Description
Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting is a rich, fluffy frosting that blends buttery sweetness with a touch of sea salt and homemade caramel. Perfect for cupcakes, cakes, and cookies, it’s the kind of topping that turns any dessert into a showstopper.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes a deep amber caramel.
2. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream. It will bubble, so go slow and stir steadily.
3. Stir in sea salt and vanilla extract. Allow the caramel to cool completely.
4. In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Slowly pour the cooled caramel into the butter while mixing on low. Blend until fully combined.
6. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low at first to prevent sugar clouds.
7. Once all powdered sugar is incorporated, whip the frosting on medium-high for 2 more minutes until light and silky.
8. Adjust consistency if needed by adding a tablespoon of cream or a bit more powdered sugar.
Notes
Be sure your caramel is fully cooled before adding to the butter or it will melt and ruin the texture.
For the smoothest frosting, sift your powdered sugar before adding.
If you want a deeper caramel flavor, allow the sugar to reach a rich amber—but don’t let it burn!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Whipped
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Salted caramel frosting, buttercream, cupcake topping