Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

Craving a dessert that’s both indulgent and irresistible? Look no further than these Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes! These delightful cupcakes combine the richness of cream cheese, the sweetness of caramel, and the perfect touch of sea salt, making them the ultimate treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event, a holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cupcakes will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

These cupcakes are everything you want in a dessert—decadent, creamy, and with just the right amount of salty-sweet balance. The cream cheese frosting is smooth and tangy, complementing the rich salted caramel flavor perfectly. Add to that a fluffy, moist cupcake base, and you’ve got a combination that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, they’re easy to make, which means you can enjoy them any time!

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

To make these delicious cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (for topping)
• Extra caramel sauce (for drizzling, optional)

How to Make Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in 2 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce.
4. Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the cupcake batter evenly among 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. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Make the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. Mix in the salted caramel sauce and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
6. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag or a spatula to generously frost each cupcake with the caramel cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cupcake and drizzle with extra salted caramel sauce for a final touch.

Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are all at room temperature before starting.
• Make Your Own Caramel Sauce: If you have the time, homemade salted caramel sauce will take these cupcakes to the next level. Be sure to let it cool before adding it to the batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep your cupcakes light and fluffy, mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.

Why Salted Caramel and Cream Cheese Are a Perfect Pair

The combination of salted caramel and cream cheese is a match made in heaven. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the caramel, while the sprinkle of sea salt intensifies the caramel flavor, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty. It’s a flavor profile that’s been a favorite among dessert lovers, and these cupcakes bring it all together in every bite.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, serving a sweet treat at a holiday dinner, or simply satisfying a craving, these cupcakes will always be a crowd-pleaser. Their rich, indulgent flavor and beautiful presentation make them ideal for special occasions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines the richness of caramel, the smoothness of cream cheese, and a hint of salt, these Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are the answer. They’re easy to make, perfectly balanced, and absolutely delicious. Try this recipe today, and treat yourself to a cupcake that’s anything but ordinary!