Description

Level up your dessert game with this luscious Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting—a dreamy blend of homemade caramel and whipped buttery goodness. Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or any sweet treat that needs a decadent, salty-sweet touch. This easy recipe is perfect for bakers looking for quick breakfast or dessert ideas, and it fits into any collection of easy recipes, baking inspiration, or food ideas. The texture is smooth and fluffy, and the flavor is irresistibly rich with a hint of sea salt that keeps it balanced and bold.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

0.5 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1.5 cups unsalted butter, room temperature

4 to 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted

0.25 cup heavy cream or milk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

0.5 to 0.75 cup cooled salted caramel sauce

1 pinch fine sea salt (optional, to taste)

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Instructions

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes a deep amber liquid.

2. Carefully stir in the cubed butter. The mixture will bubble—continue stirring until fully incorporated.

3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and mix in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool completely.

4. In a stand mixer, whip the room-temperature butter on medium-high speed for 4–5 minutes until light and fluffy.

5. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low to incorporate before increasing to medium speed.

6. Add 0.5 to 0.75 cup of the cooled caramel sauce to the buttercream and mix well. Adjust to taste.

7. Mix in the vanilla extract and an optional pinch of sea salt. Taste and balance the salt level.

8. Whip the mixture on high for 2–3 more minutes until light, airy, and pipeable.

9. Use immediately, or refrigerate and re-whip before use.

Notes

Always allow caramel to cool fully before combining with butter to prevent separation.

Use unsalted butter to better control salt levels.

Re-whip after storing for best texture and spreadability.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Frosting
Method: Whipping
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 210
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: <1g
Cholesterol: 40mg