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.

    7. 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.