Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Elevate your baked goods with the luxurious allure of Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting—a decadent twist on a classic favorite. This velvety frosting combines the rich, caramelized nuttiness of browned butter with the tangy creaminess of softened cream cheese for a depth of flavor that’s utterly irresistible. In just 20 minutes, you’ll create a light, fluffy frosting perfectly balanced with powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla. The addition of a pinch of salt enhances the buttery undertones, while optional heavy cream ensures the perfect silky consistency for spreading or piping. Whether adorning cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, this frosting is a show-stopper that will take your desserts to the next level.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. Allow it to continue cooking until it turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful to avoid burning the butter.
Once browned, immediately remove the butter from heat and pour it into a heatproof bowl. Let it cool to room temperature. This step is essential to avoid melting the cream cheese in the next step.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled browned butter and softened cream cheese. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to incorporate it fully. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is creamy and fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract and salt, adjusting the salt to taste. The salt will enhance the nutty flavor of the browned butter.
If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. Continue to beat for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure smoothness.
Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Allow refrigerated frosting to come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3613 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 186.2 g | 239% | |
| Saturated Fat | 110.8 g | 554% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 533 mg | 178% | |
| Sodium | 913 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 493.9 g | 180% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 479.4 g | ||
| Protein | 16.0 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 277 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 288 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
