The Perfect Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe For Sweet-Salty Bliss

Sweet dreams come alive with these decadent salted caramel cupcakes that promise pure indulgence.

The rich, buttery aroma of caramel weaves its magic through every delightful bite.

Soft, tender cake layers cradle a luscious salted caramel filling that dances between sweet and salty.

Creamy frosting swirls atop each cupcake, creating a luxurious crown of pure deliciousness.

Each morsel delivers a perfect balance of flavors that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible dessert that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Salted Caramel Cupcakes: Sweet Meets Savory Magic

• Surprise Inside Treat: Discover the delightful secret of a hidden caramel center that adds an unexpected burst of sweetness to every bite.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Enjoy the magical combination of sweet caramel and a touch of sea salt that creates a sophisticated and irresistible taste profile.
• Quick and Simple Baking: Master this recipe with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Wow friends and family with these elegant cupcakes that look impressive but are surprisingly easy to prepare for any gathering or special occasion.

Salted Caramel Cupcake Ingredient Lineup

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure for the cupcake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcake batter.

• Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the cupcakes.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cupcake's texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cupcake base.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the cupcakes' moistness and tender crumb.

• Caramel, Coarse Sea Salt: Provide a sweet and salty flavor contrast to the cupcake base.

Steps For Soft, Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready to create magic.

Grab your cupcake pan and line it with adorable paper liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Sea salt

Ensure everything is well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like soft clouds.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract to create a rich, aromatic base.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture.

Alternate adding sour cream and flour mixture, ending with the dry ingredients.

Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Prepare Caramel Surprise

Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter.

Gently press a caramel candy into the center of each cupcake.

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt over the caramel.

Step 7: Complete the Cupcake Batter

Top each cupcake with remaining batter, filling liners about three-quarters full.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before devouring.

Smart Tips For Caramel Cupcake Baking

• Choose soft, chewy caramels that melt easily when baked inside the cupcake for the best gooey center.
• Sprinkle coarse sea salt sparingly to enhance the caramel's flavor without overwhelming the sweet cupcake.
• Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
• Use the toothpick test to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the cupcakes and make them tough.
• Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Add-Ons & Upgrades For Caramel Cupcakes

• Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes: Replace vanilla extract with melted dark chocolate in the batter for a rich, decadent flavor. Sprinkle cocoa powder on top instead of sea salt.
• Gluten-Free Caramel Cupcakes: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour. Use gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Caramel Cupcakes: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt. Use vegan caramel sauce and plant-based milk.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Cupcakes: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free caramel sauce and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

Ways To Serve Salted Caramel Cupcakes Creatively

• Sweet Party Platter: Arrange cupcakes on a rustic wooden board with scattered caramel pieces and extra sea salt sprinkles for a stunning dessert display.
• Gourmet Coffee Companion: Serve alongside rich espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweet caramel flavor and enhance the overall tasting experience.
• Elegant Dessert Duo: Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add extra decadence and create a more luxurious dessert presentation.
• Festive Garnish Touch: Drizzle additional warm caramel sauce over the cupcakes just before serving and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a professional bakery-style finish.

Keep Salted Caramel Cupcakes Tasting Fresh

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Keep cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore softness.

FAQs

• Can I use regular salt instead of sea salt?

Yes, but sea salt offers a more complex flavor profile and enhances the caramel’s sweetness. If using regular salt, reduce the quantity by half.

• How do I prevent the caramel from sinking to the bottom?

Ensure the caramel piece is not too large and gently press it into the center of the batter. Coating the caramel lightly in flour can also help prevent sinking.

• Is sour cream necessary for the recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb. If unavailable, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or buttermilk.

• 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 sea salt topping just before serving.

Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Salted caramel cupcakes combine rich chocolate cake with silky caramel frosting for an irresistible dessert. Chocolate lovers will savor each sweet and salty bite, creating a perfect balance of indulgent flavors that dance on the palate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 12 soft caramel candies

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a cupcake pan with liners.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, baking powder, and sea salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes pale and airy, creating a smooth base.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
5. Gently fold in vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is uniform.
6. Alternate adding flour mixture and sour cream to the butter base, mixing carefully to prevent overmixing.
7. Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter, strategically positioning a caramel piece in the center of each.
8. Sprinkle a delicate layer of coarse sea salt over the caramel centers for enhanced flavor complexity.
9. Cover the caramel with remaining batter, filling liners approximately three-quarters full.
10. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
11. Rest cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure.
12. Transfer cupcakes to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely before serving.

Notes

• Swap regular salt with flaky sea salt for an enhanced flavor burst that elevates the caramel’s richness.
• Try different caramel types like soft, chewy, or hard varieties to create unique texture experiences in each bite.
• Prevent cupcake centers from sinking by ensuring caramels are at room temperature and gently pressed into batter, not dropped forcefully.
• Make these cupcakes gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same delicious taste and tender crumb.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg