Elevate your desserts to new heights with this irresistible salted caramel frosting recipe. Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of saltiness, this frosting adds a decadent touch to cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. Whether you’re a caramel lover or simply looking to take your treats to the next level, this salted caramel frosting is sure to impress and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon.
- Continue to cook the sugar until it melts completely and turns a deep amber color, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even melting. Be careful not to let the sugar burn.
- Once the sugar has melted and reached the desired color, carefully add the butter to the saucepan, stirring until melted and well combined.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up vigorously, so be cautious to avoid splatters.
- Cook the caramel sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Taste the caramel and adjust the saltiness to your liking.
Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Frosting
- Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly, then transfer it to a mixing bowl.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the caramel sauce, mixing on low speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
- Continue to mix until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and has reached your desired consistency. If the frosting is too thick, you can thin it out with a little heavy cream or milk.
Step 3: Frost Your Treats
- Once the frosting is ready, use a spatula or piping bag to generously frost your cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or any other treats of your choice.
- For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the frosted treats before serving.
Step 4: Enjoy!
- Serve your desserts topped with the irresistible salted caramel frosting and watch as they disappear in moments.
- Indulge in the rich and decadent flavor of this homemade frosting, and savor every blissful bite!
Notes:
- Store any leftover salted caramel frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Allow it to come to room temperature before using, and give it a quick stir to recombine if needed.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sea salt in the caramel sauce and frosting to suit your taste preferences. You can add more salt for a stronger salted caramel flavor or reduce it for a milder taste.
With its luxurious texture and heavenly flavor, this salted caramel frosting is sure to become a favorite topping for all your sweet creations. Whether you’re frosting a birthday cake, decorating cupcakes for a special occasion, or simply enjoying a sweet treat, this irresistible frosting adds a touch of decadence to every bite. So whip up a batch today and take your desserts to new heights with this delightful salted caramel frosting!
