Name: Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (cooled); 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)

Do you dream of a frosting so silky and indulgent it could double as dessert on its own? Then this Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting is for you. It’s not just a topping; it’s a showstopper that brings a luscious swirl of caramel decadence to cupcakes, cakes, and everything in between.

Balancing the rich sweetness of caramel with just a kiss of salt, this buttercream is a sophisticated upgrade to traditional frosting. Whether you’re frosting a birthday cake or layering it into filled cookies, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results at home. It’s buttery, smooth, and beautifully pipeable, making it perfect for both rustic swooshes and elegant swirls.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into mixing, gather your essentials—they make a difference in the final texture and ease.

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Creaming the butter to the right consistency is key, and a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a sturdy hand mixer makes that effortless.
Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: Essential for making your caramel without burning it. It distributes heat evenly so your sugar melts smoothly.
Candy Thermometer (Optional): If you’re making homemade caramel, this tool ensures you reach the perfect amber stage without guesswork.
Fine Mesh Strainer: Great for catching any crystallized bits from your caramel, ensuring a smooth final frosting.
Piping Bag with Star Tip: If presentation is a priority, this tool helps you achieve bakery-level swirls.

With the right tools and ingredients on hand, the Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting comes together seamlessly and is guaranteed to elevate any bake.

Ingredients for the Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Unsalted Butter: The base of any good buttercream. It needs to be room temperature for perfect creaming.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and structure. It also helps create that dreamy smooth texture.
Salted Caramel Sauce: The hero ingredient! Whether homemade or store-bought, it infuses the buttercream with deep, buttery caramel flavor.
Heavy Cream: Just a splash loosens the frosting to a pipeable consistency and adds extra creaminess.
Sea Salt Flakes: Optional but worth it. They add a delightful contrast and crunch on top of piped swirls.

How To Make the Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Beat the Butter Until Creamy

Start by placing your softened butter into the mixer bowl. Beat on medium-high for about 2–3 minutes until pale, fluffy, and smooth.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar Gradually

Reduce the speed and slowly add powdered sugar. Mix on low until incorporated, then beat on medium for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Blend in the Caramel Sauce

Add your cooled salted caramel sauce and continue beating until the mixture is glossy and uniform.

Step 4: Adjust Texture with Cream

Pour in a tablespoon of heavy cream and whip the frosting for another minute. Add more cream if you prefer a softer texture.

Step 5: Taste and Salt

Optional but recommended—sprinkle in a pinch of flaky sea salt and mix briefly. Taste and adjust if needed.

How to Serve and Store Salted Caramel Buttercream

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting is incredibly versatile. Pipe it over chocolate cupcakes, sandwich it between cookies, or swirl it over a caramel layer cake. Its rich flavor pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, vanilla, or spiced bakes.

For storing, place any unused frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature and rewhip before using. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and beat to restore fluffiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s a thick, good-quality salted caramel that isn’t too runny.

How do I fix frosting that’s too soft?

Add a bit more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens to your liking.

Can I use this frosting under fondant?

Yes, but chill the frosted cake first to create a firm base before applying fondant.

Can I color this frosting?

You can, but keep in mind the caramel gives it a natural beige tint. Gel food coloring works best.

Is this frosting stable for warm weather?

It holds up better than whipped cream, but since it’s butter-based, avoid direct sunlight or heat.

Want More Frosting and Topping Ideas?

If you’re into sweet finishes, there’s more to explore!

Check out my Indulgent 6-Minute Caramel Recipe to pair with this frosting or drizzle over baked goods.

Or try it alongside Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for a buttery spice pairing that’s irresistible.

Another dreamy match? The Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes – swap the marshmallow topping with this buttercream for a caramel twist.

And don’t miss the Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries – a sweet bite-sized treat that could be leveled up with a caramel swirl.

For more inspiration and daily dessert ideas, visit my Pinterest @LadyPlate and save your favorite twists!

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you try it on cupcakes or between cookies? Did you go bold with extra salt flakes? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others swirl it up!

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

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Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Frosts 12 cupcakes or 1 layer cake
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting is rich, silky, and luxurious — a dreamy topping made for elevating any cake, cupcake, or dessert. With buttery depth, smooth caramel sweetness, and a hint of salt, it’s a show-stopping frosting that’s easy to make and even easier to devour.