Easy Caramel Frosting
Elevate your baked creations with this indulgently rich and silky **Easy Caramel Frosting**—a perfect choice for cakes, cupcakes, and more! Made with simple pantry staples like unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract, this recipe delivers deep, buttery caramel flavor in just 15 minutes. The magic happens in a saucepan, where brown sugar melts into a smooth, bubbly caramel before being transformed into a luscious frosting with the addition of powdered sugar. Its glossy, spreadable texture makes it ideal for topping any dessert, and a pinch of salt enhances its sweet, complex notes. Whether you're frosting a batch of homemade cupcakes or a classic layer cake, this easy caramel frosting is irresistibly creamy and sets beautifully for a picture-perfect finish.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 0.25 cup whole milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch pinch of salt
Directions
Step 1
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Step 2
Add the brown sugar and a pinch of salt to the melted butter, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. This will take about 2-3 minutes and the mixture should begin to look smooth and bubbly.
Step 3
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Step 5
Using a hand whisk or an electric mixer set to low speed, gradually mix the sifted powdered sugar into the saucepan with the caramel mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
Step 6
Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat for another minute until the frosting reaches a glossy, spreadable consistency. If it is too thick, you can gradually add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired texture.
Step 7
Use the frosting immediately, as it will start to firm up as it cools. Spread over your favorite cake or cupcakes and allow it to set fully before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 515.6 grams (515.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1809 |
| Total Fat 2.00g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat 1.10g | 6% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g | |
| Cholesterol 7mg | 2% |
| Sodium 220mg | 10% |
| Total Carbohydrate 449.60g | 163% |
| Dietary Fiber 0.00g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 441.20g | |
| Protein 2.20g | 4% |
| Vitamin D 27IU | 134% |
| Calcium 242mg | 19% |
| Iron 1mg | 8% |
| Potassium 367mg | 8% |
Source of Calories