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–+ servings
Broiled Nut Frosting
Broiled Nut Frosting is a classic vintage topping that adds an irresistible caramelized crunch to cakes and bars. Popular in mid-20th-century American baking, it’s often used atop angel food or spice cakes, giving a sweet, buttery layer with toasted nuts that bubble and brown beautifully under the broiler. This frosting transforms simple cakes into nostalgic, old-fashioned desserts with a golden nutty glaze reminiscent of pecan praline or brown sugar toffee. The heat from broiling caramelizes the sugar and cream, creating a luscious, glossy surface that hardens slightly as it cools, delivering both creamy richness and satisfying crunch in every bite.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Course frostings
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tbsp cream
  • ½ cup nuts (chopped, pecans or walnuts)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Ingredients

  • In a small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and cream. Cream together until smooth and well blended.

Step 2: Add Nuts

  • Stir in chopped nuts until evenly coated.

Step 3: Spread Over Cake

  • Spread the frosting evenly over a warm baked cake.

Step 4: Broil

  • Place cake under the broiler about 5 inches from the flame.
  • Broil for 2–3 minutes or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

  • Allow to cool slightly before serving to set the frosting.

Tips

  • Use chopped pecans, walnuts, or mixed nuts as suggested “½ c nuts, blanched” on the card.
  • Spread frosting over a warm cake for best absorption and texture.
  • Place cake about 5 inches from broiler flame as written to avoid burning while bubbling the topping.
  • Watch closely during broiling, this topping can burn quickly in seconds once bubbling.
  • Add a pinch of salt to enhance caramel flavor if desired.
  • Substitute cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half if needed.
  • For extra richness, use dark brown sugar to deepen the toffee flavor.
  • Try on cupcakes, snack cakes, or banana bread for variation.
  • Toast the nuts lightly beforehand for stronger nut flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 1gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword broiled frosting, brown sugar, cake topping, heirloom recipe, nuts, quick frosting, vintage recipe
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