If you have a sweet tooth and crave the perfect balance of creamy, rich, and slightly salty flavors, this Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. These cupcakes bring together moist, tender cake with a luscious cream cheese and caramel filling, topped with velvety cream cheese frosting and a just-right sprinkle of sea salt. Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering a heavenly combination that’s surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for any occasion where dessert needs to shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create spectacular flavor and texture. Each element plays an essential role—from the richness of the butter to the tangy cream cheese and the sweet-salty caramel, these ingredients build the foundation of a cupcake you won’t stop craving.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives your cupcakes structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps your cupcakes rise perfectly fluffy and light.
- ¼ tsp salt: A tiny pinch enhances all the flavors in the cupcakes.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a soft texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes while aiding in tenderness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to each cupcake.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened: Creates the creamy filling and enhances the frosting’s tang.
- ½ cup caramel sauce: Bursts with sweet, buttery flavor that’s perfectly contrasted by salt.
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting: The irresistible topping that ties these cupcakes together.
- Pretzel twists for topping (optional): Add a crunchy, salty garnish to elevate the texture.
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling: Adds indulgence and eye-catching appeal.
- Sea salt flakes for garnish: The finishing touch that balances sweetness with a gourmet flair.
How to Make Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners—this little step makes cleanup a breeze and helps your cupcakes come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed, setting the stage for fluffy cupcakes.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Use a large bowl to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will trap air in the batter, making your cupcakes tender and airy.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat the eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a beautiful aroma and depth to your cupcakes.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Be careful not to overmix here; gentle folding is key to keeping the texture soft and delicate.
Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes
Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool on a wire rack before moving on to filling and frosting.
Step 7: Fill with Cream Cheese and Caramel
Once your cupcakes are completely cool, use a knife or a cupcake corer to remove a small center from each one. Fill each hole halfway with softened cream cheese, then add a spoonful of luscious caramel sauce over the top for that rich, gooey surprise.
Step 8: Frost and Garnish
Top the cupcakes generously with cream cheese frosting. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over this and finish by sprinkling sea salt flakes on top. If you want to add a fun crunch, place a pretzel twist on each cupcake. This combination of flavors and textures truly brings the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe to life.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling sea salt flakes gives a gourmet, sweet-salty contrast that heightens the caramel’s richness. Pretzel twists add a playful crunch, but even a simple drizzle of extra caramel can make the presentation shine.
Side Dishes
Pair these cupcakes with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte to complement the sweetness. If you prefer tea, a nutty or lightly spiced black tea makes a lovely partner. For an indulgent twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert enthusiasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the cupcakes in a clear trifle bowl with caramel sauce and whipped cream for a spectacular dessert centerpiece. Or create cupcake platters with matching salted caramel candies and sprinkle crushed pretzels around for texture and added visual interest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cupcakes store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled to maintain the cream cheese filling’s freshness and to keep the frosting looking its best.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before filling and frosting as desired to maintain freshness and texture.
Reheating
If you want to warm the cupcakes slightly, take them out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can melt the frosting and soften the cream cheese filling too much.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly and is a great time-saver. Just choose a high-quality caramel for the best flavor.
Is it necessary to add sea salt flakes on top?
While optional, sea salt flakes provide a wonderful contrast that highlights the cupcake’s sweetness. If you prefer a less salty finish, you can omit this garnish.
Can I make these cupcakes vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on butter, eggs, and cream cheese, so some swapping is needed. Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, egg substitutes, and vegan cream cheese alternatives to make a dairy-free version, but the texture will be slightly different.
How do I prevent the cupcakes from drying out?
Be careful not to overmix the batter and make sure to fill the cupcake liners only about ¾ full. Avoid overbaking by testing with a toothpick at the minimum baking time.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in two muffin tins. Just keep the same baking time but check doneness with a toothpick near the end of baking as ovens can vary.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe is one of those treats that feels both special and comforting at the same time. With its incredible balance of flavors and luscious texture, it’s perfect whether you’re baking for a party or just because you deserve a sweet moment. I can’t wait for you to try it and make these cupcakes your new go-to indulgence!
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Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
Decadent Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes featuring a moist vanilla base filled with luscious cream cheese and caramel, topped with creamy frosting, caramel drizzle, crunchy pretzels, and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Filling and Topping
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
- Pretzel twists for topping (optional)
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
- Sea salt flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cupcakes.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using a mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to create a smooth batter.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with milk, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each paper liner about ¾ full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling doneness.
- Cool: Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely to room temperature before filling and frosting.
- Core Cupcakes: Using a small knife or cupcake corer, cut out a small hole in the center of each cooled cupcake to create space for the filling.
- Fill Cupcakes: Fill each cavity halfway with softened cream cheese, then top with a spoonful of caramel sauce to add a luscious gooey center.
- Frost: Generously frost each cupcake with cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a spatula, creating an inviting top layer.
- Drizzle Caramel: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the frosting to enhance the sweetness and add visual appeal.
- Garnish: Top cupcakes with pretzel twists if desired for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Finish with Sea Salt: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over each cupcake to balance the sweetness with a delicate salty crunch.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before coring and filling to prevent the filling from melting.
- Use softened cream cheese and butter for smoother mixing and creamier texture.
- Adjust the amount of caramel sauce to taste; use high-quality caramel for best flavor.
- Pretzel topping is optional but adds a wonderful salty crunch complementing the caramel and cream cheese.
- Sea salt flakes add a refined finish; kosher salt can be substituted but with a less delicate texture.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days as they contain cream cheese filling and frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
