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–+ servings
Brown Sugar Frosting from Mrs Polikowsky
Brown Sugar Frosting is a classic vintage icing recipe beloved for its rich, caramel-like flavor and smooth texture. Unlike modern buttercream, this frosting is cooked on the stove, allowing the sugars to dissolve fully and create a silky finish. It pairs beautifully with spice cakes, banana bread, chocolate cupcakes, or old-fashioned coffee cakes. Popular in mid-20th-century American baking, this recipe achieves a balance of sweetness and creaminess without being overly heavy, making it a timeless go-to for home bakers.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 3 tbsp vegetable shortening
  • pinch salt
  • ⅓ cup milk

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

  • In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, white sugar, shortening, salt, and milk.
  • Stir until well mixed.

Step 2: Cook the Frosting

  • Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
  • Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Boil Briefly

  • Once boiling, cook for 1 minute at a steady boil without stirring further.

Step 4: Cool and Beat

  • Remove from heat and let the frosting cool slightly.
  • Stir or beat until thickened and smooth, ready for spreading.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

  • Spread over cooled cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.

Tips

  • Beat frosting briefly after cooling slightly for a lighter, fluffier texture.
  • Add ½ teaspoon vanilla for classic caramel-vanilla flavor.
  • Substitute evaporated milk for deeper, richer caramel notes.
  • A small pat of butter (1 to 2 Tbsp) can be added for extra gloss and flavor.
  • If frosting crystallizes, rewarm gently and stir until smooth.
  • Spread while warm; it sets quickly as it cools.
  • Add pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice variation.
  • Use as filling between cake layers or as a warm glaze for brownies.
  • For thicker texture, boil a few seconds longer; for thinner glaze, add a teaspoon of milk.
  • Works especially well on spice cake, apple cake, or banana cake.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 1gFat: 2.5gSaturated Fat: 1.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 40mgSugar: 31gVitamin A: 15IUCalcium: 35mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword boiled frosting, brown sugar frosting, cake icing, classic dessert frosting, heirloom recipe, homemade frosting, old fashioned, vintage
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