If you’re a fan of sweet-salty desserts with a rich, creamy center, these Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are your new obsession. Combining buttery vanilla cupcakes with a smooth cream cheese filling and luscious salted caramel drizzle, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
Whether for parties, holidays, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are easy to make, elegant to serve, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients
Makes 12 cupcakes
For the Cupcakes
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Sauce
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling & Assembly: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spoon a tablespoon of cupcake batter into each liner.
- Add a small dollop of cream cheese filling in the center, then cover with more batter until liners are ¾ full.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the edge (not center) comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting or adding caramel.
Step 4: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden brown.
- Add butter and whisk until melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring.
- Remove from heat, stir in sea salt, and let cool slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the Cupcakes
- Drizzle salted caramel sauce generously over cooled cupcakes.
- Optional: Top with a pinch of sea salt flakes or caramel chips for garnish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slightly chilled for a cheesecake-like texture.
- Pair with coffee or espresso for a perfect afternoon treat.
- Add a swirl of whipped cream and a caramel drizzle for a bakery-style finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Cupcake |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Total Fat | 16 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 9 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 38 grams |
| Sugars | 26 grams |
| Fiber | 0.5 grams |
| Sodium | 190 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Cream cheese adds protein and a creamy texture with moderate fat.
- Salted caramel enhances flavor with a balance of sweetness and salt.
- Homemade batter allows control over sugar and fat content compared to store-bought mixes.
Tips for Best Results
- Make sure all ingredients are room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Do not overfill cupcake liners — this helps prevent overflow.
- Use a piping bag for even layering of batter and filling.
- Drizzle caramel just before serving to maintain texture and shine.
Variations to Try
- Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a caramel macchiato twist.
- Mix crushed pecans or walnuts into the batter for extra crunch.
- Replace caramel with chocolate ganache for a mocha cream cheese version.
- Use salted caramel frosting instead of sauce for a richer, cupcake-style dessert.
These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert indulgence — combining fluffy cake, tangy cream cheese filling, and silky salted caramel in one irresistible package.
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or cozy nights in, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Each bite is creamy, sweet, and just a little bit salty — the perfect balance for dessert lovers everywhere.