Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Introduction

Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes have become a favorite dessert in my home, particularly for those who love a balanced blend of sweet and salty flavors. The creamy filling and the salted caramel drizzle create a luxurious bite every time, while the pretzel garnish adds a touch of crunch and a salty surprise. These cupcakes are perfect for gatherings or a weekend treat, bringing a unique twist to the usual cupcake lineup.

Ingredients

• Cupcakes:
• 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:
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup caramel sauce
• Topping:
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting
• Pretzel twists for garnish (optional)
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
• Sea salt flakes for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

1. Cream Butter and Sugar:

• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

1. Bake:

• Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.

1. Fill the Cupcakes:

• Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife to cut a small hole in the center of each one. Fill halfway with softened cream cheese, then top with caramel sauce.

1. Frost and Garnish:

• Frost the cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, drizzle with extra caramel sauce, and garnish with pretzel twists if desired. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for the ultimate sweet-salty balance.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve chilled or at room temperature to enhance the flavors.
• Place on a dessert platter with a drizzle of extra caramel on the plate for an elegant presentation.
• Top with extra pretzel twists for a satisfying crunch.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect dessert pairing.
• Present as part of a holiday dessert spread or as a special weekend treat.

Additional Tips

1. Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures the batter blends evenly and results in a fluffier cupcake.
2. Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense. Mix until just combined.
3. Cool completely before filling: This prevents the cream cheese and caramel filling from melting into the cake.
4. Warm caramel slightly before drizzling: It flows easier and creates a beautiful drizzle effect.
5. Store in an airtight container: This keeps the cupcakes fresh and maintains the texture of the frosting.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate caramel cupcake.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or as a garnish for added texture.
• Espresso Flavor: Add 1 tsp of instant espresso powder to the batter to create a caramel macchiato flavor profile.
• Coconut Lovers: Top with toasted coconut flakes along with the caramel drizzle for a tropical twist.
• Spicy Sweet: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the caramel sauce for a hint of spice.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect as a holiday dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
• Serve as an indulgent afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
• Make mini cupcakes for a dessert buffet or party tray.
• Great addition to a dessert gift box for loved ones.
• Ideal for birthday parties, especially for caramel lovers.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cupcakes (without pretzels) in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and add garnishes before serving.

FAQ

1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Add the filling and frosting just before serving.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   Yes, but reduce the added salt to balance the flavor.
3. How do I make the frosting from scratch?
   To make cream cheese frosting, beat together 8 oz cream cheese, 4 oz butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Can I substitute caramel sauce with dulce de leche?
   Yes, dulce de leche provides a similar rich caramel flavor.
5. Is there a gluten-free option?
   Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
6. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
   Absolutely, store-bought caramel sauce works well in this recipe.
7. How can I make a salted caramel topping?
   Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the caramel after drizzling for a salted caramel effect.
8. What if I don’t have a piping bag for frosting?
   Use a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off as an alternative.
9. Can I make mini cupcakes with this recipe?
   Yes, reduce the baking time to about 12-15 minutes for mini cupcakes.
10. How do I prevent the caramel from sliding off the frosting?
    Drizzle the caramel just before serving to keep it from melting into the frosting.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. With their soft, fluffy base, creamy filling, and irresistible caramel drizzle, these cupcakes are a must-try for anyone who loves a unique twist on classic flavors. Whether for a special occasion or simply to indulge, these cupcakes will impress and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy baking, sharing, and, of course, savoring each delicious bite!

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