Looking to make your baked goods even more tempting? We’re not kidding when we say this is truly The Best Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting!
My obsession with caramel started when I was a little girl, and it was at my grandmother’s house that it all began. You see, my grandmother had one of those beautiful candy dishes in her living room, tempting everyone who came to visit with an array of carefully curated sweets. There were red-and-white pinwheel mints, sour lemon drops, strawberry bonbons wrapped in red-and-green cellophane, and, my absolute favorite, soft caramels. The highlight of visiting my grandmother was that delicious moment when she opened her candy dish and I would treat myself to one of those chewy delights. Oh, how I loved (and still love) caramel! Salted caramel lattes, caramel-drizzled apple pie, salted caramel popcorn, and caramel sauce scooped right out of the jar are just a few of my favorite treats. But recently, when I was whipping up some frosting for a batch of cupcakes, it hit me: Why not make caramel frosting? Well, let me assure you that it was a very good idea.
Once you try this caramel-infused topping, you may never go back to boring vanilla frosting again. Rather than playing the role of supporting actor, this recipe transforms frosting into a fellow star alongside your baked goods of choice. The light, creamy texture and notes of buttery caramel make every bite feel decadent. Be warned, though—you may be scooping this stuff straight from the bowl and into your mouth!
Fancy up your caramel frosting creations
While this frosting is wonderful all on its own, there are ways you can make your frosted creations even more tempting. Making chocolate cupcakes? Top them with a rich swirl of this frosting and dust each one with some hazelnut praline for a crisp textural touch. If making an apple cake, slather it with the frosting and decorate it with rounds of dried apple, candied pecans, and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. This preparation also works quite well with carrot cake or banana cake. Chocolate and caramel also come together in delicious harmony in many baked goods. For the ultimate indulgence, fill a Swiss roll sponge with the frosting, roll into a log, and drizzle the log with melted dark chocolate.
How do I store leftovers?
Caramel cream cheese frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. However, this will cause the frosting to harden, so you’ll need to set it out for about 1 hour before using it. Once it warms up to room temperature, it should be easy to spread on baked goods. The frosting can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Serving suggestions
Sure, this rich caramel cream cheese frosting is a delicious topping for cupcakes, cakes, and cookies, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box! I especially love slathering it on these No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls instead of the icing called for in the recipe. Talk about treating yourself! I’ve also unapologetically dolloped the frosting on a thick and gorgeous serving of this Streusel French Toast Casserole or even on this delightful Single-Serving Apple Crisp. Oh, and speaking of toast, yes, this caramel frosting has even graced my morning slice! Unconventional? Perhaps. Delicious? You better believe it!
The Best Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients Â
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 tablespoons salted butter softened
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar divided
InstructionsÂ
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together in the bowl of a stand mixer or a handheld mixer on medium speed. Aim for a smooth and creamy texture. It should take about 1 minute.
- Add the caramel sauce and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat the mixture on medium speed until well blended.
- Add the sugar gradually, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition to prevent a sugar cloud in your kitchen. If the frosting is too thin, add a bit more sugar until you reach the desired thickness.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the frosting for up to 2 minutes. This will add some air into the frosting, making it fluffy.
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