Butterscotch Frosting

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Butterscotch Frosting offers a rich, buttery sweetness with a smooth, creamy texture that enhances cakes and cupcakes. The deep caramel flavor of brown sugar paired with a hint of salt makes it a delightful topping for special occasions or everyday desserts, appealing to frosting lovers and caramel enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 Tbsp. Crisco
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 c. milk
  • 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine brown sugar, butter, Crisco, and salt in a saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  2. Add milk to the saucepan.
  3. Cook over low heat for 3 minutes.
  4. Allow the mixture to cool.
  5. Add powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is thick enough to spread.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother consistency, make sure to fully dissolve the brown sugar before adding the milk. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light. If you don't have Crisco, you can substitute it with more butter for a creamier texture. Be careful not to overcook the frosting, as it can become too thick to spread. This frosting pairs beautifully with Ryan's Fathers Day Cake.

Serving Suggestions

This butterscotch frosting is perfect for spreading on cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. It complements flavors like chocolate and vanilla beautifully, making it an excellent choice for pairing with Yummy Sugar Cookies. For a fun twist, try drizzling it over ice cream or using it as a dip for fruit. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee for a delightful treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover butterscotch frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften. You can also gently rewhip it if it becomes too firm after chilling. Avoid freezing as it may change the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Butterscotch Frosting contains roughly 69 calories, with 0g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 583mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

69 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0g
Total Fat 5g 6% DV
Carbs 6.3g 2% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 6.1g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 582.8mg 25% DV
Potassium 5.4mg
Cholesterol 15mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 3.9mg
Iron 0mg
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
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 make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this butterscotch frosting in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to use it, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir to restore its consistency.

What can I use if I don't have powdered sugar?

If you don't have powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until fine. However, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the quantity slightly to achieve the desired sweetness and consistency for the frosting.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the frosting, you can decrease the amount of powdered sugar. Additionally, incorporating a pinch of cocoa powder can help balance the sweetness without compromising flavor. Just remember to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly to maintain the right consistency.

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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