Description
Sweet caramel frosting weaves rich, buttery magic across classic desserts. Southern bakers cherish this silky smooth topping that elevates cakes and cupcakes with irresistible golden warmth you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
Consistency Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
Flavor Enhancer:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a medium saucepan and melt butter over gentle heat, ensuring no scorching occurs. Incorporate brown sugar, stirring continuously until completely integrated and dissolved.
- Gradually pour milk into the caramel base, maintaining consistent stirring. Elevate heat to medium, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling point.
- Maintain a steady boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent potential burning or uneven texture. Monitor the mixture’s transformation carefully.
- Remove saucepan from heat source, allowing caramel to cool momentarily. The temperature should remain warm but not excessively hot for subsequent sugar incorporation.
- Introduce powdered sugar incrementally, blending thoroughly after each addition. Utilize a whisk or electric mixer to achieve optimal smoothness and eliminate potential lumps.
- Optional flavor enhancement involves incorporating vanilla extract, which will provide depth and complexity to the caramel profile.
- Apply frosting immediately to preferred baked goods, recognizing that the mixture will progressively thicken as it cools. Work efficiently to maintain ideal spreading consistency.
Notes
- Keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth caramel base without bitter notes.
- Adjust powdered sugar gradually to create the perfect spreadable consistency, testing thickness as you mix for ideal frosting coverage.
- Allow the caramel mixture to cool slightly before adding powdered sugar to prevent graininess and ensure a silky-smooth finish.
- Substitute dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a plant-based version that maintains the rich caramel flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg