The Dreamiest Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe Ever

Sweet-toothed dessert enthusiasts can’t resist these gooey salted caramel cupcakes that promise pure indulgence.

Every baker dreams of creating a treat so decadent and irresistible.

Delicate cake layers infused with rich caramel notes will melt in your mouth.

Generous swirls of buttercream transform ordinary cupcakes into extraordinary dessert experiences.

Sprinkled sea salt crystals provide a sophisticated contrast to sugary goodness.

Crafted with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, this recipe ensures success for novice and experienced bakers alike.

You’ll want to share these heavenly cupcakes at every gathering, watching faces light up with delight.

FAQs

• Why use boiling water in the cupcake batter?

Boiling water helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a richer, more moist cupcake texture.

• Can I use a different type of salt for the recipe?

Sea salt works best for its delicate flavor and texture, but you can substitute kosher salt or flaky salt if needed. Avoid using table salt as it’s too harsh.

• How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Stir constantly and watch the color carefully. The caramel should turn a deep golden brown, not dark brown or black. Remove from heat immediately once it reaches the right color.

Salted Caramel Cupcakes You’ll Crave

• Delight in Decadence: These cupcakes offer a luxurious chocolate base with an irresistible salted caramel twist that elevates them from ordinary desserts to extraordinary treats.
• Master with Minimal Effort: Surprisingly simple to prepare, this recipe requires basic baking skills and common ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt creates a universally loved dessert that appeals to all ages and taste preferences.
• Impressive Presentation: With its beautiful drizzled caramel and sprinkled sea salt, these cupcakes look professionally made, making them ideal for special gatherings or as a stunning homemade gift.

Salted Caramel Cupcake Ingredients

• Flour: The base foundation for the cupcake's structure and texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and soft cupcake texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances chocolate flavor.
• Boiling Water: Helps activate cocoa powder and creates a smooth batter.

• Sugar: The primary ingredient for creating caramel sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to caramel and frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Provides creaminess and helps create silky caramel.
• Sea Salt: Adds a savory contrast to the sweet caramel.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth and stable frosting texture.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: Adds intense caramel flavor to the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.

Cupcake Steps For Gooey Goodness

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin.

This ensures your cupcakes will bake evenly and look perfectly professional.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps and create a smooth base for your cupcakes.

Step 3: Blend Wet Components

Add milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.

Stir everything together until well incorporated.

Carefully pour in boiling water and mix until the batter becomes silky and consistent.

Step 4: Bake Cupcake Base

Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.

The toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center of a cupcake.

Step 5: Create Luscious Caramel Filling

In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown.

• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Sea salt

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Allow caramel to cool slightly before using.

Step 6: Inject Caramel Surprise

Once cupcakes have completely cooled, use a small knife to create a small cavity in the center of each cupcake.

Carefully fill each hole with a teaspoon of warm caramel.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy and light.

• Powdered sugar
• Salted caramel sauce
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Continue beating until the frosting becomes fluffy and spreadable.

Step 8: Finish With Fabulous Decoration

Pipe or spread frosting generously over each cupcake.

Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for an irresistible sweet-salty finish.

Tips For The Ultimate Caramel Cupcakes

• Ensure your caramel is silky by stirring constantly and watching the color carefully to prevent burning.
• Use a small spoon or apple corer to make precise centers when filling cupcakes with caramel for even distribution.
• Use medium heat and keep stirring when making caramel to achieve a perfect golden-brown color without scorching.
• Refrigerate cupcakes briefly after filling with caramel to help the filling set and prevent immediate absorption into the cake.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt just before serving to maintain crunch and provide a delightful salty-sweet contrast with the caramel.

Fresh Variations For Salted Caramel Cupcakes

• Gluten-Free Caramel Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Caramel Delight: Swap eggs and dairy with coconut milk, flax eggs, and plant-based butter to create a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of traditional sugar to reduce overall sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Caramel: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use margarine instead of butter for lactose-intolerant bakers.

Serving Up Salted Caramel Cupcakes

• Sweet Caramel Drizzle Delight: Top each cupcake with an extra swirl of golden caramel sauce, creating a luxurious waterfall effect that adds visual appeal and intense flavor.
• Gourmet Sea Salt Crunch: Sprinkle high-quality flaky sea salt on top to enhance the caramel's richness and provide a delightful textural contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Chocolate Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a small scoop of dark chocolate ice cream or a rich espresso to complement the cupcake's decadent caramel and chocolate notes, creating a sophisticated dessert moment.
• Elegant Presentation Trick: Arrange cupcakes on a beautiful slate or wooden board, garnishing with edible gold leaf or caramel shards to transform the dessert into a stunning centerpiece that wows guests.

How To Store Salted Caramel Cupcakes

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out and maintain their moisture.
• Place unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frosting.
• Let cold cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften the frosting and bring out the flavors. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cake tough and dry.

Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sinful Salted Caramel Cupcakes melt hearts with rich, buttery flavors dancing between sweet and salty perfection. Rich caramel drizzle and delicate sprinkle of sea salt complete this irresistible dessert you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Cupcake Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cupcake Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup boiling water

Caramel Filling and Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramel filling)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramel filling)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (for caramel filling)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for caramel filling)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting)
• 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, thoroughly blending flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients by adding milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Gently fold in boiling water until the batter achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack while preparing the caramel filling.
6. Create caramel by melting sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it turns golden brown. Carefully incorporate butter, heavy cream, and sea salt, whisking until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
7. Once caramel slightly cools, use a small knife to create a cavity in each cupcake’s center. Carefully fill each cavity with a teaspoon of warm caramel.
8. Prepare frosting by whipping softened butter until creamy and light. Gradually add powdered sugar, then blend in salted caramel sauce, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes fluffy and spreadable.
9. Generously pipe or spread frosting over each cupcake, creating elegant peaks and swirls.
10. Finish by drizzling additional caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes and sprinkling a pinch of sea salt for an enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and optimal cake texture.
• Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a lighter, more delicate cupcake crumb.
• Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Let caramel cool slightly before filling cupcakes to prevent burning and maintain a gooey consistency.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg