My Favorite Caramel Frosting
Indulge in the sweet, buttery decadence of My Favorite Caramel Frosting, a silky-smooth topping that transforms any baked treat into a show-stopping masterpiece. Crafted from simple pantry staples like rich brown sugar, creamy heavy cream, and a touch of vanilla, this homemade frosting captures the luscious, toasty flavors of caramel in every bite. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a few easy steps, you'll achieve a thick, spreadable texture that's perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Whether slathered generously or piped into delicate swirls, this frosting brings unparalleled sweetness and elegance to your desserts while being a beginner-friendly recipe everyone can master. Perfect for those seeking to elevate their baking game, this caramel frosting is versatile, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the packed brown sugar and stir until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
Transfer the caramel to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl.
Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth and thick.
Add the vanilla extract and kosher salt, and beat again until fully incorporated.
If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Spread or pipe the frosting onto your cooled baked goods and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4897 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 136.0 g | 174% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.0 g | 400% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 368 mg | 123% | |
| Sodium | 346 mg | 15% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 944.8 g | 344% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 930.0 g | ||
| Protein | 1.3 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 423 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 673 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
