Cream Cheese vs. Buttercream: Which Caramel Frosting Steals the Show?

Do you love the rich taste of caramel? You've got two delicious options when it comes to frostings: cream cheese or buttercream. Each one brings a unique flavor and texture, making it a difficult choice. Cream cheese caramel frosting has a slight tang that balances the sweetness, while buttercream offers a rich, smooth finish. Whether you're frosting a cake or cupcakes, you can't go wrong with either of these.

Decadent Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Cream Cheese Caramel FrostingPhoto byEasy Southern Desserts

There’s nothing quite like a rich creamy caramel cream cheese frosting to turn your favorite cake in to a show stopper cake. This frosting starts with homemade caramel which is blended with creamy cream cheese and butter for a luxurious finish. The caramel adds a deep richness perfectly balanced by the tangy cream cheese.

This is the frosting you want to choose when you really want to impress. It can make any cake extra special, even if you’re simply making a box cake.

While it might take a bit of effort to make the caramel, the result is so worth it. The frosting has a smooth, creamy texture that spreads beautifully and holds its shape well, making it perfect for decorating cakes or cupcakes. Plus, it’s not too sweet—just the right balance of caramel’s richness and cream cheese’s tang.

What You'll need for a Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 4 cups powdered sugar 1lb, divided
• ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese room temp
• ¼ cup butter room temp

Instructions

• Add ½ cup of the powdered sugar to a light colored saucepan and heat over medium heat without stirring until the sugar dissolves and have a tan liquid on the bottom of the pan.. You can swirl it occasionally.
• Continue cooking, about a minute, stirring to make sure the sugar has dissolved until it is a medium amber color. Don’t let it get too dark or it will taste burnt.
• Add ½ cup cream, vanilla and salt, it will foam up. Whisk until the caramel has dissolved and it is smooth. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon cream. Pour into a glass bowl and allow it to cool. It will not be thick. You can place it in the refrigerator or freezer, you want it to be room temperature.
• Once the caramel has cooled, add cream cheese and butter to a stand mixer and beat until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy. Add the caramel and beat until combined.

Add a Buttercream Caramel Frosting to Your Next Cake

Caramel Buttercream FrostingPhoto byEasy Southern Desserts

This caramel frosting recipe is one of those simple Southern treats that’ll make any cake feel extra special. Unlike caramel cream cheese frosting, this recipe is a bit simpler, with a rich, buttery caramel flavor and a hint of salt to balance out the sweetness.

It pairs perfectly with all kinds of baked goods. The caramel flavor is distinct without being overpowering, making it a great choice for those who love that distinct caramel flavor.

In about 20 minutes, you’ve got a frosting that tastes like it’s been passed down through generations. It’s the kind of thing that’ll have folks asking for the recipe, and it’s simple enough that you can make it on a weeknight or for a special occasion without any hassle.

While I love to make cakes from scratch, I realize everyone might not share my passion. Making this homemade caramel frosting can turn a plain box cake into something extra special.

What You'll Need for a Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter cut into pieces
• 2 cups brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

• Add butter, brown sugar, salt, cream and milk to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook until a thermometer reads 225º,about 2-3 minutes, it will be an amber color. Pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer and let it cool until it is just warm, about 10 minutes.
• Add powdered sugar, and vanilla and beat on high speed until it is smooth and creamy. Add more cream or powdered sugar until it is thick enough to spread.

Both cheese and buttercream caramel frostings bring something special to the table, each perfect for adding a delicious finish to cakes or cupcakes. Whether you prefer the tangy balance of cream cheese or the rich smoothness of buttercream, you can’t go wrong with either choice.