If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of salty indulgence, then this Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. These cupcakes are the ultimate treat, combining a tender, moist crumb with luscious pockets of salted caramel that melt in your mouth, all topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting. Every bite offers a harmonious dance of flavors that feels both comforting and decadent. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these cupcakes will become a staple at every celebration and cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the secret to nailing this Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the structure the flour provides, to the rich sweetness of sugars and caramel, creating that perfectly balanced flavor and texture you’ll fall in love with.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cupcakes, giving them a soft yet sturdy crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
- Brown Sugar: Brings extra moisture and a deep molasses flavor that complements the caramel.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor without overpowering the caramel.
- Unsalted Butter: Ensures a creamy, smooth texture and lets you control salt levels perfectly.
- Eggs: Help bind ingredients and contribute to a fluffy, lifted cupcake.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the ingredients into a luscious batter.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, fragrant notes.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: The star of the show, adding gooey pockets of sweet and salty magic inside each cupcake.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A tangy, creamy topping that complements the sweetness and richness of the cupcakes perfectly.
How to Make Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This step sets you up for perfectly baked cupcakes with an easy release from the liners.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these ingredients well makes sure every bite tastes consistent and balanced.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy before gradually adding granulated and brown sugars. This step incorporates air into your batter for light and tender cupcakes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, mix in the eggs along with the vanilla extract. Adding eggs slowly ensures they fully blend in and help the batter maintain its lightness.
Step 5: Incorporate Milk
Gradually pour in the milk and mix it until combined. This keeps your batter smooth and adds much-needed moisture to the cupcakes.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to avoid overmixing, which could lead to dense cupcakes. This balance leads to a tender crumb with just the right amount of lift.
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Caramel
Spoon half of the batter into the cupcake liners, then add a generous dollop of salted caramel sauce to each. Top with the remaining batter, sealing in that gooey caramel center that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake your cupcakes for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the batter comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool completely before frosting to keep the frosting luscious and smooth.
How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish elevates these cupcakes from delicious to show-stopping. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cream cheese frosting or drizzle a little extra salted caramel sauce over each cupcake for a tempting glossy finish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a small chocolate shard or some toasted pecans can add texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate, making it the perfect centerpiece for a cozy afternoon treat. For a fresh contrast, serve alongside a fruit salad featuring juicy berries or crisp apple slices that cut through the richness of the cupcakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your cupcakes into mini dessert party favors by packaging them in clear boxes tied with a ribbon. Alternatively, create a dessert platter with cupcakes alongside small jars of extra salted caramel sauce and cream cheese frosting for guests to customize their own. Another fun idea is to serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist that will impress everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cupcakes later, freeze them without frosting by wrapping each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Reheating
To bring cupcakes back to life after chilling or freezing, allow them to come to room temperature first. If you want a slight warm touch, heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, which helps soften the caramel inside without melting the frosting. Enjoying them slightly warm enhances that gooey, delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought salted caramel sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought salted caramel sauce works perfectly and saves time, but if you want a homemade touch, you can make your own for a fresher, customizable flavor.
Do I need to use cream cheese frosting, or can I try another frosting?
Cream cheese frosting is recommended for its tangy contrast to the sweet caramel, but buttercream or a simple whipped cream topping would also pair nicely if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to carefully layer the batter and caramel as instructed, sealing the caramel well by covering it completely with batter to minimize leakage during baking.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What is the best way to get the perfect cupcake crumb?
Don’t overmix your batter. Folding the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture just until combined ensures a soft, tender crumb rather than a dense cupcake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe that makes them feel like a little celebration in every bite. From the gooey caramel center to the creamy frosting on top, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth. I encourage you to dive in and try this recipe soon—you might just find yourself baking them again and again for all your friends and family, sharing happy moments one cupcake at a time.
Print
Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes blend rich chocolate batter with luscious salted caramel sauce for a decadent treat. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additions & Toppings
- 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- Cream cheese frosting (about 1 cup, store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add both the granulated and brown sugars, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Incorporate Milk: Gradually mix the milk into the wet ingredients until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter with a spatula to maintain a light texture, mixing just until combined.
- Assemble Cupcakes: Spoon half of the batter evenly into the cupcake liners. Add a spoonful of salted caramel sauce atop the batter in each cup, then cover with the remaining batter to seal in the caramel.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcakes comes out clean. Remove from oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
- Frost: Once cooled, frost each cupcake generously with cream cheese frosting and optionally drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming with the sugars.
- Folding the dry ingredients gently helps keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- To make homemade salted caramel sauce, melt sugar until amber, then add butter and cream carefully while stirring.
- Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Bring cupcakes to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
