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Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes – Easy Dessert Recipe


  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 40 minutes (includes cooling time)
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

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:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
  7. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Once cooled, mix in the powdered sugar until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fluffy.
  3. Stir in the granulated sugar, butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
  4. Add the sea salt and mix to incorporate.

Assemble the Cupcakes:

  1. Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a spoon or piping bag to frost the cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting.
  2. 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