Sweet & Silky Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe for Dreamy Desserts

Decadent salted caramel frosting promises to become your secret weapon in dessert magic.

Sweet and salty dance together in delightful harmony.

Creamy textures blend with rich caramel notes that surprise every palate.

Professional bakers swear by this game-changing recipe for maximum impact.

One spoonful transports you to a world of indulgent comfort.

Smooth swirls of golden-brown goodness await your mixing skills.

This irresistible frosting will turn any cake into a showstopping masterpiece that leaves everyone craving more.

Why People Love Salted Caramel Frosting

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up a luxurious salted caramel frosting in just a few minutes, perfect for impressing friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Decadence: Transform any basic cake or cupcake into a restaurant-worthy dessert with this rich, indulgent frosting that pairs beautifully with multiple baked treats.
• Sensory Delight: Experience a perfect balance of sweet caramel and salty notes that create a complex, mouth-watering flavor profile guaranteed to tantalize taste buds.

Salted Caramel Frosting Ingredient List

• Dark Brown Sugar: A rich, molasses-infused sugar that adds deep caramel flavor.
• Butter: A creamy, rich ingredient that provides smooth texture and richness.
• Heavy Cream: A luxurious dairy product that creates a silky smooth base.

• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that enhances the caramel's depth.
• Sea Salt: A finishing touch that balances the sweetness with a salty kick.

• Powdered Sugar: A fine sugar that helps thicken and stabilize the frosting.

How To Make Salted Caramel Frosting

Step 1: Melt Sugary Butter Blend

Grab a medium-sized saucepan and combine dark brown sugar with butter.

Place over medium heat and whisk continuously until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.

Keep stirring to ensure smooth blending and prevent burning.

Step 2: Introduce Creamy Richness

Pour heavy cream into the boiling sugar-butter mixture.

Stir and let it return to a boil, then carefully remove the saucepan from the heat source.

Step 3: Transfer to Mixing Station

Gently pour the hot caramel mixture into a heavy-duty electric stand mixer bowl.

Be cautious to avoid splashing or burning.

Step 4: Whip Smooth Sweetness

Attach the whisk attachment to your mixer.

• Sifted powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat at medium speed, ensuring all ingredients incorporate smoothly.

Step 5: Achieve Perfect Consistency

Continue whipping the frosting for 7 to 10 minutes.

Watch as the mixture transforms and thickens to a luscious, spreadable texture.

Step 6: Finish with Salty Sparkle

Sprinkle sea salt into the frosting and give a final gentle stir.

The salt will enhance the caramel’s deep, rich flavor.

Step 7: Decorate and Enjoy

Immediately spread this luxurious salted caramel frosting over cakes, cupcakes, or any dessert craving a sweet-salty embrace.

Handy Tips For Salted Caramel Frosting

• Maintain smooth, lump-free caramel by whisking the brown sugar and butter continuously during the boiling process to prevent burning or uneven texture.
• Adjust beating time between 7-10 minutes to achieve your preferred frosting thickness, watching carefully to reach the perfect spreadable state.
• Use high-quality sea salt for a sophisticated flavor balance, adding just enough to enhance the caramel's rich sweetness without overwhelming the taste.
• Remove the mixture from heat immediately after reaching a rolling boil to prevent overcooking and maintain the frosting's smooth, creamy texture.
• Let the hot caramel mixture cool slightly in the mixer bowl before adding powdered sugar to prevent potential crystallization and ensure a silky finish.

Storing And Reheating Salted Caramel Frosting

• Store leftover salted caramel frosting in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
• Remove the frosting from the refrigerator 30 minutes before using to allow it to come to room temperature. Gently stir to restore its smooth consistency.
• If the frosting becomes too firm, microwave in 5-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Be careful not to overheat.
• For longer storage, freeze the frosting in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and re-whip before using to restore texture.

Salted Caramel Frosting Pairing Ideas

• Elevate Sweet Harmony: Caramel Frosting Companions
• Pair with Dark Chocolate Cake: The rich, deep flavors of dark chocolate create a luxurious backdrop for the sweet and salty caramel frosting, intensifying each bite with a complex flavor profile.
• Complement with Espresso Martini: The bold coffee notes and smooth liquor perfectly balance the caramel's sweetness, offering a sophisticated adult dessert experience that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Match with Toasted Pecan Brownies: Nutty, warm pecan undertones provide a delightful crunch and earthy contrast to the smooth, velvety caramel frosting, creating a textural and flavor sensation.
• Serve with Aged Bourbon: The caramel's sweetness finds a kindred spirit in bourbon's smoky, oak-aged complexity, resulting in a decadent pairing that highlights both the drink and dessert's nuanced flavors.

Creative Twists On Salted Caramel Frosting

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan butter alternatives for a plant-based version of the salted caramel frosting.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute dark brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining rich caramel flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking the powdered sugar brand for potential cross-contamination.
• Flavor Infusion: Add a splash of bourbon, rum, or coffee extract to enhance the caramel's depth and create a more complex taste profile.

FAQs

• Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salted caramel frosting in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whisk to restore its smooth consistency.

• What type of salt works best for this recipe?

Sea salt is recommended for the best flavor, but you can also use kosher salt or flaky salt. Avoid using table salt, as it can make the frosting too salty and may not provide the same depth of flavor.

• How can I prevent the frosting from becoming grainy?

Ensure you whisk the brown sugar and butter constantly while boiling, and sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the mixer. Beat the mixture thoroughly for the full 7-10 minutes to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

• Is this frosting good for piping decorations?

Yes, this salted caramel frosting works well for piping. Once it reaches the right consistency, it will hold its shape when piped onto cakes or cupcakes. Just make sure to use it immediately after preparing for the best results.

Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky smooth salted caramel frosting elevates classic desserts with its rich, indulgent flavor profile. Sweet-salty notes dance across your palate, creating a luxurious finishing touch that delights pastry enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Combine dark brown sugar and butter in a medium saucepan, heating over medium flame while whisking vigorously until the mixture bubbles and transforms into a rich, caramel-like base.
2. Pour heavy cream into the saucepan, stirring continuously and allowing the mixture to reach a second boil before removing from heat.
3. Transfer the hot caramel liquid into a stand mixer bowl, ensuring all contents are carefully poured without splashing.
4. Attach the whisk attachment to the mixer and begin incorporating sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract at a moderate speed.
5. Maintain consistent whisking for 7-10 minutes, watching the texture evolve from liquid to a thick, spreadable consistency that holds its shape.
6. Sprinkle sea salt into the mixture, gently folding to distribute the mineral crystals evenly throughout the frosting.
7. Immediately apply the salted caramel frosting to cakes, cupcakes, or preferred desserts while the mixture remains at optimal spreading temperature.

Notes

• Whisk butter and brown sugar constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even caramel base.
• Cool the hot caramel mixture slightly before adding powdered sugar to prevent potential sugar crystallization.
• Use fresh, high-quality sea salt for a robust flavor that complements the sweet caramel perfectly.
• Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thicker frosting or a splash of cream for a softer texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg