Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

There’s something magical about the combination of salted caramel and cream cheese—a perfect harmony between sweet and salty that makes your taste buds dance. If you love soft, moist cupcakes with a luscious, creamy filling and a drizzle of rich caramel sauce, this Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcake recipe is for you!

Growing up in an Italian family, baking was a treasured tradition in our home. My grandmother always believed that a pinch of salt could elevate any dessert, and this recipe is inspired by her wisdom. The tanginess of cream cheese pairs beautifully with the deep, buttery notes of salted caramel, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and well-balanced.

Let’s dive into this heavenly cupcake recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes

✔ Rich & Moist – Thanks to the combination of butter, brown sugar, and buttermilk.
✔ Irresistible Filling – A velvety cream cheese center adds a surprise inside.
✔ Homemade Salted Caramel – A glossy, golden caramel drizzle takes these cupcakes to the next level.
✔ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – Sweet, salty, creamy, and buttery all in one bite!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) water
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
• ½ tsp sea salt

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) salted caramel sauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cupcake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the cupcake batter.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of cream cheese filling into the center of each cupcake.
3. Cover with a little more batter, ensuring the cream cheese is hidden.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the filling) comes out clean.
5. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Stop stirring and let the mixture boil until it turns a deep amber color (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream, followed by the butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Remove from heat and add the sea salt. Let cool before using.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

1. Beat the butter until fluffy, then gradually add the powdered sugar.
2. Mix in vanilla extract and salted caramel sauce, beating until well combined.
3. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream if needed.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

1. Pipe the frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
2. Drizzle with extra salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
3. Enjoy these decadent treats with a cup of coffee or tea!

Expert Tips for Perfect Cupcakes

💡 Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined.
💡 Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps achieve a smooth batter and even baking.
💡 Chill the Caramel: Let the caramel cool before using it in frosting to prevent melting.
💡 Use a Piping Bag: For a professional look, pipe the frosting using a large round or star tip.

Serving & Storage

Storage:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving).
• Freezing: Cupcakes (without frosting) can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Serving:

• Best served at room temperature to enjoy the soft texture and caramel richness.

Variations & Substitutions

🔸 Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
🔸 Nutty Delight: Sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds over the frosting.
🔸 Caramel Mocha: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the cupcake batter for a coffee flavor.
🔸 Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly option.

Pairing Suggestions

🍷 With Coffee: A latte or cappuccino enhances the caramel notes.
🥛 With Milk: Classic pairing for a comforting treat.
🍷 With Wine: Try a sweet Riesling or Moscato for a delightful contrast.

If you love the delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors in these Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes, you’ll also enjoy the light and buttery taste of Springtime Sugar Cookies

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes! But homemade caramel adds a fresher and richer taste.

2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cupcakes 1 day in advance and frost them just before serving.

3. Why did my cream cheese filling sink?

Make sure to add a little batter on top of the filling before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are pure indulgence, combining fluffy cake, a tangy filling, and a rich caramel topping. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or just a weekend treat, these cupcakes will impress everyone with their bakery-quality taste.

For those who enjoy experimenting with unexpected ingredient combinations, you’ll love how chocolate and potato chips create a satisfying crunch, just like the smooth caramel and cream cheese filling in these cupcakes. Head over to The Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Covered Potato Chips to discover how to make this simple yet addictive treat at home, and impress your guests with a creative dessert spread!

Try this recipe today, and let me know how you like it!

Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

Short description from your article introduction

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp yeast

Toppings

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup mixed vegetables

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Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl
2. Add water and knead dough
3. Spread sauce and toppings on dough
4. Bake at 220°C for 20-25 minutes

Notes

Customization tips from your article

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 8
• Carbohydrates: 45
• Protein: 12

Keywords: Easy, Vegetarian