This caramel cream cheese frosting is a family favourite frosting. It is so addictive and delicious and so easy to make! The caramel adds a new depth of flavour and this frosting goes well with so many cake and cupcake flavours. I keep some on hand when in need of a quick dessert topping.
What is the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting best paired with?
I love this frosting with carrot cake and cupcakes (recipe here), but it pairs very well with any fruity flavoured cakes and even red velvet cake. I even love it paired with vanilla and chocolate cake and cupcakes. This frosting allows you to add a twist of flavour to the traditional combinations and I am sure you will love it too!
Tips on making this Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
This cream cheese frosting uses light brown sugar which adds to the caramel flavour of the frosting. You can use the sugar as is, or turn it into a powdered sugar. I recommend making it into a powdered sugar so that your frosting is smooth. If you use it granulated, your frosting will have some crunch to it, which is also delicious! The choice is up to you!
Use cold cream cheese (straight out of the fridge). Cream cheese is already soft and since we will be whipping it with the butter, this will ensure our frosting doesn’t become too soft and runny which can often happen when using room temperature cream cheese.
Use room temperature butter. This will ensure your frosting doesn’t end up lumpy and have pieces of butter in it.
Make sure your caramel isn’t still hot when you add it to the frosting. It should be at room temperature and if it is too cold, warm it for only a few seconds at 80% power in your microwave. You need to make sure that you don’t overhear or the caramel will split and become oily.
Storage
It is important to store the frosting in the fridge since it contains a lot of dairy. Before using, let it warm up a little at room temperature. You can also freeze the frosting and use at any time. The frosting does stay a little soft even when frozen due to the sugar.
Decorating with this caramel cream cheese frosting
This frosting will work well on a cake or cupcakes, but depending on your cream cheese and butter, it might not be perfect for piping.
If you’ve tried this recipe, remember to comment below and let me know how it went.
Love,
Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 60 g Butter Unsalted
- 115 g Cream Cheese Full Fat, Cold
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
- 80 g Brown Sugar Powdered*
- 80 g Icing Sugar
- 50 g Caramel Homemade*
Instructions
- Process your light brown sugar into a powdered consistency using a grinder or hand blender. This step is optional, however the frosting will be a bit more crunchy if you decide to skip this step.
- In a medium-sized bowl, add your butter and cream cheese frosting and mix until well combined.
- Add your sugars and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Add 50g of your smooth caramel and mix until well combined.
Notes
- Processing your light brown sugar into a powder is optional, however, if you choose to skip this step your frosting may be a bit more crunchy but just as delicious.
- Frosting can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator or freezer. You may need to re-whip when ready for use.
