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

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

 

Ingredients

  • 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.

Instructions

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.

Notes

🎂 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.

  • Author: niold.com