Description
A rich and creamy caramel frosting made with butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Perfect for adding a decadent caramel flavor to cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, this frosting is smooth, slightly thickened, and easily adjustable in consistency.
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 the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully liquid.
- Add brown sugar: Stir in the brown sugar and cook the mixture until it begins to bubble, about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add heavy cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the caramel is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Mix in vanilla and salt: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance flavor.
- Cool the caramel: Let the caramel mixture cool for about 10 minutes to prevent the powdered sugar from melting immediately.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar in ½ cup increments, mixing well after each addition until the frosting reaches your desired thickness.
- Adjust consistency if needed: If the frosting becomes too thick, thin it out by adding small amounts of milk or heavy cream until smooth and spreadable.
- Use the frosting: Immediately frost your favorite cakes, cupcakes, or cookies with the creamy caramel frosting.
Notes
- Ensure the caramel mixture cools slightly before adding powdered sugar to prevent a runny frosting.
- Adjust powdered sugar amount to achieve your preferred frosting consistency.
- If frosting is too stiff, a small splash of milk or heavy cream will soften it.
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using.
