Description
Silky caramel frosting elevates classic desserts with rich, golden sweetness. Smooth layers of indulgent flavor will delight you, making each bite a luxurious celebration of culinary craftsmanship.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter
- 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
Flavor Enhancer:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, gently melt butter over low heat, incorporating brown sugar and stirring continuously until completely smooth and dissolved without scorching.
- Gradually introduce milk into the butter-sugar mixture, raising heat to medium and stirring consistently until the mixture reaches a gentle, rolling boil.
- Maintain a steady boil for 2-3 minutes, constantly stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening of the caramel base.
- Remove from heat and allow the caramel to cool momentarily, ensuring the temperature remains warm enough to integrate powdered sugar smoothly.
- Systematically fold in powdered sugar, using a whisk or electric mixer to create a velvety, lump-free texture. Adjust sugar quantity to achieve desired frosting consistency and spreadability.
- Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to distribute the aromatic essence throughout the frosting.
- Apply the frosting immediately while warm and pliable, understanding that the mixture will naturally firm up and thicken as it cools to room temperature.
Notes
- Prevent Sugar Crystallization by stirring constantly and keeping heat low when melting butter and brown sugar to ensure smooth, lump-free caramel base.
- Adjust Consistency by adding powdered sugar gradually, checking thickness after each addition to create perfect spreadable frosting that isn’t too runny or stiff.
- Work Quickly since caramel frosting sets fast, so have cake or cupcakes ready and frost immediately after reaching desired texture to maintain optimal spreadability.
- Temperature Matters when cooling the caramel mixture – it should be warm enough to incorporate powdered sugar but not hot enough to cause sugar to seize or become grainy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 109 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 32 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 14 mg