Brown Sugar Buttercream Frosting

Sep 27, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Frostings fillings toppings Origin: Madagascar Vanilla: Extract Easy

Cupcakes piped with brown sugar buttercream frosting

A fluffy, pipeable brown sugar buttercream frosting for cakes and cupcakes. Best with Madagascar vanilla (rich, creamy, classic); any pure vanilla works. Makes about 3 1/2 cups; frosts 24 cupcakes or a two-layer 8-inch cake.

Prep 15 min

Cook —

Total 15 min

Yield 24 cupcakes

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

cupcakes

1.0 cup (227.0 g)unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
3 ½ cups (420.0 g)confectioners' sugar, sifted
3.0 tbsp (45.0 ml)heavy cream, plus more as needed
¼ tspfine sea salt
½ cup (106.0 g)light brown sugar, packed
2.0 tsp (10.0 ml)VanillaGoods pure vanilla extract

Make it at home

As an Amazon Associate, VanillaGoods earns from qualifying purchases. We only suggest tools that fit this recipe.

Instructions

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the butter and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until pale and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. The brown sugar should feel only slightly gritty.
With the mixer on low, add the confectioners' sugar and salt about 1 cup at a time, then add the cream and vanilla. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add more cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed for a smooth, spreadable frosting.
Use right away, or cover and keep at room temperature for up to 2 hours; beat briefly before using.

Tips

Soft butter is key: it should hold a fingerprint but not look shiny or greasy (about 65°F).
Vanilla swap: use vanilla bean paste 1:1 in place of the extract for visible specks, or the seeds of 1 vanilla bean for each tablespoon of extract.
Best vanilla for this: Madagascar (rich, creamy, classic), or Mexican (spiced, warm, woodsy). Any pure vanilla works.
Storage: Refrigerate airtight for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature and beat until fluffy before using.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make brown sugar buttercream frosting?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep. It makes about 3 1/2 cups; frosts 24 cupcakes or a two-layer 8-inch cake.

How should I store brown sugar buttercream frosting?

Refrigerate airtight for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature and beat until fluffy before using.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

use vanilla bean paste 1:1 in place of the extract for visible specks, or the seeds of 1 vanilla bean for each tablespoon of extract.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 24 servings this recipe makes.

160 Calories / serving

8.3g Fat

21.9g Carbs

0.1g Protein

21.5g Sugar

Whole recipe (24 servings): ~3840 cal · 199g fat · 526g carbs · 2g protein · 516g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 160 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 30 min·1.8 mi·~3500 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 22 min·1.1 mi·~2200 steps
Moderate cycling 16 min·3.2 mi
Swimming laps 22 min
Jogging 16 min·1.3 mi·~2550 steps
Stair climbing 15 min·~1350 steps
Dancing 26 min
Bodyweight circuit training 16 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 37 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.