Indulge your senses with a decadent twist on a classic favorite: Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting! This luscious frosting is not just your ordinary sweet topping; it's a rich, nutty delight that elevates any cake or cupcake to gourmet status. Imagine the warm, toasty flavors of browned butter mingling with the creamy tang of cream cheese, creating a frosting that’s irresistibly smooth and utterly unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this frosting is sure to steal the show. Ready to transform your desserts into masterpieces? Let’s dive into this simple yet luxurious recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Place unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Allow butter to melt completely and begin to foam.
- Continue cooking butter, swirling the pan occasionally, watching for milk solids to turn golden brown and develop a nutty aroma. This typically takes 3-5 minutes.
- Immediately remove browned butter from heat and transfer to a heat-safe bowl. Allow to cool at room temperature for 10 minutes until slightly solidified but still soft.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add the cooled brown butter to the cream cheese and mix until fully incorporated and uniform in texture.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to prevent sugar from flying out of the bowl.
- Once powdered sugar is mostly integrated, add vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed until frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- If frosting seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Allow to come to room temperature before using.
Tips
- Watch the Butter Closely: When browning the butter, keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. The process can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smoother and creamier frosting.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: To prevent a cloud of sugar from exploding out of your mixing bowl, add the powdered sugar gradually while mixing on low speed.
- Adjust Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to achieve your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simply add more powdered sugar until it thickens up.
- Storage Tips: If you’re not using the frosting right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using for the best texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a splash of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost that complements the nuttiness of the brown butter.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 176kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
