Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

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Rich, nutty, and irresistibly creamy, Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is the game-changer your baked goods have been waiting for. The deep, caramel-like notes of browned butter blend seamlessly with the tangy richness of cream cheese, creating a luxurious frosting that elevates everything from cupcakes and layer cakes to cookies and breakfast pastries.

Unlike traditional cream cheese frosting, this version introduces an extra layer of flavor complexity. Browning the butter unlocks its full aroma potential, bringing in a toasty, almost toffee-like quality that cuts through the sweetness just enough to keep you coming back for more. It’s smooth, spreadable, and pipes like a dream.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

• Bold, rich flavor that stands out from regular frostings
• Perfect balance of sweetness and tang
• Holds up beautifully for piping and spreading
• A versatile companion for a wide range of desserts
• Makes even simple baked treats feel gourmet

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment)

To achieve that perfect consistency and flavor, you’ll want the right tools:

• Saucepan: Essential for browning the butter evenly without burning it.
• Heatproof bowl: Useful for chilling the browned butter quickly.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Crucial for whipping the frosting until smooth and fluffy.
• Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.
• Fine mesh strainer (optional): Can be used to remove any browned milk solids if a smoother butter base is desired.

Each tool contributes to both texture and ease of preparation. The mixer ensures aeration, the saucepan controls flavor, and the spatula keeps everything cohesive.

Preparation Tips

Let your browned butter cool to a solid but soft consistency before creaming with the cream cheese—this is key for achieving a smooth, non-greasy frosting. Always use full-fat block-style cream cheese, as the spreadable versions won’t firm up properly. Sift your powdered sugar to avoid lumps, and whip the frosting on medium-high until fluffy and light. Taste as you go—a small pinch of salt or splash of vanilla can enhance the flavor even more.

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Ingredients for Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 8 oz (226g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3 to 3.5 cups (360–420g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, for thinning)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Begin by placing the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt, stirring occasionally. Once melted, continue to cook the butter. It will foam and sizzle before starting to brown—watch carefully and stir often. As soon as the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma with brown bits forming at the bottom, remove it from the heat.

Step 2: Cool the Brown Butter

Pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl, scraping in the brown bits (they’re full of flavor). Let it cool at room temperature until it becomes soft-solid, about 1 hour. To speed this up, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.

Step 3: Beat the Cream Cheese and Brown Butter

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the solidified brown butter and continue to beat until the mixture is fully combined, smooth, and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Sugar and Vanilla

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent sugar clouds. Once incorporated, add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until the frosting becomes light and airy. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Taste your frosting and adjust with more salt or vanilla if needed. If it feels too sweet, a touch of lemon juice or a small pinch of extra salt can balance the flavors. For piping purposes, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before use to help the frosting firm up just enough for clean shapes.

Step 6: Frost or Store

Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or cinnamon rolls. If not using right away, store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let come to room temperature and re-whip before using for the best texture.

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Notes

Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting brings a gourmet twist to classic cream cheese frosting. The depth of flavor from browned butter creates a perfect contrast with the tanginess of the cream cheese. For best results, allow all ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth texture. This frosting pairs beautifully with spice cakes, pumpkin desserts, chocolate cupcakes, and even cinnamon rolls.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbrowning the Butter: It’s easy to go from browned to burnt. Once the butter starts turning golden and smells nutty, take it off the heat immediately.
• Mixing While Butter is Too Warm: Adding hot or melted butter to cream cheese can result in a runny, broken frosting. Let the browned butter firm up to a soft, spreadable state.
• Using Low-Quality Cream Cheese: Only use full-fat, block-style cream cheese. The tub or spreadable versions won’t whip up properly and may cause a soupy texture.
• Skipping the Sifting: Powdered sugar can be clumpy. Sifting ensures a smoother, more refined frosting.
• Overmixing: Once all ingredients are combined and the frosting is fluffy, avoid overbeating, as it can make the texture loose.

Storage Instructions

Store any unused frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before reusing, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and re-whip with a mixer to restore its fluffy texture. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight and re-whip before use. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially in warm environments.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per 2-tablespoon serving; approximate values)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. Keep in mind that some brands of salted butter can be quite salty.

How long can I leave the frosting out at room temperature?

It’s safe for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated due to the cream cheese content.

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make it up to 5 days ahead, store in the fridge, and re-whip before using.

Is this frosting good for piping?

Yes, once chilled slightly, it pipes beautifully and holds its shape well for decorating.

What desserts pair well with this frosting?

It’s excellent on carrot cake, banana cake, pumpkin bars, chocolate cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just double all the ingredients proportionally. Use a stand mixer with a large enough bowl to handle the volume.

How do I fix runny frosting?

Chill it for 15–20 minutes, then re-whip. If it’s still too soft, add more sifted powdered sugar gradually.

Can I flavor this frosting?

Yes! Try adding a bit of cinnamon, maple syrup, or almond extract for a custom twist.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is a flavor-packed, creamy dream that transforms any dessert into something unforgettable. With its nutty aroma and smooth texture, it’s both indulgent and refined. Whether you’re frosting a celebration cake or just elevating a weekday bake, this frosting is your go-to for next-level flavor.

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