Easy Penuche Frosting

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 08/26/21
Cupcakes with penuche frosting
Diana Rattray
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 15 mins
Servings: 16 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
150 Calories
6g Fat
25g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16
Amount per serving
Calories 150
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 7%
Saturated Fat 4g 18%
Cholesterol 16mg 5%
Sodium 51mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 25g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 16mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 22mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This easy penuche frosting is cooked on the stovetop for just a few minutes. The frosting has a fudgy texture, and it is fabulous on a butter pecan cake or spice cake. 

Spread it on these butternut squash cupcakes or brown sugar cupcakes. If the frosting is too firm, add a little hot water. To smooth the frosting, dip your spatula or knife in hot water as you spread.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar, more or less

  • Hot water, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add the brown sugar. Bring to a boil and lower heat to medium-low. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

  2. Add the milk and bring back to a boil, stirring constantly.

  3. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool to lukewarm.

  4. Gradually add sifted confectioners' sugar while beating until thick enough to spread. If too thick, add a little hot water.

  5. Makes enough frosting to cover the top and sides of a 2-layer cake or a 13x9-inch cake.

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