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If you have a sweet tooth and love rich, indulgent flavors, this Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine creamy, luscious buttercream with the perfect balance of buttery caramel sweetness and just the right touch of sea salt to make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re topping cupcakes, cakes, or even spooning it straight from the bowl (no judgment here), this frosting is everything you didn’t know you needed but now can’t live without.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe is key, but don’t worry—they are all pantry staples that come together to create something extraordinary. Each item plays a vital role, from the smooth butter that provides richness to the granulated sugar that transforms into that golden caramel goodness.
- Granulated sugar: The foundation for the salted caramel sauce, caramelizing to a deep amber that brings that signature flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Used both in the sauce and the buttercream for a creamy texture and pure buttery taste.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel and helps adjust the frosting’s consistency.
- Sea salt: Provides the perfect hint of saltiness to balance the caramel’s sweetness and amplify flavor.
- Powdered sugar: The base of the buttercream, sifted for a silky smooth finish.
- Milk or extra heavy cream: A little extra moisture to get that perfect spreadable texture if needed.
How to Make Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
Start by melting the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly as it clumps and then transforms into a glossy, deep amber caramel. This step requires patience and gentle stirring to ensure the sugar doesn’t burn. Once melted, carefully stir in the butter—expect lots of bubbling as they combine!
Step 2: Add Cream and Salt
Next, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, creating a velvety sauce as it bubbles. Let it boil for a full minute to develop a rich texture, then remove from heat and mix in the sea salt. Set this aside to cool completely before moving on; this cooling step is essential to achieve the right consistency in your buttercream.
Step 3: Beat the Butter for the Buttercream
Meanwhile, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter until it’s light and fluffy, about three minutes. This aeration creates the base that will hold the luscious caramel and powdered sugar together in a perfectly airy frosting.
Step 4: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low first to avoid a powdered sugar cloud, then increasing to medium speed. This gradual addition ensures a smooth, lump-free buttercream every time.
Step 5: Blend in Salted Caramel Sauce and Seasoning
Pour in the cooled salted caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt, then beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and beautifully combined. The frosting will start to look irresistibly glossy and rich.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency and Whip
If your frosting feels a bit too thick, add heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you reach that perfect spreadable texture. Finally, whip the buttercream on medium-high speed for a few extra minutes—this step makes the frosting incredibly light and fluffy, just begging to be spread or piped.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
This Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe deserves toppings that highlight its rich, sophisticated flavor. Sprinkles of flaky sea salt add a delightful crunch and visual appeal, while chopped toasted pecans or walnuts introduce a nutty contrast that complements the caramel beautifully.
Side Dishes
While this frosting shines on its own, pairing it with lightly spiced pumpkin muffins or classic vanilla cupcakes enhances the experience. The salty-sweet buttercream balances these simpler baked goods wonderfully, making each bite decadent but never overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your desserts to the next level by piping the salted caramel buttercream into elegant rosettes or rustic swirls. You can drizzle extra homemade salted caramel sauce on top for that wow factor or even layer it between cake tiers for an indulgent surprise. It’s versatile and always steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using it again, bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick whisk to restore its creamy, spreadable texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep your frosting fresh for longer, freezing is a great option. Freeze in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then whip well before using to bring back that signature fluffy consistency.
Reheating
To gently reheat, allow the frosting to come to room temperature and then beat it with a mixer to revive its smooth, airy texture. Avoid microwaving directly, as this can separate the ingredients and ruin the creamy consistency you worked so hard to achieve.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but be cautious with the additional sea salt in the recipe. Start by reducing it slightly, then adjust to taste to avoid an overly salty frosting.
What can I do if my caramel sauce hardens too much?
If your caramel sauce solidifies, gently warm it on low heat while stirring until it softens again. Be patient and avoid overheating to prevent burning or separation.
Is it necessary to sift the powdered sugar?
Sifting powdered sugar is highly recommended as it prevents lumps and helps achieve the ultra-smooth texture that makes this Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe so luxurious.
How can I make the frosting thinner or thicker?
To thin your buttercream, add heavy cream or milk a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. To thicken it, add a bit more powdered sugar and beat well. Adjust carefully to maintain the perfect balance.
Can I use this frosting on a warm cake?
It’s best to apply this buttercream to completely cooled cakes, as warmth can cause the frosting to melt and lose its fluffy texture. Patience pays off for perfect presentation!
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe truly elevates any dessert into a special occasion. Its perfect harmony of sweet caramel and a hint of salt turns simple cakes and cupcakes into unforgettable treats. Go ahead, give this recipe a try, and prepare to impress your friends and family with every luscious bite. You’ll be glad you did!
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Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 servings
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting recipe features a rich and creamy buttercream enhanced with homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and desserts, the frosting balances sweetness with a touch of sea salt, providing a delectable finishing touch.
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 is completely cooled before adding it to the buttercream to prevent melting the butter.
- Adjust the sea salt according to your preference for a milder or stronger salted caramel flavor.
- If the buttercream is too soft, refrigerate briefly before using to help it set.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like unsalted butter and sea salt for the best flavor.
