Salted Caramel Frosting is a rich caramel buttercream perfect for cake recipes and cupcakes. With only 5 ingredients, it is so simple to make this rich and creamy caramel frosting.
Homemade Salted Caramel Frosting is so rich and decadent. It is very easy to make and pairs perfectly with numerous cake recipes. The entire recipe only has 5 simple ingredients that you might already have.
It’s the best caramel buttercream and so easy to make from scratch. I love making homemade frosting recipes to enjoy. Another family favorite is Cookie Dough Frosting.
If you love the flavors of salted caramel, try making Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe and Salted Caramel Pie Recipe. We also love Salted Caramel Apple Pie Recipe and Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.
Table of contents
Why this recipe works
These pantry items come together for the best frosting in minutes. You will be impressed with how easy this new recipe is without much work. It is so sweet and decadent.
The sweetness paired with the saltiness give this frosting a rich and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- Brown Sugar
- Butter
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Powdered Sugar
- Sea Salt
Get the complete ingredient list at the bottom of the page in the recipe card.
Pro Tips
- Real Butter. It is important to use real butter and not margarine or plant-based variety in this recipe.
- Brown Sugar. Feel free to use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar in this recipe. The color of the frosting will vary based on which type you use.
- Sift the powdered sugar. The frosting will have a creamier texture if you sift the confectioners sugar first.
- Do not overcook the mixture. Follow the directions precisely so you do not overcook the caramel mixture.
- Heavy Cream is Best. This helps to combine the frosting ingredients perfectly and prevents them from separating.
- Room temperature butter. The ingredients will be easier to combine if the butter is room temperature.
- Unsalted Butter. We suggest using unsalted butter so it is not overly salty when adding the salt.
- Don’t overmix the frosting. Combine the ingredients until just combined. Don’t continue to mix the frosting or it will start to separate.
How to make salted caramel frosting
Step 1. Combine the brown sugar, butter and heavy whipping cream in a saucepan using low heat.
Step 2. Continue to stir while the butter melts. Heat and stir over low heat for at least 1 minute.
Step 3. Then increase the heat to medium high heat and do not stir the mixture. Cook for 3-6 more minutes until the mixture turns an amber color and bubbles form across the top of the mixture as it comes to a boil.
Step 4. Next, remove from heat and pour into a large heat resistant bowl. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Step 5. Mix in the powdered sugar and sea salt with a handheld mixer on low speed until smooth and combined. I used a bowl of a stand mixer.
Step 6. If the frosting is too thick, gradually add in more heavy whipping cream using medium-high speed. Scrape down the sides with wooden spoon. Allow to chill until ready to use.
Storage
Place the salted caramel buttercream frosting inside an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
You can also freeze the frosting and extend the shelf life. First, place the frosting inside an airtight container. Then place in the freezer up to 3-4 months.
How to Pipe Frosting
This caramel has a different texture than traditional buttercream frosting as it is thinner. If you use a star tip, the frosting will not hold its shape as well.
We suggest using a round tip. It will be easier to pipe and the finished product will look better as well.
If you plan to pipe the frosting, allow it to sit for 20 to 25 minutes to firm up. Then frost as normal. It will look great and taste wonderful.
How to Serve
- Chocolate Cupcakes. Salted Caramel Buttercream is so delicious on chocolate cupcakes. It is light and fluffy.
- Pumpkin Cake. The sweet and salty caramel frosting recipe is delicious with pumpkin flavors.
- Chocolate Cake. Spread this frosting all over the chocolate cake for a rich treat.
- Triple Chocolate Cookies. Sandwich two cookies together with this frosting in the middle for a great dessert.
- Apple Cider Cupcakes. This frosting is delicious with apple cupcakes.
- Banana Bread Brownies. Try it with this recipe for a dessert similar to banana cake.
- Best Vanilla Cupcake Recipe. Vanilla Cupcakes get an upgrade with this frosting combination.
- Salted Caramel Cupcakes. This is loaded with so much caramel flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, refrigerate the frosting. It is thin and best kept in the fridge for best taste and texture.
If the consistency of the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream to the mixture. Combine and add more cream if needed. Continue to add 1 teaspoon a time until it is the desired consistency.
Do not add too much heavy cream at once or you might add too much.
Due to the thin texture of this frosting, heat can often be the culprit. If the frosting is too thin, try refrigerating it first and see if it thickens.
The frosting should set and be a nice consistency if heat was the issue. If not, try adding ¼ cup powdered sugar to the recipe. Stir to combine and add another ¼ cup if needed to reach the desired thickness.
More Easy Frosting Recipes
- Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
- Cool Whip Cream Cheese Frosting
- Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Blackberry Buttercream Frosting
Make this delicious recipe for salted caramel frosting for an indulgent treat. Please leave a star rating and comment once you do.
Salted Caramel Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
Instructions
- dd the brown sugar, butter and heavy whipping cream to a saucepan.ย Heat over low heat.
- Stir the ingredients until the butter is melted.ย Continue to heat and stir over low heat for at least 1 minute.
- Then increase the heat to medium high heat and do not stir the mixture.
- Cook for 3-6 more minutes until the mixture turns an amber color and bubbles form across the top of the mixture.
- Remove from heat and pour into a large heat resistant mixing bowl.ย Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Add in the powdered sugar and sea salt.ย Mix with a hand held mixer until the mixture is smooth and combined.ย If the frosting is too thick, gradually add in more heavy whipping cream (1 teaspoon at a time) until the frosting is a good consistency.
- Chill until ready to use and then the frosting is ready to enjoy!
