Cakes

I've made several cakes for birthdays, and while I'm still learning how to decorate, they taste great! Below are recipes for a spice cake and brown butter frosting that I make for my grandmother's birthday, inspired by what her mother would've baked for her in the 1950s.

Spice Cake (Makes 2 9in round cakes or 1 9x13 pan)

Ingredients

• 2 + 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon cloves
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup soft shortening
• 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves together.
3. Add brown sugar, shortening, and buttermilk. Beat together for 2 minutes.
4. Add eggs. Beat for another 2 minutes.
5. Pour into prepared pan(s). For 9in cakes, bake for 35-40min. For a 9x13 pan, bake for 45-50min.
6. Transfer to cooling rack and cool completely before frosting.

Brown Butter Frosting

Ingredients

• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 + 1/2 pounds powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add butter and stir frequently.
2. Once melted, stir constantly as to avoid burning the butter. Don't get nervous! The butter can smell fear.
3. Watch the butter as it browns and take it off the heat as soon as it's a golden rich color - it can go from browned to burnt quickly!
4. Pour into a bowl and let cool completely.
5. Once cooled, add powdered sugar and, using a hand mixer, mix on medium speed for 3-4 minutes.
6. Add cream or milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat for 5 minutes until frosting is light and fluffy.
7. If the frosting is too thick, add one teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Enjoy on a cake, cupcakes, or with a spoon.