Name: Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes - Easy Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for a dairy-free alternative); ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup granulated sugar; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 tsp sea salt; Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.; Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk to make it dairy-free.

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Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful dessert that combines the rich sweetness of caramel with the tangy creaminess of cream cheese, all nestled inside a fluffy, moist cupcake. These cupcakes are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a luscious salted caramel sauce drizzled over a soft, flavorful cake, and topped with a creamy, tangy frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these cupcakes will quickly become a crowd favorite. The irresistible combination of caramel and cream cheese is complemented by a light and airy cupcake base, ensuring every bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

This recipe is easy to follow and results in cupcakes that look and taste like they’ve come from a high-end bakery. The salted caramel sauce adds a touch of indulgence, while the cream cheese frosting provides a smooth and creamy finish. The recipe also offers flexibility for dietary preferences, as you can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option and use gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Irresistible Flavor Combination

The sweet, creamy flavor of the cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the salty richness of the caramel sauce, creating a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and balanced.

2. Moist and Tender Cupcake Base

The cupcakes are light, soft, and full of flavor, thanks to the use of both butter and heavy cream in the batter. They’re the perfect base for the creamy frosting and caramel drizzle.

3. Versatile for Dietary Preferences

With simple substitutions, such as almond or oat milk and gluten-free flour, this recipe can be adapted to fit various dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.

4. Perfect for Special Occasions

These cupcakes are elegant and delicious enough for weddings, birthdays, or holiday gatherings. They look as impressive as they taste.

5. Easy to Make

Despite their gourmet taste, these cupcakes are easy to make with basic ingredients and a simple step-by-step process that anyone can follow.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ cup powdered sugar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tsp sea salt

Variations

Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter, milk, and heavy cream in both the cupcakes and frosting with dairy-free alternatives such as almond butter, almond or oat milk, and coconut cream.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a nutty crunch that complements the caramel flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate a small amount of cocoa powder into the cupcake batter to create a chocolate version of this dessert that pairs wonderfully with the salted caramel and cream cheese frosting.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cupcake Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and heavy cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Spoon the cupcake batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and salt, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. Set aside to cool.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, and beat until fluffy. Add the granulated sugar, room temperature butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in the sea salt.

Step 6: Assemble the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a spoon or piping bag to frost each cupcake generously with the cream cheese frosting. Drizzle the cooled salted caramel sauce over the top of each cupcake. Garnish with extra sea salt if desired for an added touch of flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before making the cupcakes and frosting. This helps them combine more easily and creates a smoother batter and frosting.
Cool Completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them to avoid the frosting melting.
Drizzle the Caramel: For a beautiful presentation, drizzle the salted caramel sauce in a circular motion over the frosting, letting it gently drip down the sides of the cupcakes.

How to Serve

Serve these Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes as a dessert for parties, celebrations, or even as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee. They make an excellent addition to any dessert table and are sure to be a hit with guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have a lot of leftover salted caramel sauce, store it separately in the fridge and reheat it gently before drizzling over the cupcakes.

Freezing

You can freeze the cupcakes (without the frosting) for up to 3 months. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cupcakes at room temperature and top with frosting and caramel sauce.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them slightly warm. Then, drizzle with the salted caramel sauce before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and the recipe will work just as well!

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free substitutes for the butter, milk, cream, and cream cheese to make these cupcakes suitable for a dairy-free diet.

3. Can I add chocolate chips to the cupcake batter?

Absolutely! Fold in some mini chocolate chips or chunks into the batter for an extra chocolatey flavor.

4. How can I store leftover cupcakes?

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

5. Can I make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salted caramel sauce in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before drizzling it over the cupcakes.

6. Can I freeze the cupcakes?

Yes, freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Let them thaw before frosting and serving.

7. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or another dairy-free substitute if you need a non-dairy version.

8. How do I know when the cupcakes are done?

The cupcakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

9. How can I make the frosting extra creamy?

Make sure both your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature, and beat the frosting well to incorporate plenty of air.

10. Can I use a different frosting flavor?

Yes, you can replace the cream cheese frosting with chocolate, vanilla buttercream, or even a whipped cream topping.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and salty. With a rich, moist cupcake base, smooth cream cheese frosting, and the irresistible salted caramel drizzle, this dessert is sure to impress. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday indulgence, these cupcakes are easy to make and even easier to devour!