Easy Penuche Icing

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Cuisine: American

Creamy and rich, this easy penuche icing features the warm flavors of brown sugar and butter, making it perfect for topping cakes, cookies, or brownies. Its smooth texture and sweet caramel notes appeal to those who love classic, indulgent confections and are looking for a simple homemade frosting.

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Ingredients

  • 1 stick oleo, melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 box powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine melted oleo and brown sugar in a saucepan, stirring constantly, over medium-low heat until brought to a boil.
  2. Boil for one minute. Add milk, stirring constantly.
  3. Bring to a second boil and remove from heat; cool.
  4. Mix in powdered sugar.
  5. If the icing is too thick, add small amounts of evaporated milk until desired consistency is reached.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, ensure the oleo is fully melted before mixing with the brown sugar. If you want a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light. For a fun twist, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance the taste. This icing is perfect for drizzling over desserts like Caramel Krispie Treats or Cream Cheese Cake Squares.

Serving Suggestions

This penuche icing is delicious on cakes, cupcakes, or even drizzled over pancakes for a sweet breakfast treat. It pairs beautifully with Berry Muffins or can be used as a filling for Poor Man'S Cookie. For a delightful dessert spread, consider serving it alongside some fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover penuche icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place the icing in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it thickens too much, add a little milk or evaporated milk to loosen it.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Penuche Icing contains roughly 390 calories, with 2g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value).

390 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.7g 3% DV
Total Fat 2.8g 4% DV
Carbs 91.8g 33% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 84.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 96.9mg 4% DV
Potassium 143.6mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 1.5mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 47mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 3.9mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 152.5mg 12% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal 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 oleo?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for oleo in this recipe. However, the flavor may vary slightly depending on the brand of margarine used. It's best to choose a margarine with a similar fat content to ensure the icing maintains the right consistency.

What can I do if my icing is too runny?

If your penuche icing turns out too runny, you can gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness. Alternatively, you can let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to thicken naturally, or refrigerate it briefly to firm it up.

Can I make this icing in advance?

Yes, you can make penuche icing in advance. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, gently reheat it to achieve a pourable consistency. This makes it convenient for last-minute dessert preparations.

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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