Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are an irresistible treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors. Imagine biting into a light, fluffy cupcake, with a luscious salted caramel filling that oozes from the center, paired with a creamy, decadent cream cheese frosting. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and tastes, making these cupcakes the ultimate comfort dessert. Worth making for celebrations or just a simple family treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy cravings, invoking flavors that remind you of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to create these delightful cupcakes that are as charming as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity—despite the gourmet taste, the preparation is straightforward and quick. With minimal ingredients that are typically found in your pantry, these cupcakes are not only crowd-pleasers but also perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to cozy weekends. The combination of creamy cream cheese and rich caramel elevates a basic cupcake into something extraordinary. Plus, making them at home allows for customization—whether you want to add extra caramel drizzle or tweak the frosting to your liking, the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

To create these tasty Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes, gather the following ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This will provide the base for a tender cupcake.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds fluffiness to the batter.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For a rich, buttery flavor.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess and tanginess.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter.
2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor.
1/2 cup whole milk: Keeps the cupcakes moist.
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Contributes to a deeper caramel flavor.
1/4 cup unsalted butter: For the salted caramel filling.
1/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the caramel rich and creamy.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel): Adds warmth to the caramel.
1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Intensifies the flavor of the caramel.
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce: Adds sweetness and flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Complements the cream cheese.
- A pinch of sea salt (for topping): Extra flavor boost.
- Drizzle of salted caramel sauce (optional): For an added touch of decadence.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners, setting the stage for your delightful treats.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend creates the perfect leavening base for your cupcakes.
Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a wonderful texture.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for an aromatic touch.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid over-mixing.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. This ensures they have room to rise beautifully in the oven.
Bake and Cool: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make Salted Caramel Filling: While the cupcakes cool, prepare the salted caramel filling. In a saucepan, melt the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
Add Vanilla and Sea Salt: Remove the caramel from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Let it cool slightly before using.
Core the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are fully cool, use a cupcake corer or a small knife to cut a hole in the center of each cupcake.
Fill with Caramel: Generously fill each hole with the luscious salted caramel sauce. It’s the moment of gooey goodness!
Prepare the Frosting: For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, salted caramel sauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Frost the Cupcakes: Frost each cupcake generously with the salted caramel cream cheese frosting, ensuring every ounce of flavor is sealed inside.
Garnish and Serve: Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the frosting and add a pinch of sea salt for an elevated finish.

Tips & Tricks

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth texture in both the batter and frosting.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to retain the cupcakes’ lightness.
Custom Toppings: Feel free to experiment with toppings, like toasting chopped nuts or adding chocolate shavings for an extra layer of flavor.
Use a Cookie Scoop: This tool is ideal for portioning batter uniformly into the cupcake liners.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes shine on their own, but they can also be paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extravagant dessert! They are perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or simply a delightful afternoon treat with coffee or tea. Serve them on a beautiful platter, illuminating their enticing appearance that is sure to wow your guests.

Nutritional Information

Each cupcake contains approximately 350 calories, yielding a festive indulgence you’ll want to savor. Nutritional breakdown may vary based on specific ingredient brands, but generally, you can expect around:

Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 3g

Balancing sweetness and enjoyment in moderation is key to fitting these treats into a healthy lifestyle.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store your cupcakes, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze them, ensure they are well sealed to avoid freezer burn and enjoy them within three months.

Consider variations such as adding crushed nuts or using a different flavored frosting like chocolate for a unique twist on the classic. You could also experiment with different fillings, like fruity compotes or chocolate ganache, to switch things up.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the steps and tips to create Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes, it’s time to put on your apron! These cupcakes are truly a delight that combine comforting flavors with impressive presentation. Share your experience with friends and family, and don’t forget to enjoy each delicious bite of this decadent treat!

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cupcakes.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you’re unable to find cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese as a substitute, though the flavor may differ slightly.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a gentle stir before pouring into the cupcake liners.
How do I make the cupcakes less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or frosting, and consider omitting or decreasing the caramel filling.
Can I use different fillings instead of salted caramel?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fillings like chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or even a rich cream filling to suit your taste!

Dive into your baking adventure today, and may your kitchen be filled with the delightful scent of these gooey, caramel-filled cupcakes!