Salted Caramel Frosting Recipe

Make the Salted Caramel

In a medium saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. Don’t worry when you see the sugar becoming clumpy. It will begin to melt into an amber colored liquid as you continue to heat and stir it. Keep an eye on it, as you don’t want it to burn.

Once sugar is completely melted, add in butter (be careful, it may splatter!) and whisk until fully incorporated.

Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring the mixture.

Boil for one minute then remove from the heat and stir in the salt. Set aside and allow to cool while you make the buttercream.

Make Buttercream

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment affixed, cream the butter on medium speed until smooth and shiny. With the mixer on low, add the powdered sugar one cup at a time then add the heavy cream, turning the mixer to high and mixing until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.

Turn the mixer off, add in the cooled salted caramel sauce (reserve a small amount to drizzle on top later) and beat on medium speed to combine evenly. Using a rubber spatula, spread the buttercream up against the sides of the bowl to break up any air bubbles (this makes for a smooth buttercream). Test to see if buttercream is the right consistency by sticking a rubber spatula straight down into the buttercream and pulling it straight out. If the frosting has a loose curl that flops over, it’s too loose; add up to ½ cup more powdered sugar, a couple of tablespoons at a time, beating well to combine and test again. If the frosting sticks straight up with no curl it’s too stiff; add 1 tablespoon more heavy cream then beat on medium speed until well combined and test again.

If the frosting has a slight curl to it, it’s ready. Spread the buttercream evenly over cooled cupcakes or cake, then drizzle the reserved salted caramel.