Tinhateats

Brown Butter Frosting

Browned butter buttercream frosting is a delightful and versatile frosting that adds a rich, nutty flavor to any baked good. The process of browning butter infuses it with a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the creamy texture of the buttercream. This brown butter frosting is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls, and it can be customized with various flavorings or additions like chocolate, vanilla, or citrus zest. The result is a decadent and indulgent frosting that will elevate any dessert.
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Brown Butter Frosting Overview

  • Texture: Creamy smooth texture, this recipe uses sour cream instead of milk and its guaranteed not to br

  • Flavor: Rich nutty and caramelly flavor from browning the butter. 

  • Easy to make: This recipe is easy to make with a few simple steps, hardest part is waiting for the browned butter to solidify. 

Brown butter frosting

Does Buttercream need to be refrigerated?

Most types of frosting, including buttercream frosting, don’t technically have to be refrigerated right away, so storing frosting at room temperature for up to 8 hours is completely fine. The small amount of milk or dairy in most buttercream frosting recipes is considered safe because it is mixed with such a large amount of sugar. However, if storing or needing to use for later, as in 1-2 days later it needs to be refrigerated to prevent spoiling. 

Ingredients needed for this brown butter frosting recipe

  • Salted butter

  • Powdered sugar

  • Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

  • Pinch of salt (if not using salted butter)

  • Sour cream- To thin out and make silky smooth

The secret to this amazing frosting is browned butter- So let's tackle that here first!

Browned butter is a delicious and versatile ingredient that adds nutty, caramel undertones to dishes. Making browned butter is a simple process, but requires close attention to prevent burning. 

Melt the butter

Place your butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. I prefer to use a 2qt saucepan for browning my butter. As the butter melts, it will begin to foam. Use a heatproof spatula to stir the butter frequently and scrape the sides and bottom of the pan.

Allow the butter to foam

As the butter melts and cooks, it will begin to foam. The foam will slowly dissipate, and the butter will begin to turn golden brown. The milk solids will separate and caramelize on the bottom of the pan. Watch closely as it can burn quickly.

Look for a golden amber and nutty aroma

When it reaches a golden amber color and has a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat and pour it into a heatproof bowl to cool. You will notice little brown bits in the butter and that is normal, those little bits are caramelized milk solids.

Transfer and allow to cool

When it reaches a golden amber color and has a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat and pour it into a heatproof bowl to cool. You will notice little brown bits in the butter and that is normal, those little bits are caramelized milk solids. Make sure to scrape all those out and into your measuring cup.

Delicious ways to use brown butter frosting

Brown butter frosting is a versatile topping that can be used on a variety of baked goods. The nutty and caramel flavors of brown butter complement a wide range of flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, pumpkin, carrot, banana, cinnamon, and more. My favorite way to enjoy this brown butter frosting recipe is my Einkorn Pumpkin Sheet Cake. Whether you’re looking for a classic pairing or something a little more adventurous, brown butter frosting is sure to please.

Frosting recipe for sugar cookies- If you would like to use this frosting recipe for cookies, start with adding 1 tbsp of sour cream, mix and then check the consistency. You want a thicker consistency, so it sets in the fridge after frosting your cookies. Try my Einkorn Sugar Cookie Recipe.  

Frosting recipe for cinnamon rolls- If using this frosting recipe for cinnamon rolls, no change is needed. I do recommend frosting the cinnamon rolls with a small amount of frosting immediately when they come out of the oven, this allows them to stay soft and tender and not dry out, after they have cooled a bit, use the rest of the brown butter frosting. My Einkorn Cinnamon Rolls are absolutely divine, they come with a cream cheese frosting, but you can definitely swap it out for this brown butter frosting. 

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Brown butter frosting

Brown Butter Frosting

tinhateats
Browned butter buttercream frosting is a delightful and versatile frosting that adds a rich, nutty flavor to any baked good. The process of browning butter infuses it with a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the creamy texture of the buttercream. This brown butter frosting is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls, and it can be customized with various flavorings or additions like chocolate, vanilla, or citrus zest. The result is a decadent and indulgent frosting that will elevate any dessert.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
3 hours
Course Baking, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 3 Cups frosting

Equipment

  • 1 Stand mixer with whisk attachment
  • 1 2 quart saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups Salted butter
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 3-4 tbsp Sour cream (for thinning out)
  • 1-2 Pinches of salt if not using salted butter

Instructions
 

  • Brown the butter- In a 2-quart saucepan, cook the butter until browned (see post for detailed tips). Transfer to a liquid measuring cup and refrigerate until solidified, about 3 hours. If short on time, you can place in freezer, stir every 15 minutes until it begins to solidify.
  • Whip the butter- Once the butter is firm but still soft at room temperature, scrape it (including all the brown bits) into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add flavor & sugar- Mix in the vanilla extract. Slowly add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on medium-high after each addition until fully incorporated and fluffy, about 2 minutes total. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
  • Add sour cream- Add 3 tablespoons sour cream and mix for 30 seconds.
  • Whip & adjust consistency- If the frosting is still too thick, add up to 1 more tablespoon of sour cream and mix again until silky smooth, light and fluffy.
  • Frost or store. Spread immediately over cooled cake or cupcakes. This frosting is best enjoyed the day it’s made. If you’re not using it right away, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before frosting, let it come to room temperature and, if needed, rewhip to restore its fluffy texture.
Keyword brown butter frosting, Browned butter, browned butter frosting, frosting, pumpkin cake with browned butter frosting
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Hi! I’m Jenn. Welcome to Tinhateats. Most my recipes are a mix of gluten free, paleo and whole30. I like to recreate recipes that are made healthier and I hope my recipes inspire you to try something new! Follow along for real food recipes!

 

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