Salted Caramel Frosting

​Inspired by...birthday requests

My friend and coworker Leanne's birthday was on Monday.  She requested something from my "bakery," so I asked her to inspire me!  She requested salted caramel and chocolate.  Yum!  I made a smaller batch of my favorite chocolate cupcakes and a tasty caramel frosting sprinkled with sea salt.  I think Leanne was pretty happy with them :)

Frosting Recipe
​Frosts approximately 24 cupcakes
Recipe adapted from Sally's Baking Addiction​

​Ingredients

• ​​​1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream (separated)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• Coarse sea salt for decorating (optional but recommended!)

​Directions

1. ​​Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. 
2. Add brown sugar and 1/3 cup cream.
3. Increase heat to medium.  Mix constantly to dissolve sugar and prevent scalding. 
4. Add salt and stir to combine. 
5. Allow to bubble for 2 minutes, mixing occasionally. 
6. Remove from heat and pour into large heat-safe bowl.  Allow to cool.
7. Beat caramel mixture for about one minute and then beat in powdered sugar, one cup at a time.  Add approximately 2 tablespoons of heavy cream alternating with powdered sugar until you get your desired consistency.
8. Pipe onto cupcakes and then sprinkle with sea salt.