Description
This caramel buttercream frosting is smooth, rich, and packed with deep caramel flavor. Ideal for frosting cakes, piping cupcakes, or layering between cookies, this fluffy caramel frosting adds an indulgent touch.
Ingredients
Scale
- FOR THE SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- FOR THE BUTTERCREAM
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce (cooled to room temperature)
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (as needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- MAKE THE CARAMEL SAUCE: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar and stir constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon. The sugar will clump before it melts completely into a deep amber liquid.
- ADD BUTTER TO THE CARAMEL: Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully stir in the butter. The mixture will bubble rapidly—keep stirring until the butter is fully melted and combined.
- INCORPORATE THE CREAM: Slowly pour the heavy cream into the mixture while stirring. It will bubble again. Let it boil for 1 full minute, then remove from heat.
- SEASON AND COOL: Stir in the sea salt and set the caramel aside to cool completely before using it in the frosting.
- BEAT THE BUTTER: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
- ADD POWDERED SUGAR: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed at first and then increasing to medium until fully incorporated after each addition.
- BLEND IN CARAMEL: Add the cooled salted caramel sauce and sea salt to the buttercream. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- ADJUST CONSISTENCY: If the buttercream is too thick, add heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time and beat until the desired consistency is reached.
- WHIP UNTIL FLUFFY: Whip the finished buttercream on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes to make it extra light and airy.
Notes
- This frosting is versatile and can be used on various baked goods.
- Adjust the salt to your taste preference.
- Store any leftover frosting in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop and mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting, Buttercream Frosting, Caramel Frosting, Cake Frosting, Cupcake Frosting