Whipping up the creamiest, dreamiest Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is a labor of love, but it’s so worth it! I’ll never forget the first time I made this recipe – I was hosting a small dinner party for some close friends, and I wanted to bake something truly special. When I brought out the cupcakes with that irresistible swirl of Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting on top, the room went silent for a moment as everyone took their first bite. The rich, velvety texture, the subtle sweetness, the unmistakable aroma of browned butter… it was pure heaven! My friends were raving about it for weeks afterward, and ever since then, this Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting has been my go-to for any occasion where I want to really wow a crowd.
Why This Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
The secret to making the most incredible Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting lies in the technique. By taking the time to properly brown the butter, you unlock a depth of flavor that regular cream cheese frosting simply can’t match. The browned butter adds a subtle nuttiness and richness that pairs so beautifully with the tangy cream cheese. And when you whip everything together with just the right balance of powdered sugar, the result is pure frosting perfection – silky smooth, not too sweet, and with an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter – The star of the show! You’ll need to brown this first to develop that signature nutty flavor.
- Cream cheese – Choose a full-fat block cream cheese for the best texture.
- Powdered sugar – This sweetens the frosting and gives it that signature creamy consistency.
- Vanilla extract – A must-have for enhancing the overall flavor.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions
Preparing Your Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
This Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is worth the extra effort, I promise! It does take a bit more time than a standard buttercream, but the end result is so unbelievably good. You’ll need about 45 minutes total to make this frosting, including the time for the butter to brown. Make sure to have your mixer ready to go, as well as a spatula for scraping down the sides.
1- Start by browning the butter. Melt it in a light-colored skillet over medium heat, swirling frequently, until it develops a nutty aroma and turns a deep golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
2- Carefully pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl and let it cool completely, about 30 minutes. You want it to solidify back into a soft, spreadable consistency.
3- Once the browned butter is cooled, add it to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4- Gradually add in the cream cheese, beating well after each addition, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5- Sift in the powdered sugar and beat on low speed until just combined, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until light and airy.
6- Finally, stir in the vanilla and salt until evenly distributed. Your Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is now ready to use!
Pro Tips for Success
- Be patient when browning the butter – you want to develop that deep, nutty flavor, but don’t let it burn.
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- Sift the powdered sugar to avoid any lumps in your frosting.
- Don’t overbeat the frosting once the powdered sugar is added, or it can become grainy.
- Chill the frosted dessert for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Serving and Storing Your Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Perfect Pairings for Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
This Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect complement to so many desserts! It’s absolutely heavenly on red velvet cupcakes, carrot cake, or a classic yellow cake. You could also use it to frost cinnamon rolls, layer it between fluffy pancakes, or even pipe it onto fresh strawberries for an indulgent treat. And of course, it’s divine when paired with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great news is that this Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting can be made up to 5 days in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. When you’re ready to frost your cake or cupcakes, let the frosting come to room temperature first so it’s nice and spreadable. You can also freeze the frosting for up to 2 months – simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Creative Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Variations
If you want to get creative with your Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting, there are so many fun ways to switch it up! Try adding a splash of maple syrup or a teaspoon of cinnamon for a cozy fall twist. You could also fold in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. For a brighter flavor, grate in some orange or lemon zest. And if you’re a chocolate lover, stir in a few tablespoons of melted dark chocolate for an extra-indulgent version.
Making Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Diet-Friendly
Looking to make your Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting a bit more figure-friendly? No problem! You can use reduced-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat, and cut the amount of powdered sugar by a quarter. Alternatively, you could swap out half the butter for plain Greek yogurt. For a vegan version, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut oil instead of butter. Just be aware that these substitutions may affect the overall texture and flavor a bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: I don’t recommend using salted butter, as it can make the frosting overly salty. Unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Q: How do I know when the butter is properly browned?
A: The butter is ready when it turns a deep golden brown color and develops a rich, nutty aroma. This usually takes 5-7 minutes of cooking over medium heat.
Q: Can I make this frosting in advance?
A: Absolutely! The Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before using.
Q: What’s the best way to frost a cake with this frosting?
A: For the smoothest results, use an offset spatula to apply the frosting in even layers. Start with a thin crumb coat, then chill the cake before adding the final layer of frosting.
Q: My frosting seems too thin – what can I do?
A: If your Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is too soft, try chilling it for 15-20 minutes before re-whipping. You can also add a bit more powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 17
- Yield: 24
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of nutty brown butter and creamy cream cheese in this easy, 10-minute frosting recipe. Perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, and more, this silky-smooth treat is sure to elevate any dessert.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, at room temperature
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. – In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to foam and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool.
2. – In a large bowl, beat the cooled brown butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. – Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
4. – Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until combined.
5. – Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts. Refrigerate any leftover frosting for up to 1 week.
Notes
– For a tangier frosting, use 1/2 cup less powdered sugar.
– Substitute 1-2 tbsp of maple syrup or bourbon for the vanilla extract for a unique twist.
– Refrigerate frosted desserts to set the frosting before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 7
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and delicious about homemade Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and lightly sweet – a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Go ahead and give it a try – I promise your taste buds (and your friends and family) will thank you!