Description
These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a rich and decadent treat that perfectly balances the sweetness of caramel with the tanginess of cream cheese. The soft, fluffy cupcakes are topped with a creamy caramel frosting, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for a mouthwatering bite in every forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
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 (or almond/oat milk for a dairy-free alternative)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 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
Substitutions:
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk to make it dairy-free.
Instructions
For the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds 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.
For the Caramel Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, butter, brown sugar, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Once cooled, mix in the powdered sugar until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fluffy.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
- Add the sea salt and mix to incorporate.
Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a spoon or piping bag to frost the cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes and sprinkle with sea salt for the perfect finish.
Notes
- For an extra decadent touch, drizzle more caramel sauce over the cupcakes just before serving.
- These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: salted caramel cupcakes, cream cheese cupcakes, caramel frosting, decadent cupcakes, easy dessert recipe