This luscious Salted Caramel Swiss Meringue Frosting has a buttery caramel flavor and a hint of sea salt. Pipe it onto cupcakes for an elegant twist on a classic buttercream.
½cupcaramel sauceplus 2 Tbsp (I used Hershey's ice cream topping)
Instructions
Heat a small saucepan with one inch of water on the bottom to boil. Turn to low (simmer). Place mixing bowl over simmering pot. Add egg whites and sugar to bowl, whisk until combined. Use a candy thermometer and continue whisking and heating until temperature reaches 140-150 degrees. (I took mine off at 145 degrees).
In mixing bowl, attached to stand mixer, beat egg whites on medium speed until the egg whites have doubled in size and cooled. For me, this was about 8 minutes.
Slowly add butter, one tablespoon at a time. Keep mixing until all butter has been added. It may appear curdled, but that is okay. Keep mixing. Add salt and vanilla extract. This process took me another 8-10 minutes. When frosting becomes desired consistency, beat in the caramel sauce.
Pipe onto cooled chocolate cupcakes! This is enough frosting to pipe HIGH onto 14-18 cupcakes. Or frosts two dozen, not so high.
Drizzle with extra 2 Tbsp caramel sauce, if desired.
Notes
Add the butter gradually. I add mine a tablespoon or so at a time while beating to ensure it gets thoroughly combined with the other ingredients.
This recipe makes enough frosting to pipe HIGH onto 14 – 18 cupcakes. If you prefer less frosting, you’ll be able to frost two full dozen cupcakes.
Make sure the egg white and sugar mixture reaches 140 – 150 degrees before removing from the heat. I take mine off when the candy thermometer reads 145 to get the perfect meringue texture.
Keep in mind that this is NOT a super sweet topping. Swiss Meringue creates a buttery smooth icing similar to what you’d get on a bakery cake than a homemade whipped cream or buttercream frosting.