Lana'S Magic Caramel Icing
Lana's Magic Caramel Icing creates a creamy, rich caramel flavor perfect for cakes and desserts, offering a smooth texture that enhances sweet treats for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, buttermilk, shortening, and soda in a large (tall) saucepan and mix well.
- Cook to soft-ball stage, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
- Beat the mixture until creamy and thick enough to spread.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a perfect caramel consistency, ensure your mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, which is about 234-240°F (112-115°C). If you prefer a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. For a lighter texture, you can use half the sugar and add a bit of honey. This icing is delightful on cakes like Domoco Delight Cake or even drizzled over Breakfast Crisp Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Lana's Magic Caramel Icing is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or even pancakes. Consider pairing it with Grated Zucchini Pancakes for a delicious brunch option. Drizzle it over ice cream for a decadent dessert or use it as a filling for Jane's Praline Cookies to create an indulgent treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a spreadable consistency again. Avoid overheating, as this can cause it to harden.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lana'S Magic Caramel Icing contains roughly 780 calories, with 8g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and calcium (14% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk. To mimic buttermilk's acidity, add one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk and let it sit for five minutes before using. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the icing.
How do I know when the icing is ready to be beaten?
The icing is ready to be beaten once it reaches the soft-ball stage, which you can test by dropping a small amount into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a soft ball that you can easily flatten, it’s time to remove it from the heat and start beating until creamy.
Is this icing suitable for vegan diets?
This recipe is not suitable for vegan diets due to the use of buttermilk and shortening. However, you can use plant-based milk and a vegan shortening or coconut oil as substitutes to create a vegan version of this icing. Adjust the sugar content if using sweetened plant milk.
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).