Make your cakes even better with this easy salted caramel frosting that perfectly mixes sweet and salty flavors! This American buttercream is soft and easy to pipe, making it great for banana cake, chocolate cupcakes, or any dessert.
Whether you're decorating a simple sheet cake or creating a fancy layer cake for a special event, this delicious spin on the classic American buttercream recipe will become a favorite you'll use again and again!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Only 6 simple ingredients
- Silky, fluffy frosting with an incredible flavor
- Pairs perfectly with any favorite cake or cupcake
- Uses either homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for simplicity
- A great twist on classic vanilla buttercream
Ingredients in this Salted Caramel Recipe
- salted butter, softened (or unsalted butter + a pinch of salt)
- vanilla extract
- homemade caramel sauce (or your favorite store-bought caramel sauce, I like Torani's Caramel Puremade Sauce)
- sea salt
- powdered sugar
How to Make Salted Caramel Frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or use a handheld electric mixer and a large mixing bowl), beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract, sea salt, and caramel sauce. Mix on medium speed until the ingredients are fully combined.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar on low speed, increasing to medium-high once incorporated.
- Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to give it a final mix and check for desired consistency.
- If needed, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to adjust the thickness and to make it pipeable.
This makes enough frosting for 12-18 cupcakes or one 8-inch layer cake. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Recipe Tips
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula during mixing for a smooth finish.
- To thin the frosting slightly, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk.
- To thicken frosting, add a little powdered sugar at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- If using unsalted butter, add an extra teaspoon of salt for a bolder salty flavor.
- Chill slightly before using in a piping bag for the perfect texture.
Desserts to Make with Salted Caramel Frosting
This salted caramel buttercream frosting recipe pairs beautifully with fall cakes and cupcakes. Spread it on a homemade pumpkin cake, pipe it over vanilla cupcakes, or spread it between chocolate cake layers.
Try it with apple spice cupcakes. It's a fun alternative to cream cheese or chocolate frosting if you're craving new flavors.
More Caramel Recipes to Try
If you love the rich flavor of caramel, here are a few more dessert ideas to try:
- Brown Sugar Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze - Dense, buttery cake made with brown sugar and topped with a smooth, warm caramel glaze.
- Chocolate Caramel Popcorn - Sweet and salty popcorn drizzled with melted chocolate and gooey caramel, perfect for snacking or gifting.
📖 Recipe
Salted Caramel Frosting
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter - softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup homemade caramel sauce - or your favorite store-bought caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or use a handheld electric mixer and a large mixing bowl), beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract, sea salt, and caramel sauce. Mix on medium speed until the ingredients are fully combined.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar on low speed, increasing to medium-high once incorporated.
- Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to give it a final mix and check for desired consistency.
- If needed, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to adjust the thickness and to make it pipeable. Or, if too thin add a little powdered sugar at a time to thicken frosting.
Notes
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula during mixing for a smooth finish.
- To thin the frosting slightly, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk.
- To thicken frosting, add a little powdered sugar at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- If using unsalted butter, add an extra teaspoon of salt for a bolder salty flavor.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Mama Needs Cake
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Dana is an experienced recipe creator who crafts easy and delicious recipes for all levels of home cooks.
Her recipes range from classic comfort foods to healthy and nutritious meals, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to bring flavor and variety to the table.
