Butternut Squash Layer Cake

Cake
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed, cooked butternut squash
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
3 cups cake flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Browned Butter Frosting
3/4 Cup butter
6 Cups powdered sugar
4-5 tbsp. milk
2 tsp. vanilla


DIRECTIONS
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add squash and maple flavoring; mix well. Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Stir in walnuts. Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

For frosting
In a small saucepan heat butter over low heat until melted. Continue heating until butter turns a light golden brown. Remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl combine powdered sugar, 4 tbsp milk, and the vanilla. Add browned butter. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat on medium to high speed, adding additional milk, if necessary to reach spreading ocnsistency. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake.