How to Make Brown Sugar Buttercream Frosting

This is not the usual buttercream frosting. This frosting is the only one I use for my apple cake, (See How to Make Easy Autumn Apple Cake), and is made with brown sugar, rather than white sugar. It has just the right amount of brown sugar flavor to perfectly complement the apples and spices in the cake. It will also work for other cakes, such as pumpkin cake, spice cake, etc. It's simple and quick and here's how to make it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 & 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1. 
    
   Brown sugar will make a special frosting for a special cake

   In a heatproof bowl set over (not in) a pan of simmering water, whisk together 4 egg whites, 1 cup packed light brown sugar and and 1/4 teaspoon salt until sugar has dissolved; remove from heat. Do not allow this mixture to cook, or the eggs will set.

2. 
    
   Beat until fluffy and cooled

   Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat mixture until fluffy and cooled, about 15 minutes. Then, increase mixer speed to high, and beat until stiff peaks form. If the buttercream separates, continue beating and it will come together.

3. 
    
   Beat in the butter pieces

   Reduce speed to medium-low; gradually add butter pieces,a few at a time, beating until fully incorporated, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• For ease in cutting the butter into small pieces, cut butter when it is cold. Then allow it to rise to room temperature while preparing the rest of the mixture, adding in the butter as the last ingredient.

[nancycarol]

on 10/5/2009 This brown sugar frosting goes so well on the Easy Autumn Apple Cake. Try it and enjoy. Thanks for your comment and rating.

[nanamusicgirl]

on 10/5/2009 This is fabulous icing!!!! I love buttercream!
5 stars

[lynsuz12]

on 10/1/2009 Awesome. Never heard of brown sugar buttercream frosting.I bet it is great on apple cake. Thanks. Adding to favorites. Apple season near and it always calls for fresh apple cake.

[Nephilian]

on 9/22/2009 Anything about desserts is in my favorites. This sounds great!

[nancycarol]

on 9/17/2009 Thanks for your comment and rating on How to Make Brown Sugar Buttercream.