Browned Butter Buttercream {Recipe}

When I first started writing this post, the only thing that popped into my head to say about this buttercream was a Frozen reference (I'm not obsessed...): browned butter and buttercream are both so intense, put them together, it just makes sense! It is completely cheesy, but I had to use it because it is so true. I love buttercream and I love browned butter, so it only made sense to use browned butter for buttercream.

If you have never heard of browned butter (you are missing out), it is butter that has been cooked until it is a golden brown color and smells and tastes like nutty, toffee-y goodness. This is what it looks like in its solid form:

 Look at that beautiful layer of golden deliciousness.

Anyway, this buttercream is seriously amazing. I don't want to make buttercream with plain, boring butter anymore. After you try it, you won't either.

Browned Butter Buttercream
{Printer Version Here}
Source: Once Upon a Tier original.

Ingredients:
3 sticks salted butter
1 1/2 pounds powdered sugar
5-6 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract  

Directions:
1. Brown the butter. Place the butter into a saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir the butter until it starts to turn a golden brown (it will get very foamy before it starts to turn color). When the butter is golden brown and smells like toffee, remove it from the heat. Let the butter sit until cool. If you're like me, you will want to drink it at this stage. Instead, pour the butter into a container lined with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator until it is the consistency of softened butter (or refrigerate in until solid and then take out to soften).

2. Make the buttercream. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened browned butter on medium speed until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and beat on low speed for 30 seconds. With the mixer still on, add the vanilla and milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the buttercream is the consistency you are looking for.

Enjoy!