Description
This Old-Fashioned Boiled Brown Sugar Frosting has a fudgy, caramel-like texture when set and is perfect on spice cake, chocolate cake, banana cake, or simple yellow cake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark; light for milder caramel, dark for deeper flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
- In a medium saucepan (use one with high sides to prevent boiling over), combine the brown sugar and heavy cream. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth.
- Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, continue for 1-2 minutes (or until it reaches a soft-ball stage if you test a drop in cold water—it should form a soft ball). Don’t overcook, or it may harden too much.
- Remove from heat immediately.
- Let it cool slightly until it’s warm but not scalding hot; it thickens as it cools.
- Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon for several minutes. It will lighten in color and become thicker and creamier as you beat.
- While beating, add the pinch of salt and vanilla extract.
- Use immediately while it’s warm and spreadable, it sets as it cools