Baking & Pastry > Frosting & Icing > Other Frostings & Icings > Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Elevate your cream cheese frosting with the nutty, caramel-like flavor of browned butter. This Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is a sophisticated twist on the classic, perfect for adding depth and complexity to your favorite baked goods. Its richness pairs beautifully with spiced cakes, pumpkin desserts, and more.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
5-7 minutes
Servings
Enough for a 9x13 inch cake or 24 cupcakes
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
  • 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
  • 3 1/2 - 4 cups Powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon Pinch of salt
  • 1-2 tablespoons Milk or Heavy Cream (optional)

Brown the Butter

Place the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter melts, foams, then turns a golden brown color with a nutty aroma. Watch carefully, as it can burn quickly. Remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe bowl. Let cool completely (it will solidify slightly). This process is crucial for developing the characteristic flavor.

Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cooled browned butter and softened cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This may take a bit longer than usual due to the solidified butter, so be patient and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Incorporate Vanilla and Salt

Add the vanilla extract and salt. Beat until combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness if desired.

Adjust Consistency (Optional)

If the frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Be mindful of not over-thinning.

Frost and Enjoy!

Use the brown butter cream cheese frosting immediately to frost your cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. It's particularly delicious on spice cakes or anything with caramel notes. Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.

← Brown Butter Powdered Sugar Glaze →

FAQ

  • Why is browning the butter important?

    Browning the butter creates a nutty, complex flavor that elevates the frosting beyond a simple cream cheese frosting. It adds a depth of flavor that complements many baked goods.
  • How can I tell if the butter is browned?

    Look for a golden brown color and a nutty aroma. There will also be browned milk solids at the bottom of the pan. Be careful not to burn the butter, as it will taste bitter.
  • Can I skip the browning butter step?

    You can, but the frosting will just be a regular cream cheese frosting. The browned butter is the key element of this recipe.
  • My browned butter solidified too much. What do I do?

    Let it sit at room temperature for a little while to soften slightly, or briefly microwave it in short intervals (5-10 seconds) until it's soft enough to cream with the cream cheese.