SALTED CARAMEL CREAM CHEESE CUPCAKES
These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a perfect balance of rich cream cheese frosting, sweet caramel, and a hint of salt. With a soft, moist cake, these cupcakes are a decadent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Add Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with sour cream and milk. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cupcakes:
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fluffy and fully combined.
Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a piping bag or spread it with a spatula.
Drizzle with Salted Caramel:
- Warm the caramel sauce slightly and drizzle it over the frosted cupcakes. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle.
Serve:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Make Ahead:
The cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Frost them the day you plan to serve. Customizing the Flavor:
For an extra flavor boost, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced twist. Serving Suggestions:
Perfect for holiday parties, birthdays, or any special occasion. Pair with coffee or a glass of dessert wine for an indulgent treat.
The cupcakes can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Frost them the day you plan to serve. Customizing the Flavor:
For an extra flavor boost, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced twist. Serving Suggestions:
Perfect for holiday parties, birthdays, or any special occasion. Pair with coffee or a glass of dessert wine for an indulgent treat.