Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

If you’re a fan of the perfect balance between sweet and salty, then these Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes will become your new go-to dessert. With a moist, fluffy cupcake base filled with a luscious cream cheese and caramel center, these cupcakes are topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, a generous drizzle of caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt. The optional pretzel garnish adds an extra crunch, making these cupcakes an indulgent treat that hits all the right notes.

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Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes

1. Delicious Flavor Combo: The rich caramel filling pairs perfectly with the tangy cream cheese frosting, while the sea salt garnish balances out the sweetness.
2. Creamy Filling: With a hidden pocket of cream cheese and caramel sauce, each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture.
3. Moist Cupcake Base: The tender, fluffy cupcakes are made with a classic vanilla base that complements the filling and frosting without overpowering them.
4. Versatile Garnish: The optional pretzel twist garnish adds a delightful crunch and enhances the sweet-salty contrast. You can also get creative with your toppings!
5. Quick and Easy: These cupcakes are surprisingly simple to make, despite the impressive layers of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cupcake Batter:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cupcake batter, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps with browning.
• 2 large eggs: Provide structure and stability to the batter, while adding moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cupcakes.
• ½ cup milk: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.

For the Filling:

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened: Creates a rich, tangy filling that pairs perfectly with the caramel.
• ½ cup caramel sauce: Adds a sweet, buttery flavor to the cream cheese filling.

For the Frosting and Topping:

• 1 cup cream cheese frosting: You can use store-bought or homemade cream cheese frosting for a tangy, creamy topping.
• Extra caramel sauce: For drizzling on top of the frosted cupcakes.
• Pretzel twists (optional): Adds a crunchy, salty garnish for visual appeal and flavor contrast.
• Sea salt flakes: Provides the final touch, balancing the sweetness with a hint of saltiness.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This will help ensure that your cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and will result in a more consistent cupcake texture.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to add that classic vanilla flavor.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with ½ cup milk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cupcakes dense. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

5. Bake the Cupcakes:

• Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise without spilling over. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the next step.

6. Fill the Cupcakes:

• Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife or a cupcake corer to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Be careful not to go all the way to the bottom. Fill the hole halfway with softened cream cheese (about a teaspoon or so), and then top with a drizzle of caramel sauce. This hidden filling will surprise and delight anyone who bites into the cupcake.

7. Frost and Garnish:

• Frost each cupcake with cream cheese frosting, using a piping bag for a professional finish or simply spreading it on with a knife. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent touch. If desired, garnish with pretzel twists for added crunch and aesthetic appeal. Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top of each cupcake to balance the sweetness and elevate the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Party Favorite: These cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties, gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
• Special Treat: Serve them as a decadent treat after dinner, paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Gift-Worthy: Wrap them in a decorative box or arrange them on a tray for a sweet homemade gift that will impress.

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Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth batter and frosting.
2. Don’t Overfill: When filling the cupcake liners, only fill them about ¾ of the way to avoid overflowing during baking.
3. Custom Caramel: Feel free to make your own homemade caramel sauce if you want to go the extra mile. Store-bought caramel works just as well for a quicker option.
4. Sea Salt Garnish: Use flaky sea salt for the best texture and flavor. A light sprinkle will go a long way to enhancing the sweetness of the caramel and frosting.

Variations and Customizations

• Chocolate Twist: For chocolate lovers, try adding ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking, or drizzle the cupcakes with melted chocolate along with the caramel.
• Nutty Option: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling or as a garnish to give the cupcakes a crunchy texture.
• Fruit Swirl: Replace the caramel filling with a fruit compote like strawberry or raspberry for a fruity take on this recipe.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per cupcake
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 250mg

These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes offer a perfect blend of sweetness, richness, and a touch of salt, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. The soft, fluffy cupcake base contrasts beautifully with the tangy, creamy filling and the luscious caramel sauce in the center. Topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, a generous drizzle of extra caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, each bite delivers a balanced and decadent flavor profile. The optional pretzel twist garnish adds a delightful crunch, complementing the sweet-salty harmony. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply indulging yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress with both their taste and presentation. The combination of rich caramel, tangy cream cheese, and just the right amount of salt creates a satisfying dessert that will leave everyone craving more.