLvanilla extract
- 1 tspbaking powder
- ½ tspsalt
- 100 gchopped walnuts
- 25 gunsalted butter
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350ºfF). Grease a 20x20cm traybake tin and line with parchment paper.
Tip: Optional: Dust the tin with flour to prevent sticking.
- 2
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a deep golden brown color and smells nutty.
Tip: Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- 3
Remove the brown butter from the heat and let it cool slightly. Whisk in the granulated sugar until well combined.
Tip: This step helps prevent lumps from forming.
- 4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Tip: Make sure to get rid of any lumps.
- 5
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Tip: This helps create a smooth batter.
- 6
Add the brown butter mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Tip: Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together.
- 7
Fold in the chopped walnuts.
Tip: Be gentle to avoid crushing the walnuts.
- 8
Pour the batter into the prepared traybake tin and smooth the top.
Tip: Make sure to get rid of any air pockets.
- 9
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tip: Keep an eye on the cake during the last 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- 10
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the tin before slicing and serving.
Tip: This step helps the cake set properly.
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