Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

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If you’re ready to level up your desserts, this Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting will do exactly that. It combines the nutty richness of browned butter with the tangy smoothness of cream cheese for a dreamy topping that enhances everything it touches. Whether you’re spreading it over carrot cake, swirling it onto cinnamon rolls, or slathering it between layers of spice cake, this frosting is pure gold.

The secret is in the browned butter. It adds a toasty, caramel-like flavor that regular butter simply can’t provide. Whipped with velvety cream cheese and just the right amount of powdered sugar and vanilla, this frosting is irresistibly smooth, spreadable, and deeply flavorful. You’ll want to eat it by the spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

This frosting is what happens when elegance meets comfort. It’s rich, slightly tangy, and has a nutty warmth that makes it incredibly versatile. It pipes beautifully for cupcakes but is just as stunning spread rustic-style on a sheet cake. Because the butter is browned first, it introduces a layer of complexity without complicating the method.

Do I Need to Chill the Brown Butter First?

Yes! That’s one of the tricks that makes this frosting work. Once the butter is browned, you’ll need to chill it until it’s solid again. This allows it to be creamed properly with the cream cheese, creating a fluffy, cohesive texture that won’t separate. Be patient—this step is crucial for dreamy results.

Ingredients for the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe uses simple ingredients, but the technique of browning the butter brings them to life. Make sure everything is at the right temperature to get the fluffiest, creamiest result.

• Unsalted Butter
• Cream Cheese
• Powdered Sugar
• Vanilla Extract
• Salt

How To Make the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Swirl occasionally until it foams, then turns golden with brown specks and a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl. Chill in the fridge until solid.

Step 2: Beat the Browned Butter and Cream Cheese

Once the browned butter has solidified, beat it with cream cheese until completely smooth and fluffy. This may take several minutes depending on your mixer.

Step 3: Add the Flavor and Sweetness

Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Then gradually beat in the powdered sugar, starting slowly to prevent a sugar cloud. Increase speed and beat until light and creamy.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency If Needed

If the frosting feels too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk. If it’s too soft, chill it briefly before piping or spreading.

Serving and Storing This Frosting

This recipe yields enough to frost 12–16 cupcakes or a two-layer 8-inch cake. It holds up well at room temperature for a few hours, making it ideal for parties. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using again.

What to Serve With Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting?

Carrot Cake

The cozy spice of carrot cake is a natural match for this nutty, tangy frosting.

Banana Bread

Spread this frosting on a slice of banana bread and turn it into a decadent dessert.

Pumpkin Muffins

These soft spiced muffins get a major upgrade with a swirl of this frosting on top.

Cinnamon Rolls

Frost your warm rolls generously and let it melt into every crevice.

Spice Cake

A layered spice cake becomes a showstopper with this creamy, flavorful finish.

Apple Bars

Try it over apple blondies or apple cake bars for a cozy fall dessert.

Zucchini Bread

Balance the earthiness of zucchini with this rich, sweet frosting.

Want More Frosting & Dessert Topping Ideas?

If you love the comfort and flair this Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting brings, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for a melt-in-your-mouth dream.
• Classic French Butter Cookies if you’re craving simplicity with elegance.
• Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies for a fun, gooey twist.
• Baby Lemon Impossible Pies for a light citrus bite.
• Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls if you love fruity creaminess.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you pair it with pumpkin cake or a simple sugar cookie? Did you add cinnamon for a warmer twist?

I love hearing how others personalize this frosting. Questions are always welcome—let’s create something delicious together.

Explore beautifully curated dessert toppings and baking inspiration on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to finish for cakes and cupcakes!

Conclusion

Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is that little luxury your baked goods deserve. With its depth of flavor and silky finish, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your frosting rotation. Simple to make, stunning to taste—it’s time to turn on the stove and brown that butter.

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