Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

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This Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting is one of those indulgent recipes I keep coming back to whenever I want to make a dessert feel extra special. The contrast of rich, buttery caramel with a hint of sea salt creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory that pairs beautifully with cupcakes, cakes, or even sandwiched between cookies. Every time I whip up a batch, the silky texture and bold flavor make me feel like I’m creating something truly luxurious.

I love how this frosting not only elevates simple bakes, but also fills the kitchen with the cozy aroma of caramel. It’s one of those recipes that’s both impressive and approachable, making it a staple in my baking routine. Whether I’m preparing treats for a celebration or just satisfying a craving, this frosting turns any dessert into a bakery-worthy creation.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

This frosting is all about decadence and balance. The deep caramel flavor combined with creamy butter creates a luscious texture that’s both pipeable and spreadable. The addition of sea salt brightens the sweetness and adds a gourmet twist that’s sure to impress. It’s versatile, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make.

What Kind of Caramel Should I Use?

For the best results, I always recommend using homemade caramel sauce. It gives the frosting a richer, more authentic flavor. That said, if you’re in a pinch, a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce will work just fine. Just make sure it’s thick and not overly sweet. Avoid caramel syrups meant for coffee—they’re too thin and won’t hold up in the frosting.

Options for Substitutions

• Butter: You can use salted butter and reduce or omit the added sea salt. Vegan butter also works for a dairy-free version, though the texture may be slightly softer.
• Caramel Sauce: Swap homemade caramel with a thick, good-quality store-bought one. For a twist, try bourbon caramel or dulce de leche.
• Powdered Sugar: If you’re avoiding refined sugar, some bakers have success with powdered coconut sugar, though the color and flavor will differ.
• Milk/Cream: Use heavy cream for extra richness or a dairy-free alternative like oat milk for a lighter consistency.

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Ingredients for this Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

• Unsalted Butter – The base of the frosting. Room-temperature butter creates that creamy, fluffy texture essential for spreading and piping.
• Caramel Sauce – Adds a deep, rich caramel flavor. Homemade is ideal, but high-quality store-bought sauce works too.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and helps thicken it. Sift it for the smoothest texture.
• Heavy Cream or Milk – Adjusts the consistency and adds creaminess. Heavy cream gives a richer result.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the other flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
• Sea Salt – A pinch of flaky or fine sea salt brings balance and intensifies the caramel flavor.

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Step 1: Prepare the Butter

Let your unsalted butter come to room temperature until soft but not greasy. Beat it using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium-high speed until it’s pale, fluffy, and smooth. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect whipped texture.

Step 2: Add the Caramel Sauce

Once the butter is fully whipped, slowly add in your caramel sauce while the mixer is running on low. Let it incorporate fully before increasing the speed. This prevents the frosting from separating and allows the flavors to blend evenly.

Step 3: Mix in the Powdered Sugar

Reduce the mixer to low and gradually add sifted powdered sugar in batches. Beat after each addition until it’s fully incorporated. Once all the sugar is in, increase the speed and beat for 1-2 minutes to lighten the frosting.

Step 4: Adjust with Cream and Vanilla

Add the heavy cream (or milk) a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract to add a deeper aroma and balance to the sweetness.

Step 5: Add the Salt

Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt and beat again briefly. Taste and adjust—you want just enough salt to cut through the sweetness without overpowering the caramel.

Step 6: Frost or Store

Your Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting is now ready to use. Pipe it onto cupcakes, layer it onto cakes, or store it in an airtight container. It can sit at room temperature for a few hours or be refrigerated for up to a week. Rewhip before using if chilled.

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How Long to Prepare the Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Prep Time: The entire process takes about 20 to 25 minutes. That includes softening the butter, whipping it, and gradually adding in all the ingredients. If you’re using homemade caramel sauce, allow extra time for making and cooling it beforehand.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can make this frosting up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then rewhip it before using to restore its creamy texture.

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Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

• Always start with room-temperature butter—too cold and it won’t whip, too warm and it gets greasy.
• If your caramel is too warm when added, the frosting may split. Let it cool to room temperature.
• Sift your powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the final frosting.
• Beat the frosting on high for a couple of minutes at the end to create extra fluffiness.
• Taste before you finish—you may want a touch more salt or caramel depending on your preference.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overheating the caramel: This can make it bitter. If making your own, keep a close eye.
• Using cold caramel: It won’t mix well with the butter and may leave clumps.
• Adding sugar too fast: Dumping in all the powdered sugar at once can make the frosting gritty.
• Skipping the salt: Without it, the frosting may taste overly sweet and flat.
• Not adjusting the texture: Always check the consistency before using. Add cream if it’s too thick or more sugar if too soft.

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What to Serve With Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting?

1. Chocolate Cupcakes

The deep cocoa flavor complements the salty caramel beautifully.

2. Banana Cake

Banana and caramel are a classic pairing—this frosting takes it up a notch.

3. Apple Spice Muffins

Adds richness to spiced baked goods for a warm, fall-inspired treat.

4. Brownies

Spread a thick layer on top for a sweet-and-salty twist on classic brownies.

5. Vanilla Layer Cake

Keep the cake simple and let the frosting be the star.

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Storage Instructions

At Room Temperature: If using the same day, the frosting can sit out for up to 6 hours in a cool environment.

In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Before using, let it sit at room temperature and rewhip for a fluffy texture.

In the Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temp and rewhip.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – 2 tbsp approx.)

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 21g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Cholesterol: 38mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, just make sure it’s thick and flavorful—not the runny type used for coffee drinks.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar slightly and increase the butter. A pinch of extra salt can also help balance the sweetness.

Can I color the frosting?

Absolutely! Use gel food coloring to maintain the frosting’s consistency.

Why is my frosting too soft?

It could be due to warm caramel or butter. Chill it for 10–15 minutes and rewhip.

Can I pipe this frosting?

Yes! It’s perfect for piping onto cupcakes or decorative cake designs.

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Conclusion

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting is one of those game-changing recipes that instantly upgrades any dessert. It’s rich, creamy, perfectly balanced with sweet and salty notes, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re frosting a cake or filling sandwich cookies, this luscious frosting will add a decadent finish to your baking creations.

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