Caramel Frosting Recipe

User Reviews

4.7

51 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    25 mins

  • Cook Time

    25 mins

  • Additional Time

    2 hrs

  • Total Time

    2 hrs 33 mins

  • Servings

    4 cups of frosting

  • Calories

    1278 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

Caramel Frosting Recipe

This is the best caramel frosting recipe! It makes a pipeable, perfectly thick caramel buttercream that's perfect for cakes and cupcakes. Recipe includes a how-to video!

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Ingredients

Servings

For Caramel Sauce

  • ½ cup light brown sugar firmly packed
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar firmly packed (may substitute an additional ½ cup light brown sugar if needed)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter cut into 8 pieces
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For Frosting

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • fine sea salt for sprinkling
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Instructions

  1. Combine brown sugars, butter, cream, milk, corn syrup, and salt in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter is melted and sugar has dissolved.
  2. Increase heat to medium and bring mixture to a full boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Once mixture reaches a full boil, set a timer for 4 minutes and stir occasionally while caramel cooks (or use a candy thermometer and cook until caramel sauce reaches 230F/110C).
  4. Remove from heat and pour into a large heatproof bowl. Allow caramel to cool completely before proceeding.
  5. Place softened butter in a large mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.
  6. With mixer on low-speed, gradually add about half of the powdered sugar until combined. Drizzle in caramel and stir until completely incorporated, then gradually add remaining powdered sugar as needed until frosting reaches desired consistency (you may not need all 4 cups).
  7. Stir in vanilla extract.
  8. Spread or pipe over cake or cupcakes, sprinkle with fine sea salt if desired.

Notes

  • The caramel sauce may be made up to 3 days in advance of using. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
  • The frosting may also be made a day or two in advance of using. It will become quite firm stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and will need to sit at room temperature and be stirred well before using.
  • I am personally comfortable leaving cake/cupcakes that have been frosted with this caramel buttercream out at room temperature (72F or below) for up to 48 hours. Beyond that I refrigerate, always in an airtight container..

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1cup Calories 1278kcal (64%) Carbohydrates 183g (61%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 63g (97%) Saturated Fat 40g (200%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 16g Trans Fat 2g Cholesterol 171mg (57%) Sodium 188mg (8%) Potassium 131mg (4%) Sugar 180g (360%) Vitamin A 2016IU (40%) Vitamin C 0.1mg (0%) Calcium 94mg (9%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4cups of frosting

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1278 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cup
Calories 1278kcal 64%
Carbohydrates 183g 61%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 63g 97%
Saturated Fat 40g 200%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 16g 80%
Trans Fat 2g 100%
Cholesterol 171mg 57%
Sodium 188mg 8%
Potassium 131mg 3%
Sugar 180g 360%
Vitamin A 2016IU 40%
Vitamin C 0.1mg 0%
Calcium 94mg 9%
Iron 0.5mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.7

51 reviews
Excellent

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