One of the most popular recipes on my site is my favorite whipped buttercream frosting recipe. I often get emails asking whether it can be turned into a chocolate buttercream, caramel buttercream, cream cheese buttercream, etc.
So I figured it's time to start sharing some variations — starting with this to die for caramel frosting recipe!
This delicious caramel frosting is very similar to the basic buttercream recipe, only it uses less butter and replaces it with dulce de leche made with the easy crockpot caramel recipe I shared recently.
The end result is a sinfully decadent and delicius caramel frosting! Made without all the artificial flavorings and preservatives typically found in store bought frostings.
It's the perfect way to top off your favorite cake or cupcakes!
Printable Recipe ↓
Caramel Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter - 1 stick, softened
- ½ cup homemade caramel sauce
- 4 cups confectioners sugar - sifted
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3-5 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions
- Using a paddle beater, beat softened butter and caramel sauce on medium speed for about 3 minutes.
- Add sifted confectioners' sugar and stir on low until incorporated.
- Add vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on medium-high for 3 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides once or twice.
- If a thinner frosting is desired, add additional heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
The image above pairs this caramel frosting with my Fresh Honeycrisp Apple Cake, for a seasonal treat that's worth waiting for!
Tovah says
I tried making this caramel frosting tonight and unfortunately it did not go well :( I followed the directions but it
was so sticky and it never turned into a creamy, spreadable frosting. I kept beating it thinking eventually it would come together, but it never did. i also only used about 1/2 the sugar and it was sickeningly sweet. Very disappointed and not sure what went wrong.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Tovah — I'm sorry to hear that it didn't work out for you. Did you make your own caramel or use a store-bought version? Also, you definitely need to add all of the confectioners' sugar to get the proper consistency.
Cheri says
Today I ran across your buttercream frosting recipe. It really was fabulous. The best I've ever made!!! And my granddaughter thought it was great too (I used it to frost her #10 Bday cupcakes)!
I've always used the same ingredients, yet the result was much less rewarding. I think your 3 minute technique of beating the butter first and then the frosting at the end does something great!!! Also, sifting the powdered sugar surly adds to the success. So thanks so much!!! I will definitely be making this and the variations in the future!!!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
So happy to hear that, Cheri!
Thais says
Hi, I am thinking of using this for my baby girls birthday party cake. Is the frosting really yellow though?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Thais, it won't be a pure, bright white frosting, but it won't be bright yellow either — just a pale off white.
Wolfgirlmae says
Hello! This recipe sounds really yummy, I'm actually going to prep the caramel sauce tomorow. Was wondering if there's any way I could cut down the amount of confectioners sugar though? That usually makes frosting a little too sweet for my taste.
Natalie says
This sounds/looks delicious! I plan on using this recipe to frost banana cupcakes for my son's birthday party. (And, also, your original buttercream recipe for the cake!!) I see in the original caramel sauce recipe you've made 5 jars. Do you think I would be able to make only one jar of your sauce, using the same method?
Your reply will be completely appreciated!! Thanks:)
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Natalie! This would be amazing on banana cupcakes. I don't see any reason why you couldn't just make a single jar. You'll probably just want to keep a close eye on it, as it may cook faster with only one. Enjoy!
Natalie says
Tara - Thank you! It worked perfectly. The cupcakes paired with your frosting were a complete hit at the party!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
So glad to hear it, Natalie!
Cindy says
WOW! Yum! That picture made my mouth water! Can't wait for the coming apple cake recipe to go with the caramel frosting.