Description
Brown Butter Cake Frosting is the kind of easy recipe that turns an ordinary cake into something unforgettable. With its deep nutty flavor, smooth texture, and rich buttery finish, this homemade frosting is perfect for quick dessert upgrades, birthday cakes, cupcakes, snack cakes, and easy baking projects. If you are looking for frosting ideas, cake frosting recipes, dessert toppings, or simple food ideas that feel special without a lot of work, this one delivers a soft, fluffy, bakery-style result every time.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Add the butter to a light-colored saucepan and melt it over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring often, until golden brown bits form on the bottom and the butter smells nutty.
2. Pour the browned butter and all the toasted bits into a heat-safe mixing bowl and let it cool for about 20 to 25 minutes, until no longer hot but still soft.
3. Beat the browned butter with the vanilla extract and salt until combined.
4. Add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low speed at first.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and beat until the frosting becomes smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
6. Scrape down the bowl and whip for 1 to 2 more minutes until light and creamy.
7. Use immediately to frost one 8-inch two-layer cake, one 9-inch single-layer cake, or about 12 cupcakes.
Notes
Do not walk away while browning the butter, because it can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 31mg