Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcake Recipe

A few weeks ago, I found myself craving the perfect balance of sweet and salty—something indulgent but not overpowering. That’s when I remembered a batch of cupcakes I once made for a friend’s birthday. They were soft, buttery, and filled with gooey caramel, topped with the silkiest cream cheese frosting. The kind of dessert that disappears from the table in minutes.

Determined to recreate that experience, I spent the afternoon in the kitchen, measuring flour, whipping butter, and resisting the urge to eat the caramel straight from the spoon. The scent of warm vanilla and sugar filled the air as the cupcakes rose in the oven, golden and light. But the real magic happened when I cored out the centers and spooned in that rich, salted caramel—sweet, buttery, with just a hint of sea salt to keep it from being too sugary.

By the time I piped on the frosting and drizzled the final touch of caramel, I knew these were special. The first bite was everything I hoped for—soft cake, creamy frosting, and that surprise caramel center. If you’ve ever wanted to turn a simple cupcake into something truly decadent, this recipe is the one to try.

Short Description

These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a decadent treat featuring fluffy vanilla cupcakes, a luscious caramel center, and a silky cream cheese frosting. A drizzle of caramel and a pinch of sea salt add the perfect finishing touch!

Key Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Salted Caramel Filling:

• ½ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Extra caramel sauce (for drizzling)
• A pinch of sea salt (for topping)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Cupcake corer or small knife
• Piping bag (for frosting)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Fill with Salted Caramel

Once cooled, use a cupcake corer or small knife to remove a small center portion from each cupcake. Stir ¼ teaspoon sea salt into the caramel sauce for extra depth. Fill each cupcake hole with 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Frost & Garnish

Pipe or spread the frosting over each cupcake. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible flavor – A perfect balance of sweet caramel, creamy frosting, and a hint of salt.

Soft & moist texture – The cupcakes are light yet rich, thanks to the buttery batter.

Easy to make – Simple steps with no complicated techniques required.

Crowd-pleaser – Ideal for parties, birthdays, or an indulgent treat.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Overmixing the Batter

Overmixing makes the cupcakes dense instead of fluffy.
Solution: Mix until ingredients are just combined.

2. Not Letting the Cupcakes Cool Before Filling

Warm cupcakes can cause the caramel to seep out.
Solution: Always let them cool completely before filling.

3. Runny Frosting

If your frosting is too soft, it won’t hold its shape.
Solution: Chill the frosting for 10-15 minutes before piping.

4. Too Much Salt in the Caramel

A little goes a long way.
Solution: Start with ¼ teaspoon of sea salt and adjust to taste.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

– Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
– Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
– Great for holiday dessert tables, birthdays, or special occasions.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
Yes! Bake them a day ahead and store unfrosted in an airtight container. Frost just before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought caramel?
Absolutely! Just warm it slightly for easy drizzling.

3. How do I prevent my cupcakes from sinking in the middle?
Make sure to measure baking powder accurately and don’t open the oven door too early.

4. What’s the best way to fill cupcakes?
A small spoon, piping bag, or squeeze bottle works well for filling the centers.

5. Can I make mini cupcakes with this recipe?
Yes! Just reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

– Use room temperature ingredients for the fluffiest cupcakes.
– Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
– A sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes the caramel flavor pop even more.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes: Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey base.

2. Espresso Caramel Cupcakes: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-infused treat.

3. Nutty Caramel Cupcakes: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans for a crunchy twist.

Final Thoughts

Baking these cupcakes felt like a little act of self-care—a quiet afternoon spent mixing, whisking, and savoring the scent of caramel drifting through the house. They’re the kind of treat that makes any day feel special, perfect for celebrations or just because you want a moment of indulgence.

Each bite offers a contrast of flavors and textures—the slight crunch of sea salt against velvety caramel, the tangy cream cheese frosting melting into buttery cake. They look impressive, but the process is surprisingly simple, making them a great choice even if you’re not an experienced baker.

If you decide to make these, don’t rush through it. Enjoy the process. Sneak a spoonful of caramel. Lick the frosting off the spatula. And most importantly, share them with people who will appreciate every last bite. Because no matter how tempting it is to keep them all to yourself, desserts like this are meant to be enjoyed together.