Description
Grandma’s classic caramel frosting recipe blends rich brown sugar with creamy butter for an irresistible topping. Sweet Southern comfort awaits those who embrace this nostalgic dessert companion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
Sweetening Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, ensuring even heating and preventing scorching.
- Incorporate brown sugar and continuously stir for 2 minutes, creating a rich caramel base that develops deep flavor complexity.
- Introduce milk to the caramel mixture, gently raising temperature until a soft boil emerges, then immediately remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Allow the caramel mixture to cool for several minutes, reducing temperature to prevent powdered sugar from clumping.
- Gradually integrate powdered sugar, whisking methodically to eliminate lumps and achieve a silky, uniform texture.
- Infuse vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to distribute the aromatic essence throughout the frosting.
- Let the frosting rest and cool, periodically testing consistency until it reaches a smooth, spreadable state ideal for coating cakes or cupcakes.
Notes
- Prevent lumpy frosting by sifting powdered sugar before adding to ensure a silky smooth texture.
- Adjust consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin, creating the perfect spreading technique.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, brown the butter slightly longer before adding brown sugar, developing a rich, nutty undertone.
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, gently reheating and stirring before use to restore spreadability.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 249
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 44 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg