Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes! They’re the perfect balance of rich, sweet, and a touch of salty goodness. Imagine a fluffy, moist cupcake topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting and finished off with a decadent drizzle of salted caramel. Trust me, this combination is pure magic.

Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends at a party, these cupcakes are sure to steal the show. It’s like a dessert dream come true—sweet but not too sweet, and just the right amount of indulgence. One bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Sweet & Salty Perfection:

These cupcakes hit all the right notes with a perfect balance of sweetness and a little salty kick from the caramel drizzle. The cream cheese frosting adds that tangy richness that makes them irresistible.

Moist and Flavorful:

With a soft, fluffy texture, each bite melts in your mouth. These cupcakes are so moist, they’re practically bursting with flavor from the moment you take a bite.

Showstopper Dessert:

The caramel drizzle and cream cheese frosting make these cupcakes a standout treat. They look as good as they taste, so they’re perfect for any occasion where you want to impress.

Easy to Make:

Even though they taste fancy, these cupcakes are surprisingly simple to make. No need to be a pro baker—this recipe is totally doable for anyone looking to treat themselves to something sweet.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these heavenly cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes:

• All-purpose Flour: The base of your cupcakes.
• Baking Powder: To help them rise perfectly.
• Salt: A pinch for balance.
• Unsalted Butter: For rich flavor and moisture.
• Granulated Sugar: To sweeten up the batter.
• Eggs: These add structure and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: For that classic, warm flavor.
• Whole Milk: To create a soft, tender crumb.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: The star ingredient for that tangy and creamy frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: For a smooth, buttery consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the frosting without making it too gritty.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the frosting.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade—whichever you prefer.
• Sea Salt: A pinch to give that delightful salty bite that pairs so perfectly with the caramel.

(Note: Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! These cupcakes come together in just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of dreamy cupcakes in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat until everything is fully incorporated. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Drizzle with Caramel

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of each cupcake and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

These cupcakes are best enjoyed right away, but they’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften the frosting. Take a bite, and savor every delicious moment!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

These cupcakes are already a treat on their own, but you can serve them with these ideas to make them extra special:

• With a Hot Drink: Pair these cupcakes with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a warm chai latte for the ultimate indulgent experience.
• As Part of a Dessert Spread: Serve these alongside other sweets like brownies, cookies, or a fruit tart for a dessert table that will have your guests talking.
• Top with Fresh Fruit: A few fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, would be a perfect fresh contrast to the richness of the cupcakes.

Additional Tips

Make Them Ahead:

If you’re short on time, you can make the cupcakes a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container, and frost them the day of serving.

Customize the Frosting:

Feel free to get creative with the frosting! Add a little cinnamon, caramel extract, or even a splash of maple syrup for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

Go Easy on the Caramel:

If you’re not a fan of super sweet desserts, feel free to drizzle just a little caramel or leave it off entirely. The cupcakes are still delicious with the cream cheese frosting on its own.

Use Homemade Caramel:

If you’ve got the time and inclination, homemade caramel sauce will take these cupcakes to the next level. Just make sure to let it cool before drizzling.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 20 minutes
• Cool Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a sugar substitute in the frosting?

A1: Yes! You can use powdered erythritol or another powdered sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version of the frosting.

Q2: Can I use a different type of frosting?

A2: Absolutely! You could use a classic buttercream frosting or even a whipped cream topping if you prefer something lighter.

Q3: How can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?

A3: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting. You can also use a plant-based milk in the cupcake batter.

Q4: Can I freeze these cupcakes?

A4: Yes! You can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw and frost as usual.

Q5: How do I store these cupcakes?

A5: Keep these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Q6: Can I make these cupcakes with a boxed cake mix?

A6: Of course! If you’re in a rush, feel free to use a boxed cake mix for the base. Just make sure to adjust the baking time according to the box instructions.

Q7: Can I add nuts to these cupcakes?

A7: Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would be a wonderful addition! Sprinkle them on top of the frosting or add them into the batter for some added crunch.

Q8: Can I skip the salted caramel drizzle?

A8: Yes, the cupcakes will still be delicious without the caramel drizzle. If you prefer, you can use chocolate or toffee sauce instead.

Q9: Can I use cream cheese frosting from a can?

A9: You can, but homemade cream cheese frosting adds so much more flavor and texture. Plus, it’s super easy to make!

Q10: How do I make the caramel sauce?

A10: To make homemade caramel sauce, melt 1 cup of sugar over medium heat, swirling the pan until it turns golden. Carefully add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 2 tbsp of butter, stirring until smooth. Let it cool before drizzling.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth! They’re rich, decadent, and just the right mix of sweet and salty, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, a special celebration, or just a treat for yourself, these cupcakes will absolutely hit the spot. So go ahead—treat yourself to this delicious little bite of heaven!

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