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Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: Frosts 1218 cupcakes or one 2-layer cake 1x
  • Category: Frosting
  • Method: No-bake
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting is smooth, fluffy, and packed with rich, buttery caramel flavor. With just a touch of sea salt to balance the sweetness, it’s perfect for cupcakes, layer cakes, cookies, and more.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup thick caramel sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

12 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for consistency)


Instructions

1. Beat the unsalted butter on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.

2. Add caramel sauce and mix until well combined. Scrape the bowl as needed.

3. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low and beating between each addition.

4. Add vanilla extract and sea salt, and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

5. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until desired consistency is reached.

6. If too soft, chill the frosting for 10–15 minutes before spreading or piping.


Notes

Always use room temperature butter for the smoothest consistency.

Chill the frosting slightly before piping for firmer swirls.

Use homemade caramel for deeper flavor if time allows.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 28
  • Sodium: 75
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 29
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 0
  • Cholesterol: 35

Keywords: salted caramel frosting, buttercream, cupcake frosting, caramel icing