Browned Butter Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Browned butter frosting is a rich, nutty twist on classic buttercream that adds a deep, caramelized flavor to any cake or cupcake. It’s smooth, creamy, and surprisingly simple to make, perfect for elevating your baked goods with a gourmet touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the 1 cup of salted butter in a medium-sized, light-colored saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally as it melts to ensure even cooking.
2. Step 2: Once melted, the butter will foam. Stir constantly with a spatula or spoon to prevent the milk solids from sticking and burning.
3. Step 3: Continue cooking until the butter changes from pale yellow to deep golden-brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove immediately from heat to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: Pour the browned butter into a heatproof dish to cool and thicken, but it does not need to solidify completely.
5. Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, beat the browned butter with a hand or stand mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
6. Step 6: Add vanilla extract and mix until fully combined and smooth.
7. Step 7: Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until the frosting is smooth.
8. Step 8: Use the frosting immediately to frost your baked goods or store it covered in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

• Using a light-colored pan helps you monitor the butter’s color change for perfect browning.
• For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the frosting.
• If the frosting is too stiff, add a teaspoon of milk or cream to reach the desired consistency.

Storage

Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, bring it to room temperature and beat it again briefly to restore its creamy texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the frosting for up to three months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rewhipping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter for browned butter frosting?

Yes, you can. Just add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, since unsalted butter lacks the added saltiness found in salted butter.

What if my butter burns instead of browns?

If the butter burns, it will taste bitter and affect the frosting’s flavor. It’s best to start over with fresh butter and watch it closely, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Browned Butter Frosting Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Enough to frost a two-layer 9-inch cake or approximately 24 cupcakes

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Browned Butter Frosting recipe transforms simple butter into a rich, nutty, and flavorful frosting perfect for cakes and cupcakes. By browning the butter before mixing it with powdered sugar and vanilla, you achieve a deep, caramel-like flavor that elevates any dessert. The frosting is smooth, creamy, and ready to spread or pipe immediately.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

---

Instructions

1. Brown the Butter: Place 1 cup of salted butter in a medium-sized, light-colored saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally as it melts to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook Until Foamy and Browned: Once melted, the butter will foam. Stir constantly with a spatula or spoon to prevent milk solids from sticking and burning.
3. Watch for Color and Aroma: Continue cooking until the butter changes from pale yellow to light tan, then to a deep golden-brown color, releasing a nutty aroma. Immediately remove from heat to stop cooking.
4. Cool the Browned Butter: Pour the butter into a heatproof dish and let it cool until thickened but not fully solidified.
5. Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cooled browned butter using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
7. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Add powdered sugar gradually, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly between additions until the frosting is smooth.
8. Frost or Store: Use the frosting immediately to decorate your baked goods or store it covered in an airtight container for later use.

Notes

• Use a light-colored pan to easily monitor the browning process and avoid burning.
• Stir constantly during browning to prevent milk solids from sticking and burning.
• The browned butter should have a rich, nutty aroma and a deep golden color but not be burnt.
• Allow the browned butter to cool and thicken slightly to ensure the frosting whips up properly.
• You can adjust powdered sugar quantity to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
• Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; rewhip before use if necessary.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: browned butter frosting, nutty frosting, caramel buttercream, vanilla frosting, easy frosting recipe