Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

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Velvety, rich, and perfectly nutty, Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is the secret to taking any dessert to the next level. This dreamy frosting pairs the nutty complexity of browned butter with the tangy smoothness of cream cheese, creating a flavor combo that’s both sophisticated and comforting. Whether you’re topping cupcakes, cookies, or your favorite spice cake, this frosting spreads like silk and tastes like heaven.

What sets this frosting apart is the brown butter. Browning the butter adds caramelized notes and an irresistible depth that regular butter just can’t offer. The result is a warm, slightly toasted flavor that blends flawlessly with the cream cheese, vanilla, and a touch of powdered sugar. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to basic buttercream again.

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What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

For the best results, use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. European-style butter with a higher fat content gives a silkier finish, but any good-quality unsalted butter will work. Browning the butter deepens the flavor, so don’t skip this step—it’s the soul of this frosting.

Ingredients for the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter infuses the frosting with rich, nutty, caramel-like depth.

Cream Cheese: Brings a creamy tang and soft texture that balances the richness of the butter.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky smooth and easy to pipe.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a warm aroma.

Salt: A pinch helps bring out all the flavors, especially the nuttiness of the brown butter.

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How To Make the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter foams and turns a deep golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool completely until it re-solidifies to a soft, spreadable texture.

Step 2: Cream the Browned Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cooled browned butter and softened cream cheese together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla and Powdered Sugar

Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well between each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Finish with Salt

Add a pinch of salt and beat again until light, creamy, and fully combined. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a stiffer frosting or a splash of milk for a softer one.

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How to Store and Serve This Frosting

This frosting spreads and pipes beautifully at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using again. It’s perfect on carrot cake, pumpkin bars, or even sandwiched between cookies.

What to Serve With Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting?

Carrot Cake

Its tang and nuttiness perfectly complement warm spices and sweet carrot.

Pumpkin Bread

A fall favorite becomes even more special with this rich topping.

Banana Cupcakes

Pairs beautifully with banana’s natural sweetness and texture.

Red Velvet Cake

The tangy profile of the frosting cuts through the cocoa-rich cake.

Cinnamon Rolls

Use it instead of glaze for a next-level breakfast treat.

Apple Spice Muffins

A rustic match that tastes like autumn in every bite.

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Want More Frosting Ideas?

If you love this Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting, check out these other dreamy toppers and complementary recipes:

• Try the creamy topping from Salted Caramel Cupcakes for a buttery-sweet swirl.
• Spread this on our cozy Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins for a match made in heaven.
• Pipe it onto Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie for a flavor contrast that pops.
• Enjoy with a slice of Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake for a burst of nostalgic sweetness.
• Or pair with a Lemon Pound Cake for a zesty-meets-buttery bite.

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Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a dash of cinnamon or maple extract? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

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