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brown sugar icing

Brown Sugar Icing Recipe: All You Need to Know

This brown sugar icing is rich, buttery, and laced with warm caramel flavor. Perfect for drizzling over cakes, cookies, or breads, it’s an old-fashioned favorite made quickly on the stovetop with simple ingredients.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Enough to frost one 8-inch cake

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 stick unsalted butter

  • 2 cups brown sugar (light or dark)

  • 1 cup evaporated milk (shake can before using)

  • 1 tsp butter vanilla flavoring

  • 1 tsp cookie nip flavoring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a heavy-bottom saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Add brown sugar and stir until fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Slowly pour in evaporated milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Keep stirring over low heat, scraping the bottom regularly to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Add butter vanilla and cookie nip. Stir to blend flavors.
Step 6: Raise heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes until thickened before using.

Notes

  • Don’t leave the pot unattended—constant stirring is key.

  • Wooden spoon or a sturdy whisk is best for stirring.

  • Icing thickens as it cools and can be reheated gently if needed.

  • Great for spice cake, banana bread, or pumpkin bars.

 

  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for variation.

  • Author: Emilie Faivre
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Cuisine: American Southern Comfort