Description
Creamy, indulgent salted caramel frosting elevates classic desserts with its rich, complex flavor profile. Sweet and salty notes dance together, promising a luxurious finishing touch that will enchant dessert enthusiasts seeking sophisticated culinary experiences.
Ingredients
Scale
Salted Caramel Sauce Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 grams / 7.05 ounces) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113 grams / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) heavy cream
Supporting Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters / 2 fluid ounces) water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Salted Caramel Frosting Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 cups (360 grams / 12.7 ounces) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) salted caramel sauce
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the caramel base by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, ensuring smooth and even melting.
- Incorporate brown sugar into the melted butter, stirring continuously until completely dissolved and creating a rich, golden mixture.
- Carefully pour heavy cream into the sugar mixture, whisking vigorously to prevent separation and promote even blending.
- Simmer the caramel sauce for 3-4 minutes, watching for slight thickening and maintaining constant movement with the whisk.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and introduce vanilla extract and sea salt, stirring gently to distribute flavors evenly.
- Allow the caramel sauce to cool completely to room temperature, which helps stabilize its texture and consistency.
- Transfer the cooled caramel to a clean mixing bowl, preparing for the frosting stage.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar to the caramel, mixing on low speed to prevent sugar clouds and ensure smooth integration.
- Increase mixer speed to medium-high, beating the mixture for 3-5 minutes until the frosting becomes light, airy, and voluminous.
- Assess the frosting’s consistency, adding heavy cream to thin or powdered sugar to thicken as needed, achieving the perfect spreadable texture.
- Apply the salted caramel frosting generously over cupcakes, cakes, or cookies using a spatula or piping bag for elegant presentation.
Notes
- Caramel Precision: Always stir the sugar and butter constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, golden-brown color without scorching.
- Temperature Control: Allow the caramel sauce to cool completely before mixing with powdered sugar to prevent a runny or grainy frosting texture.
- Consistency Tricks: Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother, more evenly mixed frosting that spreads easily and holds its shape.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding a splash of bourbon, dark rum, or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the caramel’s depth and complexity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 246
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 116mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 32mg