Aunt Lois' Caramel Icing For 2 Layers
A rich, buttery caramel icing with deep brown sugar flavor, perfect for layering cakes and adding a sweet, smooth finish to desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix brown sugar, butter or margarine, and Pet milk and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 2 minutes.
- Cover and let cool slightly.
- Add baking powder and vanilla flavoring.
- Whip until the mixture starts getting thick.
- If too stiff, add a small amount of Pet milk.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother icing, ensure your butter or margarine is at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have Pet milk, you can substitute with regular evaporated milk or half-and-half. Keep a close eye while boiling to prevent burning, and remember that whipping the icing too long can make it too stiff, so add a little milk if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
This caramel icing is perfect for topping cakes and cupcakes, especially for layered desserts like Aunt Lois' Caramel Icing For 2 Layers. It pairs beautifully with a rich chocolate cake or Vanilla Bean Cupcakes. For a delightful contrast, consider serving it alongside a light Lemon Gelatin Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover caramel icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent it from becoming too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Lois' Caramel Icing For 2 Layers contains roughly 14 calories, with 1g carbohydrates and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 477mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
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 brown sugar substitutes for this recipe?
While light brown sugar provides the best flavor, you can use dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel taste. If you need a sugar substitute, consider using coconut sugar, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How can I make this icing less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the icing, you can blend in a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Additionally, using unsweetened cocoa powder can create a chocolate caramel twist that offsets the sweetness.
Is it possible to make this icing vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this icing vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based margarine and using a non-dairy milk alternative such as almond milk. This will maintain the creamy texture while keeping it suitable for vegan diets.
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).