Brown Sugar Buttercream Frosting

 

If you’re looking for a simple homemade frosting with a little something extra, this Brown Sugar Buttercream is an easy twist on classic buttercream. The brown sugar adds a subtle caramel-like flavor that makes this frosting delicious on cakes and cupcakes.

FROSTING INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk or milk substitute

FROSTING DIRECTIONS

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and creamy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
3. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until incorporated.
4. Increase the mixer speed and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk. If it is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
6. Use immediately to frost your favorite cake or cupcakes.

Note: You can substitute Crisco for the butter if you prefer. Crisco-based frosting will hold up better in warm weather, especially if the cake or cupcakes will be served outdoors. You can also use half butter and half Crisco if you like the flavor of butter but want a frosting that holds its shape a little better.

Print Recipe

Brown Sugar Buttercream Frosting

Yield: 24 cupcakes or 1 2-layer cake

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk or milk substitute

DIRECTIONS

• In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and creamy.
• Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
• Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until incorporated.
• Increase the mixer speed and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
• Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk. If it is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
• Use immediately to frost your favorite cake or cupcakes.

Note: You can substitute Crisco for the butter if you prefer. Crisco-based frosting will hold up better in warm weather, especially if the cake or cupcakes will be served outdoors. You can also use half butter and half Crisco if you like the flavor of butter but want a frosting that holds its shape a little better.

Honey Walnut & Pecan Baklava

If you’ve never made baklava before, don’t let all those beautiful layers fool you—it’s easier to make than you might think! This Honey Walnut & Pecan Baklava combines buttery, flaky phyllo dough with crunchy pecans and walnuts, all finished with a warm honey mixture flavored with vanilla and lemon zest.

It’s sweet, crisp, and full of nutty flavor, and the honey soaks into all those delicate layers to make every bite delicious. This is one of those desserts that looks fancy enough for a special occasion but is still simple enough to make at home.

Easy Sausage Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers

 

I use this simple sausage and cheese mixture in all kinds of recipes, but I originally started making it to stuff jalapeño peppers. If you love this filling, be sure to check out my Stuffed Squash & Zucchini recipe here. Even people who don’t usually like squash will love it prepared this way!

The best part? The stuffing only requires three simple ingredients: sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. It really doesn’t get any easier than that!

WHITE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES W/ WHITE CHOCOLATE FORSTING

 

My daughter wanted white chocolate cupcakes for her wedding, so I came up with this simple and delicious recipe. They turned out so well that this recipe has become a favorite!

These cupcakes start with a white cake mix, white chocolate pudding, and white chocolate coffee creamer, which gives them a wonderful white chocolate flavor. The light and fluffy white chocolate frosting makes them extra special.

Butterscotch Cupcakes with Creamy Butterscotch Frosting

Butterscotch brings back so many memories of my childhood. It is one of those old-fashioned flavors that you just do not see as often anymore, which makes it feel even more special.

We did not have many sweets in our house when I was growing up (which is probably why I have such a sweet tooth now!), so even getting a piece of hard candy was a treat. We usually had cinnamon, peppermint, and butterscotch candies, and butterscotch was always my favorite.

Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole: Two Classic Casseroles in One

What happens when two classic comfort-food favorites come together? You get the ultimate casserole mashup! This Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole combines everything you love about traditional green bean casserole with the crispy, golden goodness of tater tot casserole. Tender green beans and creamy, savory sauce are topped with a generous layer of crunchy tater tots, creating a cozy, hearty dish that’s easy to make and seriously delicious.

It’s the best of both casseroles in one bubbly, golden dish—and it’s just as perfect for a busy weeknight dinner as it is for a holiday table or family gathering.