Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a decadent treat that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, fluffy cupcake, filled with warm caramel and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that can only be described as indulgent bliss. With a touch of sea salt, these cupcakes achieve the perfect balance of sweet and salty, making them irresistible. Trust me, this delightful treat is worth every minute spent in the kitchen, and it’s an excellent choice for birthdays, gatherings, or even just a comforting dessert at home. Get ready to dive into this step-by-step recipe that will elevate your baking game!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the standout features of these Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes is their simple preparation. With easy-to-find ingredients, even novice bakers can whip them up in no time. The flexibility of this recipe also makes it highly family-friendly, as it’s a hit among both kids and adults alike. Memories will be made as you gather around the table to enjoy these delicious treats!

The straightforward nature of this recipe is perfect for busy days. You can create these magnificent cupcakes in a traditional style while keeping the process quick and enjoyable. Plus, with minimal ingredients, you won’t feel overwhelmed. Let’s dive into the ingredients to set the stage for your mouthwatering experience.

Ingredients for Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
1 tablespoon milk
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon caramel sauce
1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzle)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)

With these simple ingredients at your disposal, you are on the way to creating a divine dessert that everyone will rave about!

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with cupcake liners.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Mix in Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, followed by the sour cream, and then the remaining flour mixture. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix to ensure fluffy cupcakes.
Add Caramel Sauce and Milk: Gently fold the 1/2 cup of caramel sauce and milk into the batter until smooth and well combined.
Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds of the way full.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Cupcakes: Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cupcakes cool, make the frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until fluffy.
Add Caramel Sauce to Frosting: Stir in 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce into the cream cheese frosting for a delicious touch.
Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, generously frost them with the cream cheese mixture.
Drizzle and Sprinkle: Finish off by drizzling each cupcake with additional caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect salty-sweet combination.
Serve and Enjoy: These gooey delights are now ready to be devoured! Grab a napkin—you’re going to need it!

Tips & Tricks

For the best results, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth and creamy frosting without lumps. If you’d like to enhance the flavor of the caramel, consider using a high-quality brand, or even homemade caramel sauce if you have the time.

If you want to take your cupcakes to the next level, you can add chocolate chips to the batter for added richness. Alternatively, consider using different toppings like crushed nuts or chocolate shavings for texture and flavor!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes shine when paired with a hot cup of coffee or a steaming cup of tea. They also make an impressive dessert for occasions like birthday parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. For an additional touch of elegance, serve the cupcakes on a tiered cake stand, garnished with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Nutritional Information

While these cupcakes are a bit indulgent, they’re definitely worth it for a special treat! Each cupcake contains approximately 280 calories, with a good balance of sweetness and richness. It’s important to enjoy them in moderation, especially if you’re watching caloric intake. Allow yourself the pleasure of this delightful dessert every once in a while—you deserve it!

Storing Tips & Variations for Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

To keep your Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for about a week. For long-term storage, consider freezing the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw completely before frosting.

If you prefer a healthier version, try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

Conclusion for Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are everything you could want in a dessert: rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Why wait? Grab your ingredients and start baking these delightful cupcakes today! Treat yourself and your loved ones to this scrumptious dessert that is sure to impress!

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the salt added to the batter and frosting to maintain the intended taste balance.

2. How do I know when my cupcakes are done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out wet with batter, the cupcakes need more baking time.

3. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted. Frosting can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

4. Can I make mini versions of these cupcakes?
Yes! Adjust the baking time to about 12-15 minutes for mini cupcakes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

5. What’s the best way to store leftover cupcakes?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. Make sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!