Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

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Imagine spreading a frosting so luxuriously smooth, it feels like you’re icing your treats with a caramel cloud. Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting isn’t just another sweet topping—it’s a bold, velvety blend of salty-sweet goodness that elevates everything from cupcakes to layer cakes and even cookies. The balance of buttery richness and deep caramel notes makes this frosting a decadent must-have in your baking rotation.

Perfect for fall bakes, holiday gatherings, or anytime your dessert needs something extra, this frosting combines homemade caramel sauce with whipped butter and sugar to create a texture so fluffy, it pipes like a dream. If you’re aiming to impress guests or just treat yourself to something indulgent, Salted Caramel Buttercream hits all the right notes.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the caramel swirl of this buttercream, you’ll want to make sure you have the right setup:

• Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: Essential for making your caramel. It distributes heat evenly and reduces the risk of burning sugar.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: A stand mixer with a paddle attachment makes creaming butter and whipping the frosting faster and more efficient, though a good hand mixer works too.
• Silicone Spatula: Ideal for scraping down the bowl and folding ingredients smoothly without leaving anything behind.
• Candy Thermometer (optional but recommended): Helps ensure your caramel reaches that perfect amber stage without overcooking.
• Mixing Bowls: One for the caramel, one for the buttercream—having multiple helps streamline the process and avoid cross-contamination.

With these tools in place, you’re ready to whip up a frosting that’s rich, smooth, and full of flavor.

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Ingredients for the Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Each ingredient in this frosting plays a key role in building the luscious texture and unforgettable flavor:

• Unsalted Butter: The base of any good buttercream. It adds richness and allows the caramel flavor to shine.
• Granulated Sugar: Used to make the caramel. Melting it to just the right point is what gives this frosting its signature depth.
• Heavy Cream: Adds silkiness to the caramel, making it smooth and luxurious.
• Sea Salt: A little salt cuts through the sweetness and enhances the deep caramel tones.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash boosts the overall flavor profile, rounding out the caramel.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps achieve a fluffy, pipeable consistency while sweetening the buttercream.

Keep everything at room temperature before starting—this ensures a smooth blend without any graininess.

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How To Make the Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Create the Caramel Base

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar. Stir continuously until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream—it will bubble, so work slowly. Add sea salt and vanilla. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Whip the Butter

In your stand mixer bowl, beat the unsalted butter on medium-high speed until it becomes pale and fluffy. This can take 3–5 minutes, but it’s key to a light texture.

Step 3: Combine Caramel and Butter

With the mixer on low, slowly pour the cooled caramel into the whipped butter. Blend until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low to prevent clouds of sugar. Once incorporated, beat on medium-high for another 2 minutes until light and silky.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency

If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of cream. Too thin? Mix in a bit more powdered sugar until desired texture is reached.

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How to Serve and Store Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

This frosting is wonderfully versatile and can be served in several ways. It pairs beautifully with chocolate cake, vanilla cupcakes, banana bread, or even sandwiched between cookies. Spread it generously or pipe it in elegant swirls—its stability and smooth texture make it perfect for both rustic and refined presentations.

To store, transfer any leftover frosting to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using again, allow it to come to room temperature and rewhip it to bring back the silky texture. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then let it sit at room temp before beating again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if my caramel crystallizes while cooking?

Crystallization happens when sugar isn’t fully dissolved. To avoid this, make sure to stir constantly and avoid high heat. If it does crystallize, you may need to start over.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, but homemade gives you better control over flavor and consistency. If using store-bought, choose a thick, high-quality sauce without artificial ingredients.

Is salted or unsalted butter better?

Always go with unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. You’re already adding sea salt to the caramel, and this keeps it balanced.

How do I make it less sweet?

Try reducing the powdered sugar slightly or adding an extra pinch of salt. You can also balance sweetness with a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Can I color or flavor this frosting?

Yes! Gel-based food coloring works best to avoid thinning the frosting. You can also add espresso powder, bourbon, or cinnamon for a flavor twist.

Will this frosting hold up in warm weather?

Because it’s butter-based, it will soften in heat. If you’re serving it outside, keep your desserts chilled until just before serving.

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Want More Frosting Ideas with a Twist?

If this Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting won your heart, here are more dreamy frosting and topping ideas you’ll adore from Life With Olivia:

• Whipped Feta with Roasted Strawberries — a savory-sweet dip that doubles as a unique frosting layer.
• Cream Cheese Frosting from Carrot Cake Bars — classic and tangy, perfect for rich cakes.
• Kentucky Butter Cake Glaze — a buttery vanilla soak that melts right into any cake.
• Whipped Shortbread Cookie Frosting — delicate and creamy with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Strawberry Crunch Cake Frosting — fruity, colorful, and kid-approved!

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Follow me on Pinterest @scherer29.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go bold with extra salt flakes or keep it silky smooth? Maybe you swirled in some espresso?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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