A Favorite Icing

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Cuisine: American

A rich, caramel-like icing with brown sugar and vanilla, perfect for loaf cakes and cinnamon rolls, adding a sweet, buttery flavor that enhances baked treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 5 Tbsp. milk
  • 1/4 cup butter or oleo
  • 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine brown sugar, milk, and butter in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in sifted powdered sugar and vanilla until well blended.
  4. Let the icing cool slightly before spreading over cakes or cinnamon rolls.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. You can substitute the milk with cream for a creamier texture. If you want to make this icing a bit thicker, you can add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency. This icing pairs beautifully with Two Way Brownies for a delightful dessert experience.

Serving Suggestions

This icing is perfect for drizzling over cakes, especially chocolate or vanilla cakes, and cinnamon rolls. For a fun twist, try using it as a dip for fruit or pretzels. It also complements desserts such as Apple Pie, adding a sweet finish to your meal. Enjoy your creations with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature and stir well before spreading. If it has thickened too much, you can gently reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds, stirring in between until smooth.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of A Favorite Icing contains roughly 561 calories, with 4g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.

561 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 7.9g 10% DV
Carbs 84.2g 31% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 68g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 202.4mg 9% DV
Potassium 266.4mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 7.4mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 112.8mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 9.2mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 268.3mg 21% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter in this icing recipe. It will still provide a good consistency and flavor, although the taste may differ slightly. Ensure that the margarine is softened to blend well with the other ingredients.

How can I make this icing chocolate-flavored?

To make a chocolate version of this icing, simply add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder along with the sifted powdered sugar. Adjust the quantity based on your desired chocolate intensity, and you may need to add a little extra milk to achieve the right consistency.

Can I freeze this icing?

Freezing the icing is not recommended, as it may change the texture when thawed. However, if you have a large batch, you can refrigerate it for short-term storage. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before using it again to ensure it spreads smoothly.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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