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Brown sugar icing spread over a freshly baked cake

Brown Sugar Icing Recipe: Perfectly Sweet Treats5. How long will this frosting keep?Brown Sugar Icing Recipe: Perfectly Sweet Treats

This brown sugar icing is rich, fluffy, and lightly spiced—perfect for holiday cupcakes, apple cakes, or cinnamon muffins. Made with melted brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it whips up into a smooth, sweet topping that’s both comforting and decadent.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Enough for 24 cupcakes or 1 two-layer cake 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cup light brown sugar

  • 4 tbsp heavy whipping cream (plus more as needed)

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (adjust to taste)

  • Pinch of nutmeg

  • 4 sticks (1 lb) unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (clear or regular)

  • Salt, to taste

  • 6 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: In a small saucepan over very low heat, combine brown sugar and heavy cream. Stir continuously for about 10 minutes to prevent caramelizing.
Step 2: Add 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Stir until melted. Sprinkle in cinnamon and nutmeg to your preference. Remove from heat once bubbling starts at the edges. Let cool to room temperature.
Step 3: In a mixer with a paddle attachment, beat softened butter until creamy.
Step 4: Add the cooled brown sugar mixture. Start mixing on low, then increase speed and beat for about 4 minutes.
Step 5: Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, starting on low speed.
Step 6: Whip until light and fluffy. Add extra cream to loosen texture if needed.

Notes

  • Taste and adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt as desired.

  • Extra whipping adds a fluffier, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

 

  • Use clear vanilla to keep the icing lighter in color.

  • Author: Emilie Faivre
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Cuisine: American