Learn how to make the best Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting with this step-by-step guide. With just six ingredients and a few minutes, you’ll have a deliciously sweet, rich, and creamy homemade frosting to add to all your favorite recipes!

cream cheese frosting in bowl with spatula

I am so excited to bring you another post in our All the Healthy Things “Just the Basics” series. These posts are focused on helping you master basics in the kitchen and, hopefully, inspiring you with a few new ideas along the way.

If you are new to cooking, or just need a refresher on the basics, these posts are designed to help you feel more confident in the kitchen. Once you have a handle on a few basic concepts and techniques, you can easily build upon them to create new and exciting recipes and dishes without a second thought.

If you have ever wondered how some people just seem to know how to cook without a recipe or can quickly throw together a meal in a moment’s notice, it’s likely because they have a good grasp of the basics. I want that for you! It’s my hope that every just the basics post helps you feel more comfortable so that you can enjoy your time spent in the kitchen even more!

If you haven’t already be sure to check out the other how-to guides in the series.

Is There a Difference Between Cream Cheese Icing and Cream Cheese Frosting?

Sometimes the words are used interchangeably, but they’re not the same things. Icing is usually made with powdered sugar and milk or water. As a result, it has a thin consistency and is drizzled over recipes.

Meanwhile, frosting contains butter, which creates a richer flavor and a thicker, more spreadable consistency. Cream cheese frosting specifically also contains cream cheese, which creates a uniquely tangy taste. Both icing and frosting are equally tasty and can be used as a topping for cakes, cookies, and more!

Recipe Ingredients

Cream Cheese: make sure to use brick-style cream cheese, not cream cheese from a tub. Full-fat varieties are best!

Butter: the star of the show! I highly recommend using unsalted butter in this recipe so you have control over the flavor. Use a butter that tastes good!

Confectioner’s Sugar: also known as powdered sugar, this helps sweeten the frosting while keeping it smooth and creamy. Granulated sugar will not work for this recipe.

Orange Zest: this is optional but adds a lovely citrusy taste that pairs so well with the brown butter.

Vanilla Extract: this enhances the sweetness and adds delicious vanilla flavor to the frosting.

Salt: just a pinch helps the flavor of the rest of the ingredients.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

cream cheese frosting being whipped with hand mixer

How to Make Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Step One: Add the diced butter to a small skillet or pot. Heat the skillet to medium heat.

Step Two: Make brown butter. To do so, allow the butter to bubble and “cook” until it begins to change from a bright yellow color to a golden brown color. Stir continually as you see the foam start to dissipate and brown bits begin to form in the bottom of the pan. Continue to cook and stir until the butter is golden brown and has a nutty aroma.

Step Three: Remove the butter from the heat, and transfer it to a heat-safe dish. Place it in the fridge to cool.

Step Four: Next, add the cooled butter and cream cheese to a mixing bowl. Beat on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step Five: Add the confectioner’s sugar, orange zest, vanilla, and salt. Beat the frosting on low speed for around 30 seconds to incorporate the ingredients. Then, increase the speed to high, and beat the frosting for another 2 minutes or until it’s fluffy.

Tips and Tricks

Soften the ingredients – allow the cream cheese to sit out and come to room temperature before you begin. This makes for easy mixing and prevents your easy cream cheese frosting from becoming lumpy.
Sift the confectioner’s sugar – this isn’t completely necessary but is a great way to make sure your frosting is completely smooth. It’s particularly useful if you plan on piping your frosting!
Chill the brown butter completely – otherwise, your frosting might melt and become runny.
Thicken the consistency – if you prefer a thicker frosting, beat in extra confectioner’s sugar, using up to 1/4 a cup.

Ways to Use

There are endless ways to use cream cheese frosting! It works great as a topping on a variety of desserts and can even be used in some breakfast recipes to add a touch of sweetness to your morning. Some of my favorite ways to put it to use include:

Can I Use This Recipe for Piping?

Yes! It can be a little difficult to work with because it’s so thick, but if you’re preparing a simple recipe, this brown butter cream cheese frosting works well for piping.

For the best results, transfer it to a piping bag, and let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before you plan on frosting. This will make it much easier to work with!

Also, keep in mind that cream cheese frosting is not super stable and doesn’t hold up well in heat. So, you’ll want to make sure you’re planning on eating your dessert quickly or keep it in the fridge.

How to Store

Once combined, transfer any leftover frosting to an airtight container, and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Can I Freeze?

Yes! Transfer any leftovers to a freezer-safe container, and keep them frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use, thaw your cream cheese frosting in the fridge. Then, beat it for a few seconds to make it nice and creamy again.

I hope you give this post on how to make brown butter cream cheese frosting is helpful! It’s surprisingly easy to make and the perfect addition to so many treats. If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.