{"id":285842,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-22T00:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/creamy-caramel-frosting\/"},"modified":"2024-09-10T19:36:53","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T00:36:53","slug":"creamy-caramel-frosting","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/creamy-caramel-frosting\/","title":{"rendered":"Caramel Frosting"},"content":{"rendered":"
Take a guess how many ingredients are required to make a delicious creamy caramel frosting. Based on the depth and complexity of a sweet caramel, you might think there are a bunch of spices and other ingredients hiding out in this recipe for caramel frosting, but in fact, there are just five. And your frosting will come together in less than 20 minutes, including the time spent simply letting the caramel frosting cool.<\/p>\n
Once this sweet, rich frosting is prepared, it will be delightful on cupcakes, in pastries or, let\u2019s be honest, sneaked by the spoonful. That’s right, it has a certain fudge-like quality that merits enjoying a few bites just as is. Now, let’s gather our ingredients, get a saucepan and get to work!<\/p>\n
In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter and milk, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir these ingredients for two minutes, then remove the pan from the heat.<\/p>\n Stir in the vanilla, then let the mixture cool to lukewarm.<\/p>\n Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar, adding sugar until the frosting achieves a spreading consistency.<\/p>\n You can store this caramel frosting in a jar in the fridge for up to one month. If it gets too hard to spread, heat it in the microwave, working in 20-second bursts.<\/p>\n From a food-safety standpoint, yes, you can freeze caramel frosting recipes in an airtight container for three to four months. But practically speaking, the frosting may become crumbly and grainy when frozen, so it’s best used fresh or kept in the fridge.<\/p>\n While it’s perfectly suited to use on cakes, cupcakes and the like, this creamy caramel frosting is also welcome on slightly less sweet foodstuffs, like a banana bread or a thick slice of toast.<\/p>\n You can! You can use a butter substitute<\/a> and a nondairy milk alternative<\/a>. Try a thicker milk substitute, like a coconut milk, which will also add some flavor.<\/p>\n This is a treat, to be sure, not an everyday eat, as there are nearly 80 calories in a single tablespoon. Of course, for reference, peanut butter has about 15 more calories per tablespoon than that.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This deceptively simple creamy caramel frosting comes together fast, using just a few ingredients. It’s an indulgent topper for cupcakes, filler for pastries or spread for a thick slice of toast.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2045566,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304328,304288,305487,304338,304390,306194,303966,304368,303887,304268,324623,304016,304388,304395,304005,304398,303883,304403],"categories-v2":[308984,308481,259620,310796,308992,308761,312060,308495,308745,308478,259483,309177,308579,308752,308782,308549,308797,308476,308812],"coauthors":[343393],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Creamy Fudge Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/creamy-fudge-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps189577_TH153342D02_18_5b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Creamy Caramels","post_link":"\/recipes\/creamy-caramels\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EXPS_TOHD24_224_JuliaHartbeck_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chocolate Buttercream Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/rich-chocolate-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/EXPS_FT24_14884_EC_080624_2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Fluffy Chocolate Mousse Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/fluffy-chocolate-mousse-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps37129_QC2454C23B.jpg"},{"post_title":"Buttercream Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/buttercream-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps8003_QC2162C65A-4.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cream Cheese Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/cream-cheese-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Cream-Cheese-Frosting_EXPS_GHTJM17_14880_C05_02_6b-5.jpg"},{"post_title":"Peanut Butter Whipped Cream Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/peanut-butter-whipped-cream-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Peanut-Butter-Whipped-Cream-Frosting_EXPS_FT19_246825_F_1113_1-2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/peanut-butter-buttercream-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EXPS_TOHD24_-246114_DanielleMoore_3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/chocolate-peanut-butter-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Chocolate-Peanut-Butter-Frosting_EXPS_FT19_36436_F_0917_1-4.jpg"},{"post_title":"Creamy Caramel Dip","post_link":"\/recipes\/creamy-caramel-dip\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps223_THCWR143330B03_13_2bC-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/easy-vanilla-buttercream-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Easy-Vanilla-Buttercream-Frosting_EXPS_TOHD24_30118_ChristineMa_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Caramel Creme Brulee","post_link":"\/recipes\/caramel-creme-brulee\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Caramel-Creme-Brulee_EXPS_THCA17_195861_A6_01_2b-4.jpg"},{"post_title":"Fluffy White Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/fluffy-white-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Fluffy-White-Frosting_EXPS_TOHD25_8002_ChristineMa_3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Amaretto Butter Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/amaretto-butter-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps885_BSF2679079C06_15_4bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Rich Buttercream Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/rich-buttercream-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps29520_TH153341B11_19_11b-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Fluffy Cherry Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/fluffy-cherry-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Caramel Custard","post_link":"\/recipes\/caramel-custard\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Caramel-Custard_EXPS_FT24_3136_ST_0412_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Creamy Orange Caramels","post_link":"\/recipes\/creamy-orange-caramels\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps157019_HC163708D03_17_3b-3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Mocha Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/mocha-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Mocha-Frosting_EXPS_FT21_29400_F_1112_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Glossy Chocolate Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/glossy-chocolate-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps28485_LT944055D49C-1.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":"","long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/EXPS_TOHD24_36438_DianaChistruga.jpg"},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/creamy-caramel-frosting\/","name":"Caramel Frosting","datePublished":"2018-01-01","dateModified":"2024-09-10","prepTime":"PT20M","cookTime":"PT0M","totalTime":"PT20M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EXPS_TOHD24_36438_DianaChistruga.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Desserts"],"description":"This deceptively simple creamy caramel frosting comes together fast, using just a few ingredients. It's an indulgent topper for cupcakes, filler for pastries or spread for a thick slice of toast.","recipeIngredient":["1 cup packed brown sugar","1\/2 cup butter","1\/4 cup 2% milk","1 teaspoon vanilla extract","2-1\/2 to 3 cups confectioners' sugar"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Combine the brown sugar, butter and milk","text":"In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter and milk, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir these ingredients for two minutes, then remove the pan from the heat.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Creamy-Caramel-Frosting_TOHD24_36438_DianaChistruga_2.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add the vanilla","text":"Stir in the vanilla, then let the mixture cool to lukewarm.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Creamy-Caramel-Frosting_TOHD24_36438_DianaChistruga_3.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add the confectioners' sugar","text":"Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar, adding sugar until the frosting achieves a spreading consistency.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Creamy-Caramel-Frosting_TOHD24_36438_DianaChistruga_4.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"about 2-1\/4 cups","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Steven John"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 79 calories","fatContent":"3g fat (2g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"7mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"29mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"14g carbohydrate (14g sugars","fiberContent":"0 fiber)","proteinContent":"0 protein. "},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.6666665,"reviewCount":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2022-09-25","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Rachel2933"},"reviewBody":"I was hoping this would be fluffier, but it turned out more like fudge, which some people in my family like, and some don't. I may make this recipe as fudge, but not sure about it as a frosting. As far as taste, it was good, although a tad too sweet for my senses. I do live in a dry climate, so if I try this again as a frosting, I'll use more milk, and less powdered sugar.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2024-08-07","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Donnie714"},"reviewBody":" This is really good and pretty easy to make! I used whole milk because I didn\u2019t have any 2% and it still turned out great :) I used this for banana bars I made and it\u2019s fantastic! Highly recommend <\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-10-13","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"mariadotson"},"reviewBody":"This is a family favorite at my house. I've made it a number of times. It's very easy to whip up and has always turned out \"right\".","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"36438","romance_copy_dek":"This deceptively simple creamy caramel frosting comes together fast, using just a few ingredients. 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\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Combine the brown sugar, butter and milk<\/h3>\n
Diana Chistruga for Taste Recipes <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Add the vanilla<\/h3>\n
Diana Chistruga for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 3: Add the confectioners’ sugar<\/h3>\n
Diana Chistruga for Taste Recipes <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Diana Chistruga for Taste Recipes <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Caramel Frosting Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store Caramel Frosting<\/h2>\n
Can you freeze caramel frosting?<\/h3>\n
Caramel Frosting Tips<\/h2>\n
Diana Chistruga for Taste Recipes <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
What should I serve with this frosting?<\/h3>\n
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?<\/h3>\n
How high are the calories in this recipe?<\/h3>\n