Name: Insanely Delicious Brown Butter Layer Cake with Cherry Jam and Almond Decor Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons malted milk powder; 1/2 cup half & half; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder; 2 egg whites; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature, cubed; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract); 1 cup cherry jam; Slivered almonds for decoration

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If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a showstopper, this Insanely Delicious Brown Butter Layer Cake with Cherry Jam and Almond Decor Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of rich, nutty brown butter cake perfectly balanced with a sweet and tangy cherry jam filling, all wrapped up in the creamiest buttercream frosting and crowned with toasted almonds for that irresistible crunch. Every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to taste it. I can’t wait to share how simple the ingredients are and how rewarding it feels to bake this beauty from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arranged set of baking ingredients on a white marbled surface. There are eleven containers: a small glass with pink salt, a small jar with dark vanilla extract, a small jar with red jam, a small square glass bowl with white powdered sugar, a ceramic brown and white bowl with white powdered sugar, a white ceramic pitcher with milk, a small clear jar with salt, a clear glass bowl with white powdered sugar, a small white and blue bowl with flour, an oval white ceramic plate with a block of butter, and a small brown plate holding a white egg and whole almonds. The containers and items are spread out evenly with natural lighting, providing a clean and simple composition. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These straightforward ingredients come together to create a cake that’s full of depth, moisture, and just the right amount of sweetness. Each component plays an essential role, from the browned butter lending a toasty complexity, to the malted milk powder adding a subtle, malty warmth.

Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons for cake, plus 8 ounces for frosting): Browned for deep, nutty flavor in the cake and softened for a creamy frosting base.
Large eggs (2 for cake, 2 whites for frosting): Provide structure and lightness; egg whites whipped into fluffy meringue for smooth buttercream.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps with the cake’s tender crumb.
Malted milk powder (2 tablespoons): Adds a unique toasty richness to the cake batter.
Half & half (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender without overwhelming richness.
Vanilla bean paste (2 teaspoons): Intensifies vanilla flavor, offering fragrant sweetness.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors subtly.
All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The cake’s foundation, combining with baking powder for rise and structure.
Baking powder (1 1/4 teaspoons): Gives the cake its perfect lift.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Sweetens the meringue buttercream with a touch of molasses depth.
Cherry jam (1 cup): Delivers the luscious, fruity contrast that beautifully balances the cake’s rich flavors.
Almonds (for decoration): Adds visual appeal and a delightful crunch to finish the cake.

How to Make Insanely Delicious Brown Butter Layer Cake with Cherry Jam and Almond Decor Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the unsalted butter slowly in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently as it foams and bubbles, watching carefully as it shifts from yellow to a lovely light brown. The moment you see those tantalizing brown specks, remove it from heat and transfer to a bowl, making sure to scrape out all the flavorful browned bits. This step unlocks the unmistakable, nutty essence that defines this cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until pale and frothy—this creates a light foundation. Then add the malted milk powder, half & half, and vanilla bean paste, stirring them in thoroughly. Slowly whisk the cooled brown butter into your mixture to keep that warm, nutty flavor in play. Finally, sift in the flour and baking powder and beat until your batter is smooth and ready for the oven.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour the batter into greased and prepared cake pans, tapping lightly on the countertop to release air bubbles that could cause uneven texture. Bake in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness with a gentle touch or toothpick test. Once baked, let the cakes cool initially in their pans before transferring to wire racks for complete cooling.

Step 4: Make the Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Set up a double boiler with simmering water and whisk together egg whites and packed brown sugar continuously until warm and no longer grainy—around 145°F. Then, whip this mixture in a stand mixer until cool and fluffy. Switch to the paddle attachment and gradually add soft cubes of butter, beating through any curdling phases until silky, smooth, and luscious. Finish by folding in vanilla bean paste for depth.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers with Cherry Jam

Trim any domed or uneven tops from your cooled cake layers using a serrated knife. Slice each layer horizontally for multiple thin stacks, making spreading and layering easier. On each bottom half, spread about 2 tablespoons of cherry jam, leaving a quarter-inch margin from the edges, then optionally pipe a thin border of frosting around the edge to lock in the jam. Build up the stacked layers this way, leaving the top layer free from jam.

Step 6: Crumb Coat and Frost the Cake

Chill your layered cake briefly to firm it up. Then apply a thin crumb coat of frosting all over, intentionally light so crumbs don’t mar the final finish. Refrigerate again to set the crumb coat. Next, spread a generous final layer of buttercream, smoothing both top and sides with gentle, steady motions for that picture-perfect finish.

Step 7: Decorate with Cherry Jam and Almonds

Spread another layer of cherry jam over the top of the finished frosted cake, leaving about a half-inch border. Use your piping bag to create a decorative frosting border that keeps the jam in place. For a beautiful final touch, press slivered almonds onto the sides of the cake or pipe an additional border if you prefer a bare side. Chill the cake one last time and prepare to impress!

How to Serve Insanely Delicious Brown Butter Layer Cake with Cherry Jam and Almond Decor Recipe

A three-layer vanilla cake slice is shown on a white plate with a blue design, placed on a white marbled surface. Each layer of the cake is light yellow with a soft, crumbly texture, separated by thin layers of bright red strawberry jam. The top of the cake has a smooth red jelly layer and is decorated with white cream piped in small flower shapes around the edge. There are small green mint leaves placed on top and around the plate. The background shows a white cloth and a folded blue napkin tied with white string, with another slice of the same cake on a plain white plate blurred in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cherries or a sprinkle of toasted almond slices on top can elevate the presentation beautifully. A delicate dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy, festive feel. These little details make serving feel extra special, whether for a celebration or a cozy afternoon treat.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the rich flavors. A hot cup of coffee or a lightly brewed black tea pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweetness and rounding out the taste experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning centerpiece, arrange mini versions of this brown butter layer cake on a tiered cake stand. Alternatively, serve individual cake slices with a drizzle of warm cherry coulis or honey for an irresistible finish that dazzles your guests and delights the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten Insanely Delicious Brown Butter Layer Cake with Cherry Jam and Almond Decor Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. This preserves the freshness of the frosting and prevents the jam from drying out the cake layers.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the frosted cake or individual layers well in plastic wrap and then foil, placing in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this is a frosted layer cake, it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If desired, slice and let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating as it may cause the frosting to soften excessively and the jam to run.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit added salt in the recipe since salted butter already contains it. Unsalted butter gives you full control over seasoning and ensures the best flavor balance.

What if I don’t have malted milk powder?

You can substitute an equal amount of regular milk powder or omit it altogether. The malted powder gives a unique depth, but the cake will still be delicious without it.

Can I substitute another jam for cherry?

Absolutely! Raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot jam would be gorgeous alternatives that complement the brown butter flavor beautifully.

Is it necessary to brown the butter?

Browning the butter is key to this recipe’s signature flavor, adding a nutty, caramelized note that elevates the cake beyond ordinary vanilla. It’s worth the little extra attention.

How do I get the smooth finish on the frosting?

Take your time with crumb coating and final frosting smoothing. Using an offset spatula or bench scraper, work with gentle back-and-forth motions and keep your tools clean between strokes for a polished look.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Insanely Delicious Brown Butter Layer Cake with Cherry Jam and Almond Decor Recipe a try, because it’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The layers of browned butter richness combined with the bright cherry jam and crunchy almonds are nothing short of magical. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a moment when you want to indulge, this cake is sure to become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire.