This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This creamy Caramel Frosting recipe is sweet and buttery, perfect for pairing with your favorite cake or cupcake!
Calling All Caramel Lovers!
Without a doubt, this caramel frosting recipe is hands down one of my favorite frosting recipes. It can pair well with many desserts, especially a variety of cakes like chocolate cake recipes and our favorite Caramel Cake recipe.
We love a classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting or Chocolate Buttercream Frosting but if you love caramel as much as we do than you have to try this recipe!
Why we love it:
- For all the treats. As mentioned above, it is for more than just easy cake recipes! Use it on cinnamon rolls, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and more.
- A generous amount. The recipe yields a substantial amount of frosting, plenty to frost large or layered cakes – perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
- Make ahead. This frosting can sit in the fridge covered for 2-3 days making it super convenient for party prep or any celebration!
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces – if using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt or omit it altogether.
- 1½ cups brown sugar, packed – Use light or dark brown sugar or an equal mixture of the two.
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3½ – 4 cups powdered sugar – sifted for the smoothest frosting
How to Make Caramel Frosting
- MELT. Add 12 tablespoons butter to a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat.
- COMBINE. Stir in 1½ cups brown sugar, ¼ cup of cream, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the caramel mixture begins to bubble and simmer. Simmer for two minutes, then remove from heat.
- COOL. Pour the caramel into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Let cool for at least 30 minutes.
- MIX. After the caramel has cooled, add 3 cups of powdered sugar and the remaining ¼ cup of heavy cream, and mix until smooth.
- COMBINE. Add additional powdered sugar as needed to make a smooth frosting, with a buttercream consistency.
Pro Tip
Use a larger pot as the caramel tends to bubble up, a lot, and you don’t want it spilling over the sides. Brush down the sides of the pot as it cooks to help keep crystals from forming.
More Like This
- More frosting recipes: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, Easy Marshmallow Frosting, Oreo Frosting, Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- Use caramel frosting on: Vanilla Cake, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Frosted Sugar Cookies, Blondie Recipe, Caramel Cake
More collections: Easy Cake Recipes, Cakes the Feed a Crowd, Holiday Cakes
Caramel Frosting Recipe
This creamy caramel frosting recipe is sweet and buttery, perfect for pairing with your favorite cake flavor!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- 1½ cups brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3½ – 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Add butter to a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar, half of the heavy cream, and salt.
- Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the caramel mixture begins to bubble and simmer. Simmer two minutes, then remove from heat.
- Pour the caramel into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Let cool for at least 30 minutes.
- After the caramel has cooled, add powdered sugar and the remaining heavy cream, and mix until smooth.
- Add additional powdered sugar as needed to make a smooth frosting, with a buttercream consistency.
Notes
How much does this make? This recipe is enough to frost a two-layer 8” round cake. Whether you spread it with a knife or use a thick piping tip, you can frost about 18-24 cupcakes.
STORE. Cover this caramel frosting recipe and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
FREEZE for up to 3 months. Bring it to room temperature before trying to spread it. To get it fluffy again simply whip it in a stand mixer.
Nutrition
Calories: 6655kcal, Carbohydrates: 1300g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 180g, Saturated Fat: 114g, Cholesterol: 525mg, Sodium: 2912mg, Potassium: 663mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1201g, Vitamin A: 6049IU, Calcium: 451mg, Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
add more caramel flavor?
- Enhance the look and flavor of your treat by drizzling homemade Caramel Sauce over the top of your dessert.
How much does this caramel frosting recipe make?
- This recipe is enough to frost a two-layer 8” round cake. Whether you spread it with a knife or use a thick piping tip, you can frost about 18-24 cupcakes.
How to store caramel frosting?
- Cover this caramel frosting recipe and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freeze the Frosting?
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Bring the caramel buttercream frosting to room temperature before using. To get it fluffy again, whip it in a stand mixer.
What did you pour over the top of the cake in the original picture? Looks like plain caramel??
Yes, just a caramel ice cream topping.
Pretty good, wasn’t sure when the caramel ice cream topping was supposed to be added in, but turned out well.
I’m so glad it turned out well for you!
Rating 5 making this tonight but I know I’ll love it!!! Thanks 🙏
It doesn’t get any better than this!
This is the BEST frosting ever!!
Delicious