This Old-Fashioned Caramel Icing is a rich and buttery classic that adds a touch of nostalgia to any cake. Made with simple ingredients, this icing creates a smooth and decadent caramel flavor that’s perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Classic Caramel Flavor: The rich, golden brown caramel is achieved by browning sugar in a skillet, giving this icing its signature taste.
- Perfect Texture: Soft and spreadable, this icing sets beautifully on cakes or cupcakes.
- Timeless Recipe: Passed down through generations, this recipe brings old-fashioned goodness to your modern kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups white granulated sugar: Sweetens the icing and helps form the caramel.
- 1 1/3 cups white whole milk: Adds creaminess to the icing and balances the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 sticks cold butter (never margarine): Provides richness and a smooth texture.
- 5 tablespoons white granulated sugar: Used for browning to create the caramel base.
Instructions:
1. Combine Sugar and Milk:
- In a heavy saucepan, combine 3 cups of sugar and 1 1/3 cups of milk over medium heat.
- Stir together for a few minutes until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture heats up.
2. Brown the Sugar:
- In a small black iron skillet, add the 5 tablespoons of sugar over medium to medium-high heat.
- Stir the sugar constantly as it melts and begins to turn golden brown. This process creates a deep caramel flavor.
- Once the sugar is fully liquified and bubbling hot, remove it from the heat.
3. Mix the Caramel with the Milk and Sugar:
- Carefully pour the browned sugar into the hot milk and sugar mixture in the saucepan. Be cautious as it may bubble up.
- Whisk the mixture together and continue to cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the icing reaches the very soft ball stage.
- Tip: To test for the soft ball stage, drop a small amount of the mixture from a spoon into a glass of cool water. If it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.
4. Beat in the Butter:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Using an electric mixer, beat in 1 1/2 sticks of cold butter until fully combined and smooth. The butter will help cool and thicken the icing.
5. Cool and Spread:
- Continue beating the icing until it cools down to a spreading consistency.
- Tip: If the icing becomes too thick, you can thin it out by beating in milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Ice Your Cake:
- Ensure your cake is completely cooled before spreading the caramel icing over it. This icing is heavy and may cause the top of a warm cake to split, but it’ll still taste amazing!
Old-Fashioned Caramel Icing
This rich and creamy caramel icing is made with simple ingredients and has a classic, old-fashioned flavor. The perfect topping for cakes, cupcakes, or any other dessert. Enjoy this indulgent frosting for a special touch.
Ingredients
3 c white granulated sugar
1 1/3 c white whole milk
1 1/2 stick cold butter
5 Tbsp white granulated sugar
Directions
- Combine 3 cups sugar and milk in a heavy sauce pan on medium heat. Stir together for a few minutes. Allow to continue to heat.
- While milk and sugar are heating, place a small black iron skillet on med. to med. high heat. Add the 5 tablespoons on sugar. Stir in the skillet until the sugar liquifies and then turns golden brown. It will be bubbling hot.
- Now the milk and sugar should be very hot. Carefully pour in the browned sugar from the skillet. Whisk together and cook for about 15 minutes or until the mixture reached the very soft ball stage. (test by dropping a little off a spoon into a small glass of cool water. When a small soft ball forms, it’s ready.)
- Remove from heat and using an electric mixer, mix in 1 and 1/2 sticks cold butter…never margarine!
- Continue to beat until cooled to spreading consistency.
- If too thick, you can thin by beating in milk a tablespoon at a time.
- Make sure your cake in completely cooled or this heavy icing may cause the top to split. It’ll still taste super though!
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: This caramel icing is perfect for classic yellow cakes, pound cakes, or even cupcakes. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent treat.
- Storage: Store any leftover icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If needed, you can reheat it slightly to soften before spreading.
Conclusion:
This Old-Fashioned Caramel Icing is the ultimate comfort food for any sweet tooth. With its rich caramel flavor and buttery smooth texture, it’s sure to bring warmth and happiness to your kitchen. Enjoy the timeless sweetness of this classic recipe, and if you love it, stay tuned for more of my old-fashioned favorites! 🍰