Dreamy Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

Decadent salted caramel cream cheese cupcakes emerge as the ultimate dessert indulgence for sweet-toothed enthusiasts.

These heavenly treats blend rich cream cheese with a luscious caramel twist that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Unexpected salt crystals dance through each bite, creating a sublime contrast of flavors.

Creamy and luxurious, these cupcakes promise to be the star of any gathering or personal treat moment.

Soft, tender cake layers cradle a smooth filling that whispers pure comfort.

The delicate balance of sweet and salty transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to fall in love with every single delectable crumb.

Why Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Are Irresistible

• Quick and Delightful Dessert: Combine the excitement of tacos with the creamy richness of cheesecake for a unique sweet treat that surprises and delights.
• Playful Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or family dessert nights, these cherry cheesecake tacos bring fun and creativity to the table.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily switch up the fruit topping or add extra garnishes like chocolate drizzle or fresh berries to make the recipe your own special creation.
• Simple Wow-Factor Dessert: Impress guests with a dessert that looks complicated but comes together quickly with basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills required.

Ingredients For Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure to the cupcake's tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cupcakes.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, moist texture in the cupcakes.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and contributes to the tender crumb of the cupcakes.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture and structure to the batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the caramel and cream cheese.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, moist batter and adds richness to the cupcakes.

• Cream Cheese, Caramel Sauce: Create a decadent filling and topping that adds creamy sweetness and a luxurious texture.
• Pretzel Twists, Sea Salt Flakes: Provide a crunchy, salty contrast to the sweet cupcakes.

Clear Steps For Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm your oven to 350F and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This creates the perfect foundation for your cupcake adventure.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 3: Create Butter Mixture

In a large bowl, whip softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Alternate adding milk to create a smooth, creamy batter.

Mix just until everything is incorporated – don’t overmix.

Step 5: Bake Cupcake Bases

Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Allow cupcakes to cool completely.

Step 6: Create Caramel Cream Cheese Filling

Once cooled, use a small knife to cut a gentle hole in the center of each cupcake.

Fill these cavities halfway with softened cream cheese. Top with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.

Step 7: Finish and Decorate

Frost cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Add an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for maximum indulgence.

For a gourmet touch, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top and garnish with crunchy pretzel twists.

Helpful Tips For Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

• Use exact measurements for flour, sugar, and other ingredients to ensure consistent texture and taste.
• Bring butter, eggs, and cream cheese to room temperature for smoother mixing and better integration.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes; stop mixing when ingredients are just combined.
• Allow cupcakes to cool entirely before filling and frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
• Sprinkle sea salt flakes sparingly to elevate the caramel's sweetness and create a gourmet taste experience.

New Takes On Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

• Chocolate Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes: Replace some flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate base, creating a decadent chocolate version with the same caramel cream cheese filling.
• Gluten-Free Caramel Cupcakes: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, maintaining the original recipe's texture and flavor profile.
• Vegan Salted Caramel Cupcakes: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, choose dairy-free cream cheese, and create plant-based caramel sauce using coconut milk and coconut sugar for a completely vegan alternative.

Best Pairings For Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

• Pair with Warm Bourbon Latte: Rich bourbon-infused coffee complements the sweet-salty cupcake, creating a luxurious flavor explosion that highlights the caramel's depth.
• Match with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Intensify the dessert's signature flavor profile by serving alongside a scoop of creamy, cold salted caramel ice cream for textural contrast.
• Serve with Spiced Chai Tea: Aromatic chai's warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom beautifully balance the cupcake's sweet cream cheese and caramel notes, offering a sophisticated drinking companion.

Storage Tips For Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual cupcakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Do not leave out longer than 2 hours due to cream cheese frosting's perishability.
• Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent frosting from melting or becoming runny.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this cupcake unique?

The cream cheese, caramel sauce, and sea salt create a perfect sweet-salty combination that elevates these cupcakes from traditional desserts.

• Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Add the filling and frosting just before serving to maintain the best texture.

• How do I prevent my cupcakes from becoming dry?

Be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Check the cupcakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time and remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out clean.

Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salted caramel cream cheese cupcakes combine rich cream cheese with golden caramel drizzles for an irresistible dessert experience. Sweet and salty notes dance together, creating a luxurious treat that will delight your taste buds with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk

Dairy and Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Baking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pretzel twists (optional)
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
• Sea salt flakes for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) and arrange paper liners in a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.
3. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a fluffy texture.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Fold in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined, avoiding overmixing.
6. Distribute batter into muffin cups, filling approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they reach room temperature.
9. Using a small paring knife, carefully create a small cavity in the center of each cooled cupcake.
10. Fill the cavities halfway with softened cream cheese, creating a rich inner layer.
11. Drizzle caramel sauce over the cream cheese filling, ensuring even distribution.
12. Generously frost cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, creating smooth, elegant peaks.
13. Enhance presentation by adding an additional caramel sauce drizzle and optional pretzel twists.
14. Finish with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt flakes to balance the sweet flavors.

Notes

• Choose room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs to ensure smooth, even mixing and optimal cake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Customize the recipe for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour, dairy-free cream cheese, or using alternative sweeteners like monk fruit.
• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness and prevent caramel from getting runny.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg