Toasted Pecan Brown Sugar Frosting Glaze

Enough to frost one 9-inch layer cake servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 5 m Total: 45 m Beginner
Be the first to rate!
Toasted Pecan Brown Sugar Frosting Glaze
Perfect frosting for a nice change from powdered sugar frosting, this toasted pecan brown sugar glaze brings rich caramel flavor with buttery toasted pecans. The cinnamon adds warmth while the brown sugar creates a unique frosting that sets this apart from traditional buttercream.

Ingredients

Enough to frost one 9-inch layer cake servings
  • 1/4 cup (3 tablespoon) butter
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoon evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar or more if needed
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place pecans in microwave for 1 minute to toast - Set aside
  2. In medium saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar; bring to a boil.
  3. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
  4. Cool 15 minutes. Add milk and vanilla; beat until smooth.
  5. With a mixer beat in enough powdered sugar for desired spreading consistency. Add more powdered sugar if needed. Frost cooled cake or cookies then sprinkle with toasted pecans.
  6. If needed, chilling in refrigerator may help thicken the frosting. If it is too thick add a little more milk.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why did my frosting become grainy?

A: This happens when the brown sugar mixture cools too quickly or isn't fully dissolved. Make sure to stir constantly while cooking and let it cool the full 15 minutes before adding milk. Beat well to ensure smoothness.

Q: My frosting is too thin, what should I do?

A: Add more powdered sugar gradually, 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach spreading consistency. You can also refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to help it thicken up.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes, but it's best made fresh. If you need to make it ahead, store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using. You may need to re-beat it and adjust consistency with a little milk or powdered sugar.

Tips and Techniques

Toast the pecans until fragrant but watch carefully - they can go from toasted to burnt quickly in the microwave. For even better flavor, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes instead. This frosting works beautifully on spice cakes, carrot cakes, or even as a glaze for cinnamon rolls.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • evaporated milk: heavy cream or regular milk
  • pecans: walnuts or skip the nuts entirely
  • brown sugar: white sugar plus 1 tablespoon molasses

Equipment Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer
  • Microwave

Historical Context

Brown sugar frostings have been popular in Southern baking for generations, offering a molasses-rich alternative to traditional white frosting. The addition of toasted pecans reflects Louisiana’s abundance of native pecans and the region’s love of incorporating them into desserts.