Description
Classic Caramel Frosting delivers rich, buttery sweetness perfect for layered cakes and cupcake toppings. Rich caramel notes complement chocolate and spice desserts, offering you delightful indulgence with each creamy spread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Caramel Foundation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then blend brown sugar, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes a rich, bubbling concoction.
- Simmering Stage: Reduce heat and let the caramel base simmer gently for two minutes, constantly stirring to prevent burning, creating a deep golden liquid.
- Liquid Fusion: Remove from heat and whisk in milk or heavy cream until seamlessly integrated. Return to low heat, bringing to a gentle boil, then remove and allow slight cooling to stabilize the caramel’s molecular structure.
- Flavor Enhancement: Infuse the caramel with vanilla extract, ensuring thorough distribution of the aromatic essence throughout the mixture.
- Texture Refinement: Transfer the warm caramel to a mixing bowl and gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Start at low speed, progressively increasing to medium to achieve a silky, cloud-like consistency.
- Final Calibration: Assess the frosting’s texture, fine-tuning with minimal milk additions to thin or extra powdered sugar to thicken, aiming for an ideal spreading consistency.
- Culinary Completion: Apply the freshly crafted caramel frosting immediately to your desired baked creation, understanding the natural setting process as it cools to room temperature.
Notes
- Prevent Scorching: Stir continuously during caramel base preparation to avoid burning sugar and creating bitter flavors.
- Control Consistency: Adjust frosting thickness by adding milk or powdered sugar gradually, ensuring perfect spreadable texture.
- Temperature Matters: Work quickly when applying frosting, as it sets and hardens rapidly when cooling to room temperature.
- Smooth Blending Technique: Use electric mixer at low speed initially, then increase to medium for creating silky, lump-free caramel frosting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 128
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 41 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg