Browned Butter Frosting

This Browned Butter Frosting is a little sweet, a little salty, and has the most amazing flavor with that toasty, caramel goodness that only browned butter can provide. This right here is the frosting that even the self-proclaimed frosting haters love!

For more delicious frosting recipes, try our Pistachio Buttercream Frosting.

Why Our Recipe

Easy to make and ready in under 10 minutes!
Browned butter gives a nutty, caramel-like depth of flavor.
Takes cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and more to gourmet status.

Closeup of cupcakes frosted with browned butter frosting on a cake stand.

We highly recommend that everyone learn how to make brown butter. It’s seriously a game changer for both savory foods and desserts. And don’t be intimidated by the technique. It’s surprisingly simple to make, and our step-by-step instructions will help you achieve just the right color and flavor. Once you go brown butter, you won’t want to go back to the regular stuff!

Ingredient Notes

Salted Butter: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature, then cut into cubes/thick slices before adding to your pan.
Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract if possible for the best results.
Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure. For a thicker frosting, simply add more powdered sugar.

Butter vs Margarine

When it comes to making buttercream frosting, the type of butter that you use can make a big difference in the flavor and consistency of the frosting. Butter provides the structure for buttercream. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, but It is important to use real, high-quality butter with a higher fat content and lower water content.

Substituting the butter with margarine or shortening is not recommended and will produce lower-quality results. Be sure that the butter is at room temperature for the smoothest frosting. Cold butter does not whip well.

Three images side by side, showing the progression of melted butter to browned butter.

Frosting Consistency

Too Thick: If the frosting is too thick for your liking, add milk to thin it out. Add a teaspoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Too Thin: If you like a thicker frosting, powdered sugar will thicken it up. Add about 1/8 of a cup a little at at time, mixing in between.

Use it to Frost…

Cake: Take your cake to the next level and frost with this delicious browned butter frosting. This frosting pairs well with a standard vanilla cake or a classic white cake, making the frosting the star of the show.

Cupcakes: Whip up a batch of cupcakes and top with this pretty frosting. We recommend a simple white cupcake or, if you’re looking for some decadence, pair with a rich chocolate cupcake.

Cookies: This creamy frosting and a sugar cookie make the perfect pair. Why grab a basic, pink sugar cookie from a cookie shop when you can make a whole batch at home with this luxurious and creamy, homemade frosting?

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Before using, let it come to room temperature.

Freeze in an airtight container or resealable plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature and stir it well before using.