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Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Favorites.

Meet your new favorite frosting that'll transform any cake, cupcake, or cookie into something extraordinary. This smooth, creamy blend marries tangy cream cheese with rich, buttery caramel for a flavor that hits all the right notes. It spreads like a dream and holds its shape beautifully, making it perfect for both spreading and piping. The balance of sweet and tangy creates an irresistible topping that adds luxury to any dessert. Store it in the fridge and let it come to room temp before using.
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Aisha
Updated on Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:22:49 GMT
A delectable cupcake topped with swirls of caramel-flavored frosting and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pin it
A delectable cupcake topped with swirls of caramel-flavored frosting and a drizzle of caramel sauce. | www.cookingflavor.com

The moment I discovered how to make this Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting my desserts were never the same. There's something magical about the way tangy cream cheese and sweet caramel come together in this silky smooth frosting. I've lost count of how many times friends have begged for this recipe after trying it on my cupcakes.

Why Make This Frosting

This frosting has become my secret weapon in the kitchen. Using store bought caramel sauce makes it so quick and easy but nobody would ever guess. That tiny pinch of salt transforms everything bringing out flavors you didn't even know were there. I love how versatile it is whether I'm spreading it on my morning cinnamon rolls or piping it onto fancy birthday cupcakes.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Butter: Softened for smooth mixing
  • Cream Cheese: Also softened for a lump-free texture
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness
  • Powdered Sugar: Thickens the frosting
  • Caramel Sauce: Store-bought works perfectly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Base
Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Add Sugar and Caramel
Add salt, powdered sugar, and caramel sauce. Start mixing slowly to avoid a sugar mess.
Fluff It Up
Turn the mixer to high and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Adjust Texture
Add a splash of milk for softer frosting or more powdered sugar for a firmer texture.
A close-up of a caramel frosted cupcake drizzled with caramel sauce on a white plate. Pin it
A close-up of a caramel frosted cupcake drizzled with caramel sauce on a white plate. | www.cookingflavor.com

What Makes It Good

I love how the cream cheese keeps this frosting from being too sweet. The caramel adds this incredible richness that makes everything feel fancy. And that little pinch of salt? It's like turning up the volume on all the flavors. Every time I make it people can't quite put their finger on what makes it so special.

Perfect Pairings

This frosting has found its way onto almost everything in my kitchen. It's absolutely dreamy on apple cake brings new life to banana bread and turns ordinary chocolate cupcakes into something extraordinary. My family's favorite is when I slather it on warm cinnamon rolls the way it melts slightly into all those swirls is pure heaven.

Tips for Success

Let me share what I've learned from making this countless times. Room temperature ingredients are non negotiable for that silky smooth texture. Take your time beating the butter and cream cheese together at the start it's worth the extra minute or two. If you're planning to pipe designs let it firm up in the fridge for a bit first your swirls will hold their shape so much better.

Make It Special

Sometimes I'll sprinkle chopped pecans on top or add a handful of toffee bits. A little drizzle of extra caramel sauce makes everything look fancy without any real effort. My latest discovery was adding a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top it looks beautiful and tastes amazing.

Storage and Fixes

The beauty of this frosting is how forgiving it is. It keeps beautifully in the fridge and freezes like a dream. Just let it come back to room temperature and give it a quick whip to bring back that fluffy texture. Too soft? Add a bit more sugar. Too thick? A splash of milk fixes it right up. It's pretty much foolproof.

A close-up of a caramel-topped cupcake with swirled frosting, garnished with a sprinkle of salt. Pin it
A close-up of a caramel-topped cupcake with swirled frosting, garnished with a sprinkle of salt. | www.cookingflavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How much frosting does this recipe make?
This recipe makes enough frosting to generously cover a 9-inch layer cake or 24 cupcakes. For lighter coverage, you can reduce the recipe by half.
→ Can I freeze this frosting?
Yes, you can freeze this frosting for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then let it come to room temperature and beat until fluffy before using.
→ Why is my frosting too runny?
If your frosting is too soft, try adding more powdered sugar gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Also make sure your butter and cream cheese aren't too warm.
→ What kind of caramel sauce works best?
Use a thick caramel sauce, not a thin syrup. Store-bought thick caramel sauce works well, or you can use homemade caramel that has cooled completely.
→ How long can I keep this frosting at room temperature?
Due to the cream cheese, this frosting shouldn't sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Store in the refrigerator when not using.

Caramel Cream Frosting

A smooth, creamy frosting that combines cream cheese and caramel for the perfect cake topping. Easy to make and incredibly delicious.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Aicha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (3 cups frosting)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 ½ cup butter, softened.
02 4 ounces cream cheese, softened.
03 ¾ teaspoon salt.
04 4 cups powdered sugar.
05 ⅓ cup thick caramel sauce.

Instructions

Step 01

In a mixer bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until it is creamy and smooth.

Step 02

Add the salt, powdered sugar, and caramel sauce, mixing on low until most of the powdered sugar is incorporated.

Step 03

Increase the speed to high and beat for at least 2 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.

Step 04

Adjust the consistency with a little milk or extra powdered sugar if needed to achieve the desired texture.

Step 05

Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To use chilled frosting, allow it to come to room temperature, then beat for a minute or two before using.

Notes

  1. This frosting pairs well with vanilla, chocolate, or pumpkin-flavored baked goods.
  2. If stored properly, the frosting can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
  3. For a stronger caramel flavor, use a deeply browned caramel sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cream cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 160
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 1 g