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
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool the Browned Butter: Pour the butter into a heatproof dish and let it cool until thickened but not fully solidified.
- 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.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Add powdered sugar gradually, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly between additions until the frosting is smooth.
- 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
