Description
This luscious Caramel Frosting recipe is a rich and creamy topping perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Made with brown sugar caramelized in butter and heavy cream, then combined with vanilla and powdered sugar, it offers the perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavors with a smooth, spreadable texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat to create the base of your caramel frosting.
- Add Brown Sugar: Stir in the brown sugar and cook until the mixture begins to bubble, continuing to stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to ensure even caramelization and to prevent burning.
- Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the caramel becomes smooth and slightly thickened, forming the rich caramel flavor.
- Season Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt to enhance the flavor complexity of the frosting.
- Cool Mixture: Let the caramel mixture cool for about 10 minutes so it doesn’t melt the powdered sugar immediately when combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to achieve a thick, smooth frosting.
- Adjust Consistency: Continue adding powdered sugar until your desired consistency is reached. If the frosting becomes too thick, thin it with a small amount of milk or heavy cream.
- Use Immediately: Spread or pipe the frosting onto your favorite cakes, cupcakes, or cookies for a delicious caramel finish.
Notes
- Ensure to sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps in your frosting.
- Do not overcook the caramel mixture to prevent bitterness.
- If frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar gradually.
- If frosting is too stiff, gently stir in milk or heavy cream to loosen it.
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before using.
