Fluffy Brown Butter Vanilla Cupcakes with Creamy Frosting
These fluffy brown butter vanilla cupcakes with creamy frosting are perfect for any celebration, offering a rich, nutty flavor paired with a smooth vanilla buttercream.
Equipment
- 1 saucepan for browning butter
- 1 electric mixer for batter and frosting
- 1 cupcake pan lined with paper liners
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
Vanilla Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
Preparation
- In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and let cool.
- In a large bowl, cream the cooled brown butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and fill each two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and cream to desired consistency.
Serving
- Once cooled, frost each cupcake with the prepared buttercream. Serve immediately or store as needed.
Storage
- Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Frosted cupcakes should be refrigerated and consumed within 5 days.
Notes
Pro Tips: Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Brown butter carefully to avoid burning. Ingredient Substitutions: Use milk with lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute. How to Serve: Best served fresh alongside coffee or tea. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Make-Ahead Tips: Cupcakes can be made a day in advance and frosted before serving.