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Brown Butter Cupcakes recipe

Brown Butter Cupcakes

Emma F., smiling female cake chef wearing a pastel pink apron in a cozy kitchenEmma F.
Rich and nutty brown butter cupcakes perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
cooling 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 cupcake tin with paper liners
  • 1 saucepan
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large

Ingredients
  

Cupcake Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup milk

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter browned
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and nutty. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Once browned, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the cooled brown butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla. In another bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners and fill each cup two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the browned butter with powdered sugar. Add milk and vanilla, beating until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.

Serving

  • Once cupcakes are completely cool, spread the frosting generously over each cupcake. Optionally, top with toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel.

Storage

  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

Pro Tips: For the best results, use a light-colored pan to brown the butter, allowing you to monitor the color change closely. Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nutty twist. How to Serve: Serve these cupcakes with a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated experience. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep refrigerated for up to a week for extended freshness. Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the brown butter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Keyword brown butter cupcakes, Brown Butter Frosting, nutty cupcakes