wikiHow to Make Caramel Frosting

Two Methods:Making Classic Caramel FrostingMaking Fancy Caramel Frosting

Have you wanted to try something other than vanilla or chocolate frosting? Is someone a fan of caramel? This is a recipe for caramel frosting.

Ingredients

Classic Caramel Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup of margarine or butter
  • 1 cup of packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup of milk
  • 2 cups of powdered sugar

Fancy Caramel Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream, plus more as necessary
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 16-ounce box confectioners sugar
  • 2 cups finely chopped black walnuts, for garnish (optional)

Method 1
Making Classic Caramel Frosting

  1. Image titled Make Caramel Frosting Step 1
    1
    Place a 2-quart sized saucepan over medium heat. Melt the margarine completely in the saucepan.
  2. Image titled Make Caramel Frosting Step 2
    2
    Add the brown sugar into the pan and stir. Wait and stir until the mixture boils, then turn the heat down to a low setting.
  3. Image titled Make Caramel Frosting Step 3
    3
    Let the mixture boil for 2 minutes, then pour and stir in the milk. Wait again until it boils, then remove from the heat.
  4. Image titled Make Caramel Frosting Step 4
    4
    Set the saucepan on the side until it's cooled down.
  5. Image titled Make Caramel Frosting Step 5
    5
    Pour, a little at a time, the powdered sugar; stir as your pour.
  6. Image titled Make Caramel Frosting Step 6
    6
    Fill a bowl with cold water. Place the saucepan in the bowl and mix the frosting mixture until it's in a consistency or a smooth texture.
  7. Image titled Make Caramel Frosting Intro
    7
    Finished.

Method 2
Making Fancy Caramel Frosting

  1. 1
    Melt butter in saucepan. Add brown sugar and cream.
  2. 2
    Cook over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. 3
    Remove from heat and add vanilla. Transfer to a large bowl.
  4. 4
    Using a handheld electric mixer, beat in confectioners sugar until smooth.
    • If frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon heavy cream at a time until consistency is right.
  5. 5
    Spread on the baked goods as required. Garnish with black walnuts, if liked.

Tips

  • Stir in 1 teaspoon of additional milk if the frosting becomes too stiff while mixing it in the cold water. Add an extra teaspoon if necessary.
  • This recipe can frost a 13 x 9-inch cake or two 8 or 9-inch cakes.

Things You'll Need

  • Saucepan
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Bowls
  • Electric handheld mixer
  • Frosting spatula or butter knife

Sources and Citations

  • Crocker, Betty. Betty Crocker's 40th Anniversary Edition Cookbook. Macmillan General Reference, 1991.

Article Info

Categories: Frosting Icing and Fondant