Description
Silky smooth caramel frosting elevates classic desserts with rich, golden sweetness. Creamy layers of indulgence promise to delight taste buds and bring comfort to your baking adventures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar, sifted
Liquid Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk or heavy cream
Flavoring:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Initiate caramel preparation by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then incorporate brown sugar, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a bubbling consistency.
- Reduce heat and allow the caramel base to simmer gently for approximately two minutes, maintaining constant stirring to prevent scorching.
- Remove pan from heat source and carefully introduce milk or heavy cream, whisking until achieving a seamless blend. Return to low heat, bringing the mixture to a delicate boil before removing and allowing slight cooling.
- Infuse the caramel with vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to distribute the aromatic flavor evenly.
- Transfer the warm caramel mixture into a mixing vessel, then methodically integrate sifted powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Begin at low speed, gradually increasing to medium to ensure a silky, aerated texture.
- Evaluate the frosting’s consistency, making potential adjustments by introducing small quantities of milk to thin or additional powdered sugar to thicken until reaching optimal spreadability.
- Apply the freshly prepared caramel frosting immediately to preferred baked goods, recognizing that the texture will naturally solidify as it cools to room temperature.
Notes
- Prevent sugar crystallization by stirring constantly during the caramel base simmering process to ensure a smooth, glossy texture.
- Choose high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract for a rich, deep caramel flavor that elevates the entire frosting experience.
- Adjust the consistency carefully by adding milk or powdered sugar incrementally, allowing the frosting to reach the perfect spreadable texture without becoming too runny or stiff.
- Make the frosting dairy-free by substituting coconut cream or almond milk for regular milk, and using vegan butter alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 163
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 37 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg