Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Pound Cake Cubes

Spread the love

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what makes a pound cake irresistible? Is it the rich, buttery flavor, the perfect crumb, or perhaps the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes? If you’re seeking a dessert that checks all these boxes, you’re in for a treat with this Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Pound Cake Cubes recipe. This cake not only showcases the luxurious taste of brown butter but also incorporates the fragrant notes of real vanilla bean, elevating your dessert experience to new heights.

In this post, we’ll explore how to create these delightful pound cake cubes that are perfect for any occasion. The focus keyword, “Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Pound Cake Cubes,” will be integrated throughout the recipe, ensuring you have a delicious and memorable baking experience. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients List

To create your Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Pound Cake Cubes, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, browned)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or 1 whole vanilla bean, seeds scraped)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sour cream (room temperature)

Substitutions:

  • Butter: You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
  • Sour Cream: Greek yogurt works well as a healthier alternative.

These ingredients blend beautifully to create a moist, flavorful cake that’s sure to impress!

Timing

Creating your Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Pound Cake Cubes is a delightful process that takes approximately 90 minutes from start to finish. This includes:

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 50 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 20 minutes

This total time is about 20% less than the average pound cake recipe, making it a quick yet indulgent treat to whip up for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
  2. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to burn it!
  3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the browned butter. Mix until well combined.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in the vanilla bean paste (or vanilla bean seeds).

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or line it with parchment paper for easy removal).
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  4. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Cube

  1. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  2. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Once cool, cut into bite-sized cubes and serve.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving (assuming 12 servings):

  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 3g

This data can help you make informed choices while indulging in this delicious treat!

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make your Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Pound Cake Cubes a bit healthier, consider these substitutions:

  • Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to increase fiber content.
  • Reduce Sugar: Cut the sugar by 25% or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
  • Add Fruits or Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts or dried fruits for added nutrients and texture.

These modifications will help you enjoy the cake while being mindful of your dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Your Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Pound Cake Cubes can be served in various delightful ways:

  • With Fresh Berries: Top with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a fruity contrast.
  • Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: For a decadent touch, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cubes.
  • Pair with Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Feel free to get creative with your presentations to make the dish even more appealing!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Pound Cake Cubes turn out perfectly, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

  • Not Browning the Butter Properly: Keep an eye on the butter while it’s cooking. Overcooked butter can taste burnt, while undercooked butter won’t have the desired nutty flavor.
  • Using Cold Ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and sour cream for better emulsification and texture.
  • Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll enhance your baking success!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Pound Cake Cubes fresh and delicious:

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Wrap cubes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

These storage tips will help maintain the cake’s moisture and flavor!

Conclusion

In summary, the Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Pound Cake Cubes recipe combines rich flavors and delightful textures, making it a must-try for any dessert lover. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious treat that will impress your family and friends.

We invite you to try this recipe, share your feedback in the comments, and subscribe for more delightful updates!

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cake.

2. What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream and will provide a similar tanginess.

3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

4. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and make the cake even more indulgent.

5. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Pound Cake Cubes

Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Pound Cake Cubes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, browned)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or 1 whole vanilla bean, seeds scraped)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
  • Substitutions:
  • Butter: You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
  • Sour Cream: Greek yogurt works well as a healthier alternative.

Instructions

    Step 1: Brown the Butter

    1. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
    2. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to burn it!
    3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

    Step 2: Prepare the Batter

    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the browned butter. Mix until well combined.
    2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
    3. Stir in the vanilla bean paste (or vanilla bean seeds).

    Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

    1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

    Step 4: Bake the Cake

    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan (or line it with parchment paper for easy removal).
    3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
    4. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

    Step 5: Cool and Cube

    1. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
    2. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
    3. Once cool, cut into bite-sized cubes and serve.
© Lily Cooking
Category: Breakfasts