Description
Give your desserts a rich, nutty upgrade with this luxurious Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfectly creamy, slightly tangy, and enhanced with deep caramel-like notes from browned butter, this easy recipe takes your cakes, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and more to bakery-level quality. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast ideas, easy dinner desserts, or elegant food ideas for a special occasion, this frosting delivers flavor and texture in every bite. A must-have addition to your list of easy recipes and go-to baking staples.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
8 oz full-fat block cream cheese, softened
3 to 3.5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Place the butter in a medium saucepan and melt it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once melted, continue cooking until the butter foams, sizzles, and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat.
2. Transfer the browned butter (including the brown bits) to a heatproof bowl and allow it to cool to a soft-solid consistency at room temperature or in the fridge.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a mixer. Add the solidified brown butter and beat until fully combined and fluffy.
4. Slowly add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low. Add the vanilla and salt, then mix on medium-high speed until light and airy.
5. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream 1 tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
6. Taste and adjust with more vanilla, salt, or even a splash of lemon juice for balance.
7. Use immediately or chill briefly before piping. Re-whip if needed before use.
Notes
Let the browned butter cool completely to avoid a greasy texture.
Always use block-style, full-fat cream cheese for structure and consistency.
For a deeper flavor, add a dash of cinnamon or maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 45mg