Perfect real deal homemade southern caramel frosting perfect for caramel cakes and more! This is the caramel frosting you want to make it extra delicious!
Place the first ⅓ cup of sugar in the bottom of a large heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Stirring frequently, cook over medium heat until it melts and becomes lightly golden brown. This will take about 3 minutes and don’t worry if the sugar clumps a bit.
In a second sauce pan, combine flour, sugar and salt. Whisk in cold milk until combined and any lumps are worked out. Place over medium-high heat and cook until it comes to a boil, stirring constantly.
Pour ¼ of the hot milk mixture into the caramelized sugar. Whisk until combined. Slowly add the rest of the hot milk, stirring as you go.
Cover mixture and cook over low heat for 2 minutes. Uncover and turn heat to medium, without stirring cook until it reaches 238°F (soft ball stage.) This will take about 10 minutes. Add butter and stir until well blended. Remove from heat and let sit for about an hour.
Pour into stand mixer bowl. Add vanilla and mix on medium for 20 minutes.
Spread immediately over cake, working quickly before it completely sets.