Happy 4th of July to my American friends! It’s a bit odd celebrating here, but I do it anyway. Tonight, we’re going to have a mini-BBQ on my father-in-law’s new grill — and it looks like we have been given a tiny dose of sunshine for the occasion!
As American as apple pie — Apple confetti cake with salted caramel buttercream frosting
Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar (vanilla sugar if you have it!)
4 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup double cream
115g unsalted butter, room temperature (1 stick)
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups icing sugar
Hardware
Medium saucepan
Stand mixer
Wooden spoon
Various measuring cups and spoons
Stove
Directions
Stir together the sugar and water in the saucepan. Have the vanilla extract and cream ready beside the stove. Place on medium-high heat and don’t touch it! (If you stir it, it’ll be harder to see when it turns dark, and it’ll burn if you miss it.) Keep your eyes on it, and remove from heat as soon as it turns a dark amber colour. Very slowly (exercise your patience), add in the cream and vanilla extract, stirring constantly with the wooden spoon. Continue stirring until you have a smooth consistency and even colour.
You now have caramel! Let it stand for 20-25 minutes until it is cool to the touch. Avoid eating it by spoon.
Cream the butter in the stand mixer (paddle attachment) on medium-high with the sea salt. It should take a few minutes and might require stopping to scrap the sides. When smooth, lower the speed and add the icing sugar a bit at a time. Once it is completely incorporated, pour in the caramel. Mix until light and fluffy — at least 2-3 minutes.
This frosting is best if you let it stand at room temperature for a few hours before using.
How are you celebrating?
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