This salted caramel frosting is the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for a hint of saltiness. It’s a rich, buttery frosting that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it ideal for cupcakes, cakes, or cookies. Whether you're decorating a special treat or just craving a decadent frosting to elevate your baked goods, this recipe will be your go-to.
Ingredients
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup milk
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or 1/8 teaspoon table salt)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cubed butter, and milk.
Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
Increase the heat to medium and stop stirring.
Allow the mixture to boil gently for 3–6 minutes, or until bubbles form in the center and the mixture takes on a rich amber hue.
Remove the pan from the heat and pour the hot caramel into a small bowl.
Let the mixture cool completely to room temperature.
Once cooled, transfer the caramel mixture to a mixer.
Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and reaches the desired consistency.
Stir in the sea salt to taste.
Spoon the frosting into decorating bags fitted with a Wilton 2D tip for beautiful piping.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Storage/Reheating
To store the frosting, I recommend placing it in an airtight container and keeping it in the fridge for up to a week. Before using it, let it come to room temperature and give it a good stir to restore its creamy texture. If the frosting is too firm after refrigerating, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it slightly.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
I usually prefer to use salted butter for this recipe because it adds to the salted caramel flavor, but unsalted butter can work too. Just make sure to adjust the sea salt in the recipe to your liking.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes! I often make this frosting ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it.
How can I adjust the consistency of the frosting?
If I find the frosting too thick, I add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too runny, I add more powdered sugar until it reaches my desired consistency.
Can I use this frosting for other desserts?
Absolutely! This salted caramel frosting is perfect for cupcakes, cakes, and cookies. You can also use it as a filling for macarons or even as a topping for brownies and pies.
What kind of salt should I use?
I recommend using sea salt for the best flavor. It has a subtle briny taste that enhances the caramel. If you only have table salt, you can use that too, but reduce the amount to about 1/8 teaspoon to avoid making the frosting too salty.
Conclusion
This salted caramel frosting is the perfect blend of rich sweetness and a touch of savory salt, making it an ideal topping for a variety of baked treats. It’s easy to make and will elevate any dessert to the next level. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, I’m sure you’ll love how this frosting turns out every time.
Recipe:
Salted Caramel Frosting
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This salted caramel frosting is a rich, buttery frosting that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, ideal for cupcakes, cakes, or cookies.
Ingredients
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup butter, cubed
¼ cup milk
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon sea salt (or ⅛ teaspoon table salt)
Instructions
- In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cubed butter, and milk.
- Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
- Increase the heat to medium and stop stirring.
- Allow the mixture to boil gently for 3–6 minutes, or until bubbles form in the center and the mixture takes on a rich amber hue.
- Remove the pan from the heat and pour the hot caramel into a small bowl.
- Let the mixture cool completely to room temperature.
- Once cooled, transfer the caramel mixture to a mixer.
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and reaches the desired consistency.
- Stir in the sea salt to taste.
- Spoon the frosting into decorating bags fitted with a Wilton 2D tip for beautiful piping.
Notes
To store, place the frosting in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
If the frosting becomes too firm after refrigerating, microwave it for a few seconds to soften it slightly.
If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
If the frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
