Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Rich, silky and packed with nutty flavor, Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting takes classic cream cheese frosting to a whole new level.
Ingredients
- ½ cup 113g unsalted butter
- 8 ounces 226g full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 3½ cups 420g powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 –2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk optional
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Butter
- Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown with toasted brown bits on the bottom and a nutty aroma.
Step 2: Cool the Butter
- Pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl, including the browned milk solids. Let it cool for about 20 to 30 minutes until it is soft but no longer warm.
Step 3: Beat the Cream Cheese
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the Brown Butter
- Slowly beat the cooled browned butter into the cream cheese until fully combined and silky.
Step 5: Mix in the Sugar
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Beat on low speed until incorporated, then increase to medium speed until fluffy.
Step 6: Finish the Frosting
- Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Notes
- Brown the butter over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Cool the butter until softened but not warm.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in the browned butter.
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla, salt, and cream if needed.
- Beat until fluffy and use immediately or refrigerate.