If you have never tasted the magic that is a Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, you are truly in for a treat. This luscious frosting combines the nutty depth of perfectly browned butter with the tangy creaminess of full-fat cream cheese, creating a luxurious topping that elevates any cake or cupcake it graces. It’s smooth, rich, and just the right amount of sweet, complementing flavors like banana, pumpkin, spice, or zucchini cakes beautifully. Once you master this Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, you will never want to go back to plain cream cheese frostings again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how simple and short the ingredient list is. Each component plays an essential role in the flavor and texture — from the creamy tang of the cream cheese to the soft sweetness of the confectioners’ sugar and the warm aroma of browned butter.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup or 56g): Browning this butter brings a deep, nutty flavor that’s the star of the frosting.
- Full-fat brick cream cheese (8 ounces or 226g): Provides the creamy, tangy base that balances the sweetness.
- Confectioners’ sugar (2 and 1/2 cups or 300g): Adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps the frosting hold its shape.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances and rounds out all the other flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Cuts through the sweetness and accentuates the browned butter’s richness.
How to Make Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
This step is pure magic. Heat the butter over medium heat in a light-colored skillet so you can see it browning. The butter will melt, foam, and then slowly develop tiny brown flecks with an irresistible nutty aroma — that’s when you know it’s ready. Pour it carefully into a bowl, making sure to scrape up those flavorful browned bits, then cool it at room temperature before chilling. This chilling time is crucial for the butter to solidify, which will help your frosting come together perfectly.
Step 2: Beat the Brown Butter
Once the browned butter has solidified in the fridge, beat it on high speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. This step aerates the butter, giving the frosting its beloved light and fluffy texture. It’s the foundation for the rest of the frosting’s incredible mouthfeel.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
Next, add the softened cream cheese to the whipped brown butter. Beat on medium to high speed until completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. The cream cheese adds tanginess and richness that perfectly balance the sweetness of the sugar and deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Sugar, Vanilla, and Salt
Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar to avoid a dust cloud, then blend in the vanilla extract and salt. Start by mixing on low speed to ensure everything combines evenly, then crank it up to high for a couple of minutes. The result should be a silky, luscious frosting that spreads and pipes beautifully.
Step 5: Chill Before Using
If you plan to pipe your Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe onto cakes or cupcakes, refrigerate it for 20 to 30 minutes first. This firms up the frosting slightly, giving you cleaner edges and beautiful swirls. Otherwise, spread it on immediately over cooled baked goods and enjoy!
How to Serve Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take this frosting from wow to absolutely stunning. Consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to echo the brown butter’s nutty notes. A light dusting of cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg pairs wonderfully on spice or pumpkin cakes. For a touch of elegance, a few edible gold flakes add sparkle and celebrate this delicious frosting like the star it is.
Side Dishes
The Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe confidently stands out on desserts but pairs especially well with moist, hearty cakes. Banana bread, carrot cake, and zucchini loaf are perfect companions. For a lighter touch, try serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a simple vanilla bean ice cream, where the frosting’s richness will shine in contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Why limit yourself to traditional cakes? Use this frosting as a decadent dip for cinnamon sugar-dusted churros or apple slices at your next party. Swirl it onto cupcakes with a piping bag for impressive presentation, or sandwich it between cookie layers for an indulgent treat. The nutty complexity of the brown butter takes familiar desserts to a whole new level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this frosting contains cream cheese, it’s best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to one week, allowing you to frost fresh treats whenever the mood strikes. Before use, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes and give it a quick stir to restore spreadability.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe longer, freezing is a good option. Store it in a freezer-safe container, tightly sealed, and use within two months for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently whipping it again to bring back its creamy texture.
Reheating
When ready to use after refrigeration or freezing, avoid microwaving, which can cause separation. Instead, let the frosting soften at room temperature and beat it with a hand mixer briefly to return it to the perfect fluffy consistency you expect from your Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
FAQs
What is the advantage of browning the butter for this frosting?
Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that transforms a traditional cream cheese frosting into something way more complex and indulgent. It also imparts a lovely golden color and subtle caramel notes that elevate the taste.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of brick cream cheese?
While regular cream cheese can work, brick cream cheese is firmer and usually has less moisture, resulting in a better texture and stability in your Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Why does the butter need to solidify before mixing it with cream cheese?
Allowing the browned butter to set prevents it from being too liquid, which could make your frosting runny. Solid butter whips up fluffier and combines better with the cream cheese for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
How do I adjust this recipe for a larger cake?
Simply double or triple the ingredients depending on your cake size. For layer cakes, plan for at least twice the amount of frosting compared to a single quarter sheet cake to ensure you have enough for filling and topping.
Is this frosting good for piping decorations?
Yes! After chilling the frosting for about 20 to 30 minutes, it firms up enough to hold shapes beautifully when piped, making it perfect for detailed cake or cupcake decoration.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to elevate your baking game with a frosting that bursts with flavor and creamy richness, this Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend. It’s surprisingly easy to make but delivers that special something that turns everyday cakes into unforgettable treats. So next time you bake, treat yourself (and everyone else!) to this dreamy frosting and watch your desserts disappear in no time.
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Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes (includes refrigeration time)
- Yield: 2.5 cups (enough to frost 1 quarter sheet cake)
Description
This brown butter cream cheese frosting is a rich and creamy topping perfect for enhancing the flavors of banana, pumpkin, spice, or zucchini cakes. Made with just five simple ingredients, the frosting boasts a nutty depth from browned butter and a smooth texture from cream cheese. Allow time for the browned butter to cool and re-solidify for the perfect consistency. Ideal for spreading or piping on cakes and cupcakes.
Ingredients
Brown Butter
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices
Frosting
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 and 1/2 cups (300g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Place the sliced butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat. Stir or whisk constantly as the butter melts, foams, and then starts to brown. Watch carefully for the color to shift from golden yellow to light caramel-brown and for a nutty aroma, about 5 to 7 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and transfer all of the browned butter, including the brown solids, to a medium heatproof bowl. Let it cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate until completely solidified.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, using a stand or handheld mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the solidified brown butter on high speed until creamy and smooth, about 1 minute. Add the softened cream cheese and continue beating for another 2 minutes until smooth and combined, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Add Sugar and Flavor: Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat initially on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for 2 minutes until fluffy and well combined.
- Frost the Cake or Cupcakes: Spread the frosting onto cooled cakes or cupcakes directly. For piping, transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your desired tip and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes before decorating. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- If you need enough frosting for a layer cake, consider doubling the recipe.
- Allowing the browned butter to fully re-solidify is crucial for achieving the right richness and texture.
- You can substitute salted butter but omit the added salt if preferred.
- Keep the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps.
- The frosting is best used on cakes that are fully cooled to avoid melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
