Rich Butterscotch Frosting with Deep Brown Sugar Flavor
Made with butter, dark brown sugar, cream, and milk, my butterscotch frosting delivers that rich, old-fashioned flavor you usually only get from homemade pudding. The base cooks briefly on the stovetop to develop a deep toffee-like flavor, then whips into a smooth, glossy frosting in about 20 minutes. It spreads easily and pairs especially well with apple cake, banana cake, or any dessert that needs more than a basic vanilla finish.
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 20 minutes minutes
Servings 18
Calories 254kcal
- 1 cup butter cut into pieces
- 2 cups dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Add butter, brown sugar, salt, cream and milk to a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Cook until the sugar has melted and a thermometer reads 225º, about 2-3 minutes. Pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer and allow to cool until it is warm but not hot, about 10 minutes.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat on high until it is smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add more powdered sugar or cream to get the consistency you need. If piping refrigerate for about 30 minutes to thicken it.
Yield
Enough for a 3 layer cake, 18 cupcakes, or a 9 x 13 sheet cake.
Storage
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature and stir before using.
- Make ahead: This frosting can be made a day in advance and chilled. Beat it briefly before frosting your cake to bring back the fluffiness.
- Freezing: You can pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then re-whip before using to restore the texture.