Caramel Icing - Mom'S Recipe
A rich, buttery caramel icing with deep caramel flavor, perfect for spreading on cakes. Its quick-hardening texture makes it ideal for special desserts and celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar and buttermilk in an iron fryer and cook until a soft ball forms when dropped in cold water.
- Add soda and stir until the mixture turns brown.
- Add margarine and vanilla.
- Beat until the margarine has melted.
- Quickly spread on cake before it hardens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother icing, ensure the sugar is fully dissolved before adding the baking soda. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Be mindful of the cooking time; overcooking can lead to a hardening icing. If it becomes too thick, a splash of milk can help achieve the right consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This caramel icing is perfect for topping cakes or cupcakes. It pairs beautifully with vanilla or chocolate cakes, and you might consider serving it alongside a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. For a complete meal, serve with Crunchy Veggies as a refreshing side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover caramel icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, stirring frequently until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Ensure it’s not overheated to prevent it from hardening again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Icing - Mom'S Recipe contains roughly 202 calories, with 6g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
What can I do if my caramel icing hardens too quickly?
If your icing hardens before you can spread it, try adding a small amount of milk and gently reheating it to loosen the texture. Stir well to ensure even consistency. Working quickly when spreading it on the cake can also help prevent hardening.
Can I use this icing for cookies?
Yes, this caramel icing can be used for cookies! Just allow it to cool slightly before drizzling over your favorite cookies. It adds a deliciously sweet touch and pairs well with simple cookies like sugar or oatmeal.
How can I make the icing richer?
To enhance the richness of your caramel icing, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. Additionally, you can add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, or stir in some chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
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).