There are few things better than classic caramel frosting, and our recipe takes the cake.

This recipe isn’t for the faint of heart.

once you nail a batch under your belt, you’ll be so glad you attempted it.

Southern Living Caramel Frosting on a cake to serve

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Learn how to make caramel frosting.

It’s important you read these instructions before you turn on the oven.

There’s a reasonhomemade caramelcarries a stigma of being difficult to make.

Southern Living Caramel Frosting ingredients

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Check out ourOld-Fashioned Caramel Cakefor our most classic way of using it.

How To Store Homemade Caramel Frosting

Refrigerate frosting in an airtight container for up to five days.

Set at room temperature until spreadable before using.

Caramel Frosting - Southern Living

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

If too firm, heat lightly in the microwave or over a double boiler until softened.

You may need to rewhip lightly before using.

Boil sugar and milk:

Stir together 1 Tbsp.

Southern Living Caramel Frosting melting the sugar

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Take care: the mixture will bubble and sputter as the liquid is absorbed into the caramel.

Gradually stir in remaining hot milk mixture until smooth.

Cook caramel frosting:

Cover, and cook over low heat 2 minutes.

Southern Living Caramel Frosting cooking the milk mixture

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Add butter, stirring until blended.

Mix frosting in stand mixer:

Pour caramel into bowl of heavy-duty electric stand mixer.

Whipping can cause friction, which can raise the temperature of your frosting and soften it in the process.

Southern Living Caramel Frosting melting the caramel

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Dry caramel may crystallize and turn back into a liquid with additional cooking.

If in doubt, start over.

Due to the somewhat finicky texture of caramel frosting, freezing is not recommended.

Southern Living Caramel Frosting adding more hot milk mixture

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Southern Living Caramel Frosting cooking the caramel to soft ball stage

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Southern Living Caramel Frosting adding the butter until melted

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Southern Living Caramel Frosting letting the caramel cool before whipping

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Southern Living Caramel Frosting whipping the caramel until it’s a spreading consistency

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf