This caramel cream cheese frosting is so creamy with the best caramel flavor from dulce de leche! Use it on cakes and cookies or add a sprinkle of sea salt for a decadent treat.
Caramel and Cream Cheese Frosting
This rich and creamy caramel cream cheese frosting tastes like a mixture of caramel sauce and cream cheese frosting. The tangy cream cheese with caramel flavor is simply to die for!
It’s a no-fuss icing made with only 5 simple ingredients in one bowl with no heavy cream or eggs. Pipe it on pumpkin spice cupcakes or spread it on banana bread brownies.
If you’re a caramel lover, you just have to try this recipe!
Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Cream cheese: The full-fat block-style kind works the best.
- Unsalted butter: You can add in some salt later if you want to make a salted caramel frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Works well in this frosting as it incorporates easily with the butter and the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract: Use this to taste. Keep in mind that the more you use, the thinner the frosting will become.
- Dulce de leche: A caramel sauce that is the secret to the frostings amazing flavor.
How to Make Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
- Mix cream cheese and butter: Mix the cream cheese and butter in the medium bowl of a stand mixer or large bowl using an electric mixer. Beat at medium-high speed until smooth. This will take a minute or two. You can do this step by hand using a wooden spoon to stir, it will just take you longer.
- Add powdered sugar: Mix the confectioners’ sugar with the cream cheese mixture using the electric mixer. Keep mixing on medium speed until everything has reached a creamy texture.
- Add caramel: Add in the dulce de leche and vanilla and continue to mix everything until smooth.
- Adjust as needed: If your frosting looks too thin, you can add more powdered sugar. If you need to thin it out a bit, you can add a small splash of milk until you’ve reached the desired consistency.
Helpful Tips
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before you begin to mix. Check out my tips on how to soften cream cheese.
- Be careful not to overbeat the frosting. As with most cream cheese frostings, overbeating can cause it to become thin and runny.
- For even more caramel flavor, drizzle some dulce de leche over the frosting once you’ve spread it onto your cookies or cakes.
Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Salted caramel sauce is a popular flavor for so many things and cream cheese frosting is no exception! If you would like to make a salted caramel cream cheese frosting, then simply add a pinch of salt to taste.
Alternatively, you could use salted butter, instead of unsalted butter to achieve a salted caramel flavor. Add some of the frosting to a piping bag and try it on a these chocolate cupcakes from scratch, it’s amazing!
Great Ways to Use This Frosting
Storage
The frosting is best stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
You might also love this cream cheese glaze.
More Cream Cheese Frosting Recipes
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Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 6 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 6 Tablespoons butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar , more if needed
- ½ cup dulce de leche , more for topping if desired
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat together 6 ounces cream cheese, 6 Tablespoons butter and 3 cups powdered sugar until smooth.
- Mix in 1/2 cup dulce de leche and 2 teaspoons vanilla until smooth. Add more powdered sugar until you reach desired thickness and sweetness.
- Frost a cake with the cream cheese frosting, then cover until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Desserts, Frosting, Gluten-Free, No-Bake, Nut-Free, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
This is DELICIOUS 😋 😍
OMG! This is so incredible!
Ok, I’m in love! Two of my favorite things in one delicious frosting. Pure heaven for sure.
Right?! So glad you enjoyed it, Erin!
Oh wow!! This is totally irresistible! I can’t wait to make it again!