Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes

Super soft, fluffy Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes made with rich vanilla bean brown butter are perfect for any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday party, a cozy gathering, or just a treat for yourself, these cupcakes stand out with their unique flavor and delightful texture. Topped with a creamy vanilla brown butter frosting, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla bean and brown butter creates a rich and nutty taste that elevates these cupcakes.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just because. These cupcakes fit right in!
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with smooth frosting and perhaps some sprinkles or fruit, they are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite fillings or toppings for an extra personal touch!

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes, having the right tools is key. Prepare your kitchen with the following essentials.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cupcake liners
• Muffin tin

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter by thoroughly mixing the ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for consistent results every time.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding in ingredients without deflating your batter.

Ingredients

Super soft, fluffy vanilla cupcakes made with vanilla bean brown butter. Topped with a vanilla brown butter frosting.

For the Cupcakes

• 3 sticks or 339g unsalted butter (cold is fine)
• 1 vanilla bean (split)
• 220 g or 1 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour
• 200g or 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 90g browned butter
• 1 tablespoon canola oil or any flavorless oil
• 3 large eggs
• 160g or ⅔ cup buttermilk (or kefir)

For the Frosting

• Remaining brown butter (should be about 200g)
• 113g or half a brick cream cheese at room temperature (or sub with 60g or 1/4 cup sour cream)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• 360g or 3 cups powdered sugar (preferably made with tapioca not cornstarch)

How to Make Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it starts to foam. Stir continuously until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare Vanilla Bean Mixture

Scrape out the seeds from the split vanilla bean. Combine these seeds with the cooled browned butter in a mixing bowl.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt until well combined.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together the browned butter mixture and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture along with buttermilk. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 7: Bake

Scoop batter into prepared cupcake liners about two-thirds full. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool before frosting.

Step 8: Make Frosting

In another bowl, beat together remaining browned butter, cream cheese (or sour cream), pure vanilla extract, fine sea salt, and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 9: Frost Cupcakes

Once cupcakes are completely cooled, generously frost them with your brown butter frosting using a piping bag or spatula.

Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes!

How to Serve Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes

Serving Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes is all about enhancing their rich flavors and delightful textures. These cupcakes shine on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience.

With Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a juicy contrast to the rich butter flavor.
• Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest brightens the cupcake’s sweetness and adds a refreshing twist.

Alongside Coffee or Tea

• Espresso: The bold flavor of espresso complements the vanilla notes beautifully, making it a perfect pairing for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing chamomile or mint tea balances the richness of the cupcakes for a relaxing snack.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, creating a creamy texture that blends well with the cupcakes.
• Chocolate Sorbet: For a dairy-free option, chocolate sorbet provides a rich yet refreshing contrast.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy touch that enhances each bite of cupcake.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or almond extract to your whipped cream for an extra flavor boost.

How to Perfect Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes

Perfecting your Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some helpful tips to ensure they turn out just right.

• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter helps achieve the desired texture and prevents over-mixing during preparation.
• Brown the Butter Carefully: Watch your butter closely while browning; it should be nutty and fragrant without burning.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the cake flour and baking powder ensures even distribution and results in lighter cupcakes.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs promotes better mixing and helps create a fluffy batter.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re done!

Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes

When serving Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes, consider these delightful side dishes that complement their flavors. Each option adds something special to your dessert spread.

1. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits enhances freshness and offers a light contrast to rich cupcakes.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese for an interesting savory balance alongside sweet cupcakes.
3. Nut Medley: A mix of roasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans provides crunch and earthiness that pairs well with buttery flavors.
4. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: Sweet and salty pretzels coated in chocolate provide an exciting textural contrast to soft cupcakes.
5. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes offer another creamy dessert option that complements rather than competes with your cupcakes.
6. Caramel Popcorn: Sweet caramel popcorn adds fun crunchiness while echoing the sweetness of the vanilla brown butter flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not browning the butter properly: Ensure you cook the butter until it’s golden brown and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor significantly.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cupcakes. Stir just until combined for a light texture.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold eggs or buttermilk can affect the bake. Bring them to room temperature before mixing.
• Skipping the vanilla bean: While extract is good, using a vanilla bean adds a richer flavor profile that makes a difference. Don’t skip this!
• Not letting cupcakes cool completely: Frosting warm cupcakes can lead to melted frosting. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before decorating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in the refrigerator if you have cream cheese frosting to maintain freshness.

Freezing Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes

• Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Wrap each cupcake individually for better preservation.

Reheating Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cupcakes on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cupcakes on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place cupcakes in a covered pan on low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes.

How do I achieve the best flavor in Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes?

Using high-quality vanilla beans and ensuring your butter is browned correctly will elevate the flavor of your cupcakes significantly.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcake recipe?

Absolutely! You can use different oils or dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream based on your preferences.

What is the best way to frost my Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes?

Use a piping bag with your favorite tip for an elegant finish, or spread frosting with a knife for a more rustic look.

How can I customize my Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes?

Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruits. You could also experiment with different frosting flavors!

Final Thoughts

These Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes are a perfect treat that balances rich flavors and soft textures. They are versatile enough for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon snack. Don’t hesitate to make them your own by experimenting with various frostings and add-ins!