Description
This Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich and velvety topping made by browning butter to deepen its flavor, then combining it with cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar. It delivers a uniquely nutty, smooth, and tangy cream cheese frosting perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods.
Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Up to 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Place a light-colored pan over medium heat and add the ½ cup unsalted butter. Stir frequently for about 5-8 minutes, observing the butter as it melts, bubbles, and develops brown flecks. Once the butter has browned and you see these flecks, stir a few more times, then immediately transfer it to a large heat-safe mixing bowl to prevent burning. Chill the brown butter in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until solidified.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Vanilla: Add the softened 8 ounces cream cheese and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the solid brown butter. Using a hand mixer on high speed, beat the mixture until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the mixture, starting with 1 cup at a time. Mix well after each addition. After reaching 3 cups, continue adding powdered sugar about 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly after each to achieve your desired frosting thickness. The total powdered sugar amount should not exceed 4 cups.
- Use Frosting: Once the frosting reaches the desired consistency, pipe or spread it onto your cooled cakes, cupcakes, or other baked goods as desired.
Notes
- Use a light-colored pan to easily monitor the color change of the butter.
- Do not let the browned butter burn; transfer it promptly when brown flecks appear.
- Chilling the brown butter solidifies it for easier mixing with cream cheese.
- Adjust the powdered sugar gradually to control frosting thickness to your preference.
- This frosting is best used immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
