If you adore the perfect balance of rich sweetness and a hint of saltiness, then this Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe is going to be your new baking obsession. Imagine velvety, luscious buttercream infused with a deeply flavored homemade salted caramel sauce that melts over your favorite cake or cupcakes like a dream. This frosting brings together the best of both worlds, offering a silky texture, irresistible taste, and a touch of sophistication that elevates any dessert to wow-worthy status.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe is all about a handful of simple, quality ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor and smooth texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from buttery richness to that signature hint of saltiness that makes caramel so unforgettable.
- Granulated sugar: The essential base for your caramel sauce, granulated sugar melts and transforms to provide a deep golden caramel flavor.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Used both in the caramel sauce and the buttercream, it adds creaminess and helps achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
- Heavy cream (room temperature): Adds richness and smoothness, balancing the caramel’s intensity and ensuring a silky consistency in the frosting.
- Sea salt: A pinch elevates the caramel’s sweetness and deepens its complexity with a subtle savory kick.
- Powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens the buttercream while keeping its texture light and airy.
- Milk or extra heavy cream (optional): Used to adjust the buttercream’s consistency, ensuring it spreads beautifully on any baked good.
How to Make Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Make the Caramel Sauce
Start by patiently melting the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly with a heat-resistant spatula as the sugar clumps and melts into a gorgeous amber liquid. This step requires a little attention and care because the transformation of sugar is what gives that irresistible caramel flavor.
Step 2: Add Butter to the Caramel
Once your sugar has fully melted, carefully stir in unsalted butter. The mixture will bubble up energetically; keep stirring until the butter has melted completely and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This buttery addition adds richness and a tender texture to the caramel.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cream
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The caramel will bubble again, but this is exactly what you want. Let the sauce gently boil for a full minute to blend the flavors and create a luscious sauce base.
Step 4: Season and Cool the Caramel
Remove the sauce from the heat, stir in sea salt for that magic salted caramel effect, and then set it aside to cool completely. Cooling is crucial to avoid melting your buttercream later on.
Step 5: Beat the Butter
In your mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, usually about 3 minutes. This step builds the structure and airy base for your frosting.
Step 6: Add Powdered Sugar Gradually
Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar, starting on low speed and increasing to medium, incorporating each cup fully before adding the next. This slow process is key to avoiding clouds of powdered sugar and achieving a smooth consistency.
Step 7: Blend in the Caramel Sauce
Pour the cooled salted caramel sauce and an extra pinch of sea salt into the buttercream. Beat everything on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and beautifully combined, marrying the caramel flavor into the buttery base perfectly.
Step 8: Adjust Consistency
If your buttercream appears too dense, add heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, and beat until you get a luscious, spreadable consistency. This flexibility lets you tailor the frosting to your preference — whether you want it thicker for piping or a bit softer for spreading.
Step 9: Whip Until Fluffy
Finally, give the frosting a few minutes of high-speed whipping. This last step introduces extra air, making your Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe delightfully light and fluffy, the kind that melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like flaky sea salt crystals or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce add a stunning visual contrast and boost the salty-sweet flavor. Toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts can also bring a wonderful crunch that pairs perfectly with the smooth frosting.
Side Dishes
This frosting shines best atop classic vanilla or chocolate cupcakes, but for a truly decadent experience, serve alongside warm apple spice cake or a simple butter cake. The contrast of moist cake and sweet salty frosting creates a charming balance that guests won’t forget.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piping the frosting into rosettes or swirls with a star tip for elegant cupcakes, or spread it generously over stacked layers of cake and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt. You can even use it as a dip for cookie sandwiches or as a filling in decadent caramel bars.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, let it soften at room temperature and briefly whip it again to restore its creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this frosting for up to 3 months. Scoop it into a sealed container, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature and re-whip before serving for best results.
Reheating
Avoid direct heating which can separate the butter and cream. Instead, gently warm the frosting by letting it sit at room temperature and then beating it lightly by hand or with a mixer to bring back its sumptuous fluffiness.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter in this recipe?
While salted butter might seem convenient, it’s best to use unsalted butter so you control the exact amount of salt in your frosting. The sea salt added to the caramel ensures the perfect balance of flavors.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Stir continuously and watch the sugar carefully as it melts. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning, and remove from heat as soon as it reaches a deep amber color for the perfect caramel flavor.
Can I make this frosting vegan?
You can try substituting with vegan butter and a suitable non-dairy cream, though the taste and texture may vary slightly. Using coconut cream is a popular option for richness in vegan caramel.
How long does this frosting stay fresh on a cake?
When refrigerated, the frosting stays fresh on a cake for about 3 to 4 days. Let the cake reach room temperature before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Make the frosting a day or two ahead and store it refrigerated. Whip it again before applying to your cake or cupcakes, and your desserts will look and taste freshly frosted.
Final Thoughts
Discovering the Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe is like finding a secret shortcut to creating unforgettable desserts. Whether you’re dressing up a birthday cake or simply indulging in homemade treats, this frosting brings warmth, sophistication, and that irresistible sweet-salty zing everyone will adore. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together to create magic!
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Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting combines rich, homemade salted caramel sauce with a smooth and fluffy buttercream base, creating the perfect sweet and salty topping for cakes, cupcakes, and desserts. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this frosting offers a decadent twist to classic buttercream.
Ingredients
For the Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the Buttercream
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce (cooled to room temperature)
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (as needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- MAKE THE CARAMEL SAUCE: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar and stir constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon. The sugar will clump before it melts completely into a deep amber liquid.
- ADD BUTTER TO THE CARAMEL: Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully stir in the butter. The mixture will bubble rapidly—keep stirring until the butter is fully melted and combined.
- INCORPORATE THE CREAM: Slowly pour the heavy cream into the mixture while stirring. It will bubble again. Let it boil for 1 full minute, then remove from heat.
- SEASON AND COOL: Stir in the sea salt and set the caramel aside to cool completely before using it in the frosting.
- BEAT THE BUTTER: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
- ADD POWDERED SUGAR: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed at first and then increasing to medium until fully incorporated after each addition.
- BLEND IN CARAMEL: Add the cooled salted caramel sauce and sea salt to the buttercream. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- ADJUST CONSISTENCY: If the buttercream is too thick, add heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time and beat until the desired consistency is reached.
- WHIP UNTIL FLUFFY: Whip the finished buttercream on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes to make it extra light and airy.
Notes
- Ensure the salted caramel sauce has cooled completely before mixing it into the buttercream to prevent melting the butter.
- You can adjust the sea salt quantity according to your taste preference for saltiness.
- Use room temperature ingredients to achieve a smooth and creamy frosting texture.
- If the buttercream is too soft, chill it briefly in the fridge before using.
- This frosting pairs wonderfully with chocolate, vanilla, or spice cakes.
