This fabulous Old Fashioned Caramel Frosting is easy to make, and is delicious. It is a basic frosting that should be in the recipe repertoire of every cook or baker. Not only is it the traditional frosting for the classic Kentucky Jam Cake, it is great on all kinds of cookies, brownies, other flavors of cake, and even sweet breads. Anytime a caramel topping or frosting is needed to complement a dish, this is certainly the one.

It can be made into a glaze by thinning down with additional half and half, making it perfect to drizzle on a bundt cake. Toasted pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled on top of this frosting before it sets, or they can be stirred in before spreading.

Old Fashioned Caramel Frosting

Makes enough to frost a 9 x 13” sheet cake ( about 16 Servings); double for a layer cake

2 cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons flour
2/3 cup half and half
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Mix the brown sugar and flour in a medium saucepan.


2. Whisk in the half and half.


3. Turn the heat to medium, add the butter, and bring to a boil.


4. Cook to the softball stage on a candy thermometer or until a small amount of the mixture dropped into cold water forms a soft ball.


5. While the mixture is cooking, wash down the sides with a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent sugar crystals.


6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.


7. Beat until cool with a wooden spoon or heat-proof scraper, or pour into a mixing bowl and beat.


8. Use immediately before it sets up.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 82 Calories from Fat 21
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 25% Protein 1% Carb. 73%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 2 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 7 mg
Sodium 22 mg
Total Carbohydrate 15 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 0 g

Vitamin A 2% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 3%