Brown Butter Vanilla Glaze
This brown butter vanilla glaze is one of my absolute favorites, combining both sweet and rich flavors. While I love a good buttercream frosting, there is just something about a simple glaze that does the trick.
Plus, a glaze is so versatile and, in my opinion underutilized. It sets beautifully on cakes as well as on the tops of cookies or shortbread bars.
You can use it to dip, drizzle, or even smear. Not to mention, the way it hardens so it’s still soft on the inside, but there is a “crust” of sorts to the outside. Ugh, I love her.
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BROWN BUTTER VANILLA GLAZE
There is something about browning butter that adds a deeper richness and flavor to a baked good, giving it an almost nutty (but not) flavor. By browning the butter in this glaze, you cut some of the sweetness of the powdered sugar from the deeper flavor in the butter.
Plus, it gives the most aesthetically pleasing little specs. Add in a little vanilla, and you have a delicious, balanced topping for your favorite cakes and cookies.
What is brown butter? Brown butter is butter that has been melted and cooked until the milk solids separate, sink to the bottom, and turn golden brown. This process creates a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with so many baked goods.
INGREDIENTS
- Browned butter: adds a rich, nutty depth of flavor that sets this glaze apart from a standard vanilla glaze
- Powdered sugar: provides sweetness and creates a smooth, thick glaze consistency
- Milk: thins the glaze to a pourable texture while keeping it creamy
- Vanilla extract: enhances flavor and adds warmth
What can I substitute for milk in this glaze? The milk adds a nice creaminess, but it can be substituted for a dairy-free alternative (almond milk, oat milk, etc.) or simply water.
HOW TO MAKE BROWN BUTTER VANILLA GLAZE
Place your butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat to begin making your brown butter for this vanilla glaze. Swirl the pan every few seconds as the milk solids separate, rise to the top, then sink and turn golden brown, stirring occasionally and watching closely to prevent burning.
Once the butter is deeply golden and fragrant, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes at room temperature. This step helps stabilize the butter before mixing it into your glaze.
In a bowl, combine the browned butter with milk and vanilla extract to build a rich, flavorful base. Sift in the powdered sugar, then whisk until smooth and pourable to create a silky brown butter vanilla glaze perfect for cakes, cookies, and more.
3 reasons you’ll love this brown butter vanilla glaze
TIPS & VARIATIONS
- Once your butter has melted, gently swirl the pan every minute or so and use a spatula to scrape down the sides. This will help those milk solids brown evenly.
- Keep a close eye on your butter as it browns! As soon as it’s the desired color, immediately pour into a heat-safe dish to stop it from browning further
- SIFT! For a smooth brown butter vanilla glaze, sift your powdered sugar into the mixture to prevent any unwanted clumps.
- This recipe pours deliciously over many cakes and cookies. The mini bundt cakes pictured are this cake recipe!
MAKING AHEAD & STORING
This brown butter vanilla glaze should be kept in an airtight container until used. It will keep at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
RECIPES THAT PAIR WITH BROWN BUTTER VANILLA GLAZE
- Carrot Cake
- Single-Layer Cinnamon Olive Oil Cake
- Sweet Potato Bread
- Soft Ginger Cookies
- Homemade Pumpkin Cake
- Quick Apple Cinnamon Scones
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED
Equipment
- Small pot
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 ½ tbsp browned butter melted
- 1 ⅛ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place your butter in a small pot over medium-high heat. Swirl the butter every few seconds. You see the milk solids start to separate and rise to the top (it looks like white fluff). As it cooks, the solids will start to fall to the bottom of the pot and brown. Stir once in a while, and keep a close eye on your pot to prevent burning!
- Once your butter is browned, remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes at room temperature
- In a bowl, add your browned butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Then sift in your powdered sugar and whisk to combine.
- Enjoy!
