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Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting


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  • Author: Emily Carter
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Frosts 12–16 cupcakes or 1 layer cake

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