Salted Caramel Frosting – The Sweet & Salty Crown for Your Favorite Bakes

When it comes to frosting, there are plenty of options to choose from—classic buttercream, tangy cream cheese, or even silky ganache. But if you’re craving something decadent, buttery, and unapologetically indulgent, look no further than this luscious Salted Caramel Frosting.

Perfectly sweet with that deep, rich flavor only dark brown sugar can bring—and balanced by a touch of sea salt—this frosting is made for show-stopping cupcakes, dreamy layer cakes, or even sandwiched between cookies. It delivers that unbeatable combination of sweet and salty, with a glossy, spreadable texture that firms up beautifully but still melts in your mouth.

Let’s take a deep dive into how this glorious frosting comes together, how to use it, store it, and all the delicious treats you can pair it with.

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🧂 Why You’ll Fall in Love with Salted Caramel Frosting

Salted caramel has a cult following for a reason—it enhances the buttery, sugary notes with a punch of salt that wakes up the palate and keeps every bite interesting.

Here’s why this frosting might just become your new go-to:

• Decadent flavor: The dark brown sugar adds molasses undertones that feel deeply indulgent.
• Velvety texture: Whipped to fluffy perfection, this frosting spreads like a dream.
• Versatility: Works with chocolate cakes, apple spice cupcakes, banana bread, and more.
• One-bowl recipe: Made entirely in the stand mixer—minimal cleanup, maximum reward.

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📝 Ingredients – What You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at the simple but powerful ingredients in this recipe.

• 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  This is the base of your caramel flavor. Dark brown sugar has more molasses than light brown, giving your frosting that deep caramel richness.
• 1 cup butter
  Unsalted is preferred, but you can use salted and simply reduce or skip the added sea salt later. Butter adds body and creaminess to the caramel base.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
  Cream is essential for a silky texture. It softens the caramel and helps emulsify the final mixture.
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  Powdered sugar gives structure and sweetness, and sifting it ensures no lumps interrupt the smooth finish.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Rounds out the flavor and deepens the caramel profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  The “salted” in salted caramel! Use flaky sea salt or fine sea salt depending on your texture preference.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

Here’s exactly how to make the best Salted Caramel Frosting every time:

Step 1: Boil Sugar and Butter

In a 3.5-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the dark brown sugar and butter. Whisk constantly until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. This ensures the sugar dissolves fully and prevents scorching.

Step 2: Add the Cream

Once you’ve reached a steady boil, slowly stir in the heavy cream. The mixture may bubble up slightly—this is normal. Return it to a boil briefly, then remove it from the heat.

Step 3: Transfer to Mixer Bowl

Pour the hot caramel mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Allow it to cool slightly—just a couple minutes—so the sugar doesn’t scorch the powdered sugar.

Step 4: Whip with Sugar and Vanilla

Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract and sea salt. Beat on medium speed for 7 to 10 minutes. The frosting will lighten in color slightly and increase in volume, taking on a thick, spreadable consistency.

👉 Important: This frosting firms up as it cools, so it’s best to use it immediately after whipping.

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🎂 What to Pair It With

This frosting is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with both light and rich desserts:

• Chocolate cake: A deep cocoa sponge with this frosting is pure heaven.
• Apple spice cupcakes: The tart fruit and warm spices complement the caramel perfectly.
• Vanilla cupcakes: For a salted caramel twist on a classic combo.
• Brownies: Spread a layer over cooled brownies for a gourmet touch.
• Cinnamon rolls: Use it in place of glaze for a sweet-salty finish.

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🧁 Frosting Tips & Tricks

• Use good butter: Since butter is a key ingredient, go for high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
• Whip well: Don’t skip the 7–10 minute whipping step—it helps cool the frosting and gives it that fluffy, pipeable consistency.
• Add salt to taste: Start with 1/2 teaspoon, but feel free to add more if you like a stronger contrast.
• Don’t refrigerate before using: It stiffens up quickly, so apply it to your baked goods as soon as it’s ready.
• Double batch? Yes! This recipe makes enough for about 24 cupcakes or one 9-inch layer cake, but it can be doubled easily.

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🧊 Storing the Frosting

If you have leftovers (or want to make it ahead), here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip briefly before using.
• Freeze: Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then re-whip with a splash of cream.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Frosting is rich, buttery, sweet, and salty—all the things that make frosting memorable. Whether you’re slathering it onto a birthday cake, swirling it onto cupcakes, or licking it off a spoon (we won’t tell!), this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

If you’re a caramel fan or just want something to level up your frosting game, this is the one to save, share, and repeat.

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📌 Pin It, Print It, Bake It

Save this recipe to your Pinterest board, add it to your baking binder, or share it with a fellow sweet tooth—you’ll be glad you did.

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