Description
Indulgent caramel frosting brings sweet, buttery richness to classic desserts with Southern charm. Cream cheese and brown sugar create a luxurious spread perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and bakers who crave intense flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1/4 cup milk
Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Flavoring:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to transform into a golden liquid.
- Incorporate brown sugar and continuously stir for 2 minutes, creating a rich, bubbling mixture.
- Pour milk into the caramel base, increasing heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil, then immediately remove from heat source.
- Allow the caramel blend to cool for several minutes, reducing its temperature to prevent sugar crystallization.
- Gradually introduce powdered sugar, whisking vigorously to create a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Infuse the frosting with vanilla extract, stirring until the flavor is thoroughly integrated.
- Let the caramel frosting rest and thicken at room temperature, periodically checking its spreadable texture.
- Once the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency, carefully apply to cooled cakes or cupcakes using an offset spatula.
- For optimal results, serve or decorate immediately while the frosting maintains its perfect creamy texture.
Notes
- Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the richest caramel flavor.
- Monitor the butter and brown sugar closely to prevent burning, stirring constantly during the 2-minute cooking process.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your powdered sugar is certified gluten-free.
- Cool the frosting just enough to thicken but not completely set, allowing for smooth spreading on baked goods.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 181
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 39 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg