Description
A Black Cherry Brown Butter Snacking Cake is a single-layer, square-baked cake that relies on wholesome ingredients and smart baking techniques rather than heavy frostings or sugar coatings. The term “snacking cake” refers to a style of rustic, easy-to-make cake that can be baked in a single square pan, sliced straight from the dish, and eaten without needing fancy equipment or formal occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
- 1½ cups fresh black cherries, pitted and halved
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter with the sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add the cherries: Gently fold in most of the black cherries, reserving a few for the top.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Scatter the reserved cherries on top and sprinkle with coarse sugar and cinnamon, if using.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290 kcal
Keywords: Brown Butter Cherry Cake, Cherry Snacking Cake Recipe, Fresh Cherry Brown Butter Cake