Indulge your sweet tooth with these 18 decadent salt caramel cupcake recipes, each with a twist that takes them to the next level. From classic vanilla cupcakes smothered in rich salted caramel frosting to innovative flavors like apple, pretzel, and pumpkin, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the art of combining sweet and salty flavors to create truly show-stopping treats. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for inspiration, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family.
So go ahead, get creative, and let’s dive into the world of salted caramel cupcakes!
Classic Salted Caramel Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these moist and flavorful cupcakes, featuring a rich salted caramel filling and a creamy vanilla frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the caramel filling:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
For the frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
5. Prepare the caramel filling by whisking together cream, sugar, butter, sea salt, and flaky sea salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 350°F (175°C). Remove from heat; let cool slightly.
6. Frost cooled cupcakes with vanilla frosting.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Chocolate Salted Caramel Cupcakes
Moist chocolate cupcakes filled with a gooey salted caramel center, topped with a velvety chocolate ganache and flaky sea salt.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Salted caramel filling (store-bought or homemade)
– Chocolate ganache (store-bought or homemade)
– Flaky sea salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add melted butter and whisk until combined.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before filling with salted caramel and topping with chocolate ganache and sea salt.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat
These moist and flavorful cupcakes combine the sweetness of apples with the savory tanginess of salted caramel, all wrapped up in a soft and fluffy package. Perfect for a fall-themed party or just a special treat for yourself.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
– Salted caramel sauce for drizzling (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in diced apples.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Salted Caramel Sauce:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let cool before using.
Salted Caramel Pretzel Cupcakes
Salted Caramel Pretzel Cupcakes: A Sweet and Salty Treat
These moist cupcakes combine the flavors of salted caramel and pretzels for a unique and delicious dessert. With a crunchy pretzel crust and a drizzle of sweet caramel, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup pretzel crumbs
– Salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until just combined.
4. Stir in pretzel crumbs.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before drizzling with salted caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Brownie Cupcakes
Moist brownie cupcakes infused with the deep flavors of salted caramel, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler. Allow to cool slightly.
6. Fold flour mixture into butter mixture, then fold in melted chocolate.
7. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
8. Drizzle caramel sauce over each cupcake. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cupcakes
These rich and creamy cupcakes combine the classic flavors of cheesecake, caramel, and sea salt for a unique dessert experience. With their moist texture and velvety frosting, they’re sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce
– Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Beat in vanilla extract and heavy cream.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Pour batter into cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before topping with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cupcakes
Moist pumpkin cupcakes filled with a salted caramel surprise, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and a drizzle of creamy caramel sauce. Perfect for fall festivities or as a unique dessert for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salted caramel filling (see below)
– Pecan streusel topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before filling with salted caramel and topping with pecan streusel.
Salted Caramel Filling:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon sea salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pecan Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Salted Caramel Banana Cupcakes
Salted Caramel Banana Cupcakes: A Delicious Twist on Classic Flavors
Moist banana cupcakes infused with the rich flavors of salted caramel, topped with a velvety caramel drizzle and crunchy sea salt.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Sea salt, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before drizzling with salted caramel sauce and sprinkling with sea salt.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Coffee Cupcakes
Elevate your coffee break with these decadent cupcakes, featuring the perfect balance of rich salted caramel and bold coffee flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, coffee powder, and milk.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
6. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of caramel sauce over each cupcake.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Pecan Cupcakes
Salted Caramel Pecan Cupcakes: Rich, gooey caramel and crunchy pecans come together in a moist vanilla cupcake, perfectly balanced with a touch of salt.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and mix until just combined.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract. Alternate adding milk and caramel sauce, mixing until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped pecans. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cupcakes to cool before drizzling with additional caramel sauce and sprinkling with sea salt.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Coconut Cupcakes
Rich, moist cupcakes filled with the sweetness of caramel and the creaminess of coconut, finished with a touch of salt for balance. Perfect for a special treat or gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, coconut, and salt. Add butter, eggs, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly among liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce.
5. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Maple Cupcakes
These moist and flavorful cupcakes combine the richness of salted caramel with the warmth of maple syrup, topped with a crunchy sea salt crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
– Salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought), for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, egg, milk, and maple syrup. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; whisk until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before drizzling with salted caramel sauce and sprinkling with flaky sea salt.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Hazelnut Cupcakes
Moist hazelnut cupcakes infused with the deep flavors of salted caramel and topped with a crunchy, buttery streusel, making for a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup hazelnut meal
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Streusel topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and egg until smooth. Add hazelnut meal, milk, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce and top with streusel topping (see below).
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Streusel Topping:
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Mix dry ingredients with butter and sugar until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of cupcakes before baking.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Raspberry Cupcakes
These sweet and tangy cupcakes combine the flavors of salted caramel and fresh raspberries, perfect for a special treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons raspberry jam
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Fold in raspberry jam and caramel sauce.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cupcakes: A rich and indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds – peanut butter and caramel.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for drizzling
– Chopped peanuts, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before drizzling with salted caramel sauce and garnishing with chopped peanuts.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Oreo Cupcakes
These moist and flavorful cupcakes combine the best of both worlds – rich salted caramel and crunchy Oreo cookies. Perfect for a special occasion or just because.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies
– Salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in crushed Oreo cookies.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before drizzling with salted caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Red Velvet Cupcakes
Elevate your baking game with these decadent Salted Caramel Red Velvet Cupcakes, featuring a moist and flavorful cake, topped with a rich salted caramel buttercream frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cupcakes:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add red food coloring and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes
Salted Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Treat
These moist cupcakes combine the warmth of cinnamon with the richness of salted caramel, all wrapped up in a tender crumb and topped with a velvety swirl of buttercream.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly among liners.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting with salted caramel buttercream (store-bought or homemade).
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of salted caramel with these 18 decadent cupcake recipes. From classic vanilla to bold twists like chocolate, apple, and pretzel, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Try Salted Caramel Brownie Cupcakes or Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cupcakes for a delightful surprise. Or, go all out with unique flavors like Pumpkin, Banana, Coffee, Pecan, Coconut, Maple, Hazelnut, Raspberry, Peanut Butter, Oreo, and Red Velvet. With a range of cupcake recipes that are sure to satisfy any craving, you’ll be hooked on the sweet combination of salted caramel and moist cake.
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