My friend Lisa is a huge caramel fan and I’ve designed this simple-to-make frosting with her in mind.  Great used as icing on a cake or as frosting on cupcakes.

Ingredients:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 pound box confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat then cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.  Add the brown sugar and the cream to the browned butter, lower heat to medium and cook for additional 2 minutes, until the sugar has completely dissolved.  Remove from heat, add the vanilla then transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer.
2. Beat the butter mixture on low for about 4 minutes, until it has cooled a bit.  Add the confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth.  Add the sea salt and stir well to fully incorporate.  Refrigerate for 20 minutes before using.

Makes about 2 cups of frosting.