Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes
Vanilla Brown Butter Cupcakes are rich, moist, and perfectly sweet cupcakes featuring the warm, nutty flavor of browned butter combined with classic vanilla. These cupcakes offer a tender crumb and balanced sweetness, ideal for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant parties.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard (gluten-free version possible with flour substitution)
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (browned)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs until smooth and slightly pale. Add the cooled brown butter, vanilla extract, and whole milk, stirring until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently to maintain a light, tender batter without overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a cupcake pan lined with paper liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting or serving.
Notes
- Watch your butter closely: Brown butter can burn quickly, so stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as it’s golden and aromatic.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes fluffy and tender.
- Cool cupcakes before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: vanilla, brown butter, cupcakes, moist, nutty, dessert, baking, homemade