Description
Indulge in a luxurious Old Fashioned Caramel Icing, elevated with aromatic cardamom and crunchy toasted pistachios. This homemade icing is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 115g (0.5 cup) Unsalted Butter, Softened: Ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth base.
- 100g (0.5 cup) Light Brown Sugar, Packed: Adds a subtle molasses flavor.
- 250g (2 cups) Powdered Sugar, Sifted: Prevents lumps and ensures smooth incorporation.
- 60ml (0.25 cup) Heavy Cream, plus 15ml (1 tbsp) extra: Provides a luscious texture; extra for consistency.
- 5ml (1 tsp) Alcohol-free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
- 2g (0.5 tsp) Ground Cardamom: Adds a warm, aromatic spice.
- 2g (0.25 tsp) Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 30g (0.25 cup) Pistachios, Toasted and Finely Chopped: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- 2g (1 tsp) Fresh Orange Zest, for garnish: Provides a bright, citrusy aroma.
Instructions
- Melt Butter & Sugar: Combine butter and brown sugar, melt and dissolve over medium heat.
- Create Caramel Base: Whisk in heavy cream, simmer for 3 minutes to thicken.
- Infuse with Flavor: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, cardamom, and salt.
- Cool to Lukewarm: Cool mixture to 86°F before adding powdered sugar.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, whisk until smooth.
- Adjust Consistency: Add extra cream if too thick, whisking well.
- Add Pistachio Swirl: Gently fold in toasted pistachios.
- Chill & Firm: Refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Pipe & Garnish: Pipe onto treats, garnish with pistachios and orange zest.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature butter and sift the powdered sugar. Toasting the pistachios enhances their flavor. Adjust cream to achieve desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: caramel icing,cardamom,pistachio,homemade icing,buttercream,dessert,baking,cake,cupcakes