Description
This brown butter cream cheese frosting recipe brings rich, nutty flavor to your favorite baked goods. Made with browned butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, it’s perfect for carrot cake, cinnamon rolls, and more. Learn how to make the best cream cheese frosting with brown butter for the ultimate decadent dessert topping.
Ingredients
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces cream cheese
3 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Chill until solid.
2. Once the butter has solidified, beat it with the cream cheese in a mixer until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract and salt. Mix until incorporated.
4. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, increasing the speed once it starts to come together.
5. If needed, adjust the consistency by adding a teaspoon of milk or chilling the frosting for a firmer texture.
6. Use immediately or store refrigerated in an airtight container. Re-whip before using.
Notes
This frosting works best when the brown butter is fully chilled before mixing.
To enhance the nutty flavor, use a high-quality vanilla extract.
For extra depth, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 35mg