These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings together the creaminess of cream cheese and the richness of salted caramel. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet indulgence, these cupcakes will satisfy your cravings with their unique flavor profile. The combination of tangy cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of caramel makes every bite unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The balance between salty and sweet creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Occasion: Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or cozy family nights.
- Creamy Frosting: The rich cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch to each cupcake.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add toppings to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delicious cupcakes, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and helps achieve a light, fluffy batter quickly.
- Muffin tin: A must-have for shaping perfect cupcakes with even baking results.
Ingredients
These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a perfect blend of rich, tangy cream cheese and smooth, buttery caramel, with a hint of sea salt to balance the sweetness. Each bite is a heavenly mix of flavors that will leave you craving more!
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons salted caramel sauce
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
How to Make Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon of baking powder
3. 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
4. 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Step 3: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, cream together:
1. 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter
2. 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
Use an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Sugar
Add:
1. 1 cup of granulated sugar
Beat until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Incorporate Eggs
Beat in:
1. Two large eggs, one at a time.
Make sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 6: Mix in Vanilla Extract
Stir in:
1. Two teaspoons of vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
Step 7: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture
Add half of the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
Step 8: Add Buttermilk
Pour in:
1. 1/2 cup of buttermilk
Continue mixing until smooth.
Step 9: Finish Mixing Flour Mixture
Add the remaining dry flour mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 10: Fold in Salted Caramel Sauce
Drizzle in:
1. 1/4 cup of salted caramel sauce
Gently fold it into the batter using a spatula to create a marbled effect.
Step 11: Fill Cupcake Liners
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Step12: Bake
Bake for:
18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step13: Cool Down
Allow cupcakes to cool in the tin for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step14: Prepare Frosting
For the frosting, beat together:
8 ounces of softened cream cheese and
1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
Step15: Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually add:
Two cups of powdered sugar (one cup at a time)
Beat until fluffy and smooth.
Step16: Mix in Caramel Sauce
Mix in:
Two tablespoons of salted caramel sauce
and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step17: Add Salt
Add a pinch of salt and mix until combined.
Step18: Frost Cupcakes
Once cooled, frost each cupcake with salted caramel cream cheese frosting using either a spatula or piping bag.
Step19: Drizzle Additional Sauce
Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over frosted cupcakes for an extra touch of sweetness.
Step20: Serve
Serve your delicious salted caramel cream cheese cupcakes! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Serving your Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes can elevate the experience and make them even more delightful. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your dessert presentation.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that complements the caramel flavors.
- Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream: For an extra layer of indulgence, pair with a similar flavor.
Garnished with Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing tartness that balances sweetness.
- Sliced Apples: Crisp apples provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cupcakes.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce
- Homemade Caramel: A drizzle of homemade salted caramel enhances their rich flavor.
- Store-bought Sauce: For convenience, use a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce.
Served with Coffee or Tea
- Brewed Coffee: The bitterness of coffee pairs well with sweet cupcakes.
- Herbal Tea: Chamomile or mint tea offers a soothing complement to the dessert.
On a Dessert Platter
- Mixed Desserts: Create a platter with assorted desserts for variety and visual appeal.
- Cupcake Tower: Arrange the cupcakes on a tiered stand for an elegant display.
How to Perfect Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
To ensure your Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even baking.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cupcakes to cool fully to prevent frosting from melting off.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try adding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter for added texture.
- Store Properly: Keep frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Pairing side dishes with your Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes can create a balanced dessert experience. Here are some great options.
- Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and contrasts the richness of cupcakes.
- Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese to complement the sweet flavors.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These treats bring classic flavors that pair perfectly with salted caramel.
- Mini Chocolate Tartlets: Rich chocolate tarts provide a decadent counterbalance to the cupcakes’ sweetness.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy blend of nuts and dried fruit offers texture and nutrition alongside dessert.
- Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut cookies harmonize beautifully with the flavors in your cupcakes.
- Pecan Pie Bites: Small bites of pecan pie can heighten the nutty notes in salted caramel desserts.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake provides a nice contrast while keeping within dessert territory.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch for.
Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter that won’t rise properly.
Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your cupcakes dense instead of light and fluffy.
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Inaccurate measurements can affect texture and taste.
Ignoring Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cupcakes towards the end of baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry cupcakes, while underbaking may leave them gooey in the center.
Frosting Too Soon: Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off, ruining their appearance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.
- Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
Reheating Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cupcake for 15-20 seconds on low power.
- Stovetop: Use a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Yes, homemade caramel works great! Just ensure it’s thick enough to mix into the batter without making it too runny.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can use milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute for buttermilk in this recipe.
How do I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.
Can I use different frosting flavors?
Absolutely! You could try chocolate or vanilla frosting if you want to mix things up from cream cheese frosting.
Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are not only rich and delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various frostings or even add nuts for extra crunch. Try this recipe today, and indulge in a sweet treat that everyone will love!
Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes. Each bite features the perfect blend of creamy, tangy cream cheese and rich, buttery caramel, enhanced by a sprinkle of sea salt for that delightful sweet-and-salty contrast. These cupcakes are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make, making them a fantastic choice for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion when you want to treat yourself or impress your guests. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and an extra drizzle of salted caramel, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sugar and mix well.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time and then stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the mixture until smooth.
- Gently fold in salted caramel sauce.
- Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full with batter and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Allow cupcakes to cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (85g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
