Browned Butter Frosting

User Reviews

5

70 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    8 mins

  • Additional Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    8 servings

  • Calories

    182 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

Browned Butter Frosting

Browned Butter Frosting blends unsalted butter browned until nutty with powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of kosher salt for balance. The resulting frosting is smooth and rich, offering a deeper, caramel-like flavor compared to regular buttercream. It is spreadable once brought to room temperature and complements a variety of baked goods with its subtle toasty notes.

Description

The process begins by melting unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat and browning it until small flecks appear, which imparts a distinctive nutty aroma. The browned butter is cooled slightly before being mixed with powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of kosher salt. Whisking or using a hand mixer produces a smooth frosting whose consistency can be adjusted by adding more milk.

This frosting showcases a deep, caramelized butter flavor while maintaining a creamy texture that spreads easily over cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Unlike typical buttercream, the browned butter adds complexity without additional ingredients.

Once made, the frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week but should be brought back to room temperature and possibly stirred with a little milk before use to restore softness. It can also be frozen and thawed for longer storage. The frosting is convenient to prepare ahead of time and improves as it rests.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 5 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 2 cups powdered sugar 260g
  • 2 tablespoons milk 33g
  • salt kosher salt; a pinch

Instructions

  1. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the butter in the skillet. Let it melt.
  3. Moving the skillet over the heat constantly, allow the butter to brown. When the flecks of brown become more prominent in the melted butter, remove from the heat and set aside. Let it cool for a bit so it is not so hot, as this will affect the texture of the frosting.
  4. Measure out the powdered sugar into a large bowl.
  5. Pour the browned butter directly on top of the powdered sugar. Add the milk and a pinch of salt.
  6. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the frosting until it is smooth. Add more milk if the frosting is too thick.
  7. When the frosting reaches the desired consistency, slather on the baked goods of your choosing and enjoy!

Notes

  • If the browned butter is too hot when added, chilling the frosting for 20-30 minutes helps it come together properly.
  • Store the frosting refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week; let it warm to room temperature before use and whisk in a splash of milk if needed to soften.
  • Freeze frosting for up to three months in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator before using.
  • This frosting can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to spread on baked goods.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1g Calories 182kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 30g (10%) Protein 0.2g (0%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g (2%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g (10%) Trans Fat 0.3g (15%) Cholesterol 19mg (6%) Sodium 3mg (0%) Potassium 8mg (0%) Sugar 30g (60%) Vitamin A 225IU (5%) Calcium 7mg (1%) Iron 0.02mg (0%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 182 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1g
Calories 182kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 30g 10%
Protein 0.2g 0%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g 2%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0.3g 15%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Potassium 8mg 0%
Sugar 30g 60%
Vitamin A 225IU 5%
Calcium 7mg 1%
Iron 0.02mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

70 reviews
Excellent

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