Dreamy Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

Decadent salted caramel cream cheese cupcakes promise a delightful twist on classic dessert indulgence.

Sweet meets salty in this irresistible treat that balances creamy richness with unexpected flavor complexity.

Soft cream cheese frosting swirls atop moist cake layers, creating a mesmerizing visual and taste experience.

Each bite reveals a hidden caramel center that melts deliciously on your tongue.

Careful ingredient selection transforms simple baking into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Passionate bakers will adore how effortlessly these cupcakes come together with minimal kitchen stress.

Prepare to wow everyone with this show-stopping dessert that blends comfort and elegance in one perfect package.

How to Keep Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Fresh and Tasty

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to preserve their soft consistency.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore their original softness and bring out the caramel's rich flavor.

Common Questions About Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

• 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 at room temperature. Add the caramel and salt just before serving.

• How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking?

Ensure the cream cheese filling is thick and cold. Gently dollop it in the center of the batter and cover completely with the remaining batter to help it stay in place.

• What type of caramel sauce works best?

Use a thick, high-quality store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel sauce. Avoid thin or runny sauces that will make the cupcakes soggy.

What Makes Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes So Irresistible

• Create Sweet Indulgence: Dive into a decadent dessert that balances rich cream cheese with a luxurious caramel drizzle, offering a gourmet experience right in your kitchen.
• Nail the Perfect Texture: These cupcakes promise a delightful contrast between the soft, moist cake and the creamy, tangy cream cheese center that melts in your mouth.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting salt levels or experimenting with different caramel sauces to match your personal taste preferences and make it uniquely yours.
• Wow Your Guests: Impress friends and family with a bakery-style dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional pastry shop, without requiring professional baking skills.

Complete Ingredients for Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure to the cupcake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the tender texture of the cupcakes.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, tender crumb.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cupcake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy filling that adds a creamy contrast to the cupcake.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and helps achieve a smooth consistency.

• Caramel Sauce, Sea Salt: Adds a delightful sweet-salty flavor combination that elevates the cupcakes.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C) and grab your cupcake tin. Line each cavity with those cute paper liners that’ll cradle your delicious treats.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cake Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla extract, stirring until everything looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Create the Cake Batter

Gently fold in flour and baking powder. Mix just until the ingredients are friends – don’t overwork the batter or your cupcakes might turn tough.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Magic

In a separate bowl, whip cream cheese and powdered sugar together until silky and luxurious. This filling will be the surprise heart of your cupcakes.

Step 5: Build the Cupcake Layers

Fill each liner halfway with cake batter. Nestle a dollop of cream cheese filling right in the center. Cover with remaining batter, creating a delightful hidden surprise.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn golden and the centers look set. Remove and let them cool completely.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over each cupcake. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top to create that irresistible sweet-salty combination that’ll make taste buds dance.

Insider Tips for Perfect Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure a smooth, fluffy texture that blends easily with sugar.
• Prevent Overmixing Batter: Stir flour mixture just until combined to keep cupcakes tender and avoid developing tough gluten that makes cakes dense.
• Create Cream Cheese Swirl: Use a small spoon or piping bag to center the cream cheese filling precisely, ensuring an even distribution in each cupcake.
• Master Caramel Drizzling: Warm caramel sauce slightly and use a small spoon or squeeze bottle for controlled, elegant drizzling that looks professional and tastes delicious.
• Elevate Salt Topping: Use flaky sea salt like Maldon for a crunchy texture and intense flavor burst that complements the sweet caramel perfectly.

Flavor Variations to Try with Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and create dairy-free cream cheese filling using cashew cream.
• Chocolate Lover's Remix: Add cocoa powder to the cupcake batter and mix chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for intense chocolate flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and replace caramel sauce with sugar-free caramel alternative for diabetic-friendly dessert.

Recommended Pairings to Enjoy with Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

• Pair with Silky Dessert Wine: Select a sweet Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling that complements the cupcake's rich caramel and cream cheese flavors, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Match with Espresso: Brew a bold, dark espresso that cuts through the sweetness and provides a robust contrast to the gooey caramel, enhancing the cupcake's complex taste profile.
• Serve with Salted Caramel Latte: Create a harmonious drink that mirrors the cupcake's flavor, using steamed milk, espresso, and homemade salted caramel syrup to elevate the entire dessert moment.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of creamy, cold vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cupcake, allowing the smooth, rich texture to balance the warm, sweet cake.

Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Gooey salted caramel cream cheese cupcakes deliver irresistible indulgence with rich, velvety layers of sweet and salty perfection. Rich cream cheese and smooth caramel create a heavenly dessert you cannot resist savoring bite by delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar

Wet Ingredients and Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Dry Ingredients and Topping:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange paper liners in a cupcake tin, ensuring even spacing.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy texture. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
3. Gently fold flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a tender crumb.
4. Create the cream cheese filling by whipping cream cheese and powdered sugar until achieving a velvety, smooth consistency.
5. Distribute batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each halfway. Delicately place a small dollop of cream cheese mixture in the center of each cupcake.
6. Cover the cream cheese center with remaining batter, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until cupcake tops turn golden and the centers appear set and springy.
8. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing condensation.
9. Once thoroughly cooled, elegantly drizzle caramel sauce over each cupcake and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweet-savory profile.

Notes

• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes by stirring just until ingredients are combined.
• Create a perfectly centered cream cheese filling by using a small ice cream scoop or spoon to place the filling precisely in the middle of each cupcake.
• Customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of caramel sauce and sea salt to suit different taste preferences, making these cupcakes adaptable for various palates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 227 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 105 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg