The Perfect Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Cupcakes with a surprising salted caramel twist can turn an ordinary afternoon into a delightful sweet escape.

Soft vanilla sponge conceals pockets of rich, golden goodness waiting to surprise you.

Molten caramel centers peek through delicate frosting, promising intense flavor in every bite.

Silky smooth textures meld with a perfect balance of sweet and salty notes.

Each carefully crafted cupcake tells a story of indulgence and comfort.

Home bakers will find this recipe surprisingly simple yet impressively decadent.

Prepare to wow everyone with these irresistible little treats that spark pure joy.

Creative Variations on Salted Caramel Cupcakes

• Gluten-Free Caramel Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich, gooey texture.
• Vegan Salted Caramel Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Cupcake: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calorie content while keeping intense caramel flavor.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Caramel Option: Use dairy-free margarine, almond milk, and ensure caramel sauce is made without cream for those with lactose intolerance.

Pairings That Complement Salted Caramel Cupcakes Well

• Complement the sweet and salty cupcakes with a bold espresso or dark roast coffee, which cuts through the richness and enhances the caramel's depth.
• Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bourbon ice cream to amplify the cupcake's warm, decadent flavors and provide a cool contrast.
• Enhance the dessert experience by sipping a smooth salted caramel liqueur that mirrors the cupcake's signature flavor profile and adds a sophisticated touch.
• Introduce a light, sweet sparkling wine that balances the cupcake's intense flavors and cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Store Salted Caramel Cupcakes Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Add frosting just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated cupcakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to restore soft texture.

FAQs

• What type of caramel works best for this recipe?

Salted caramel sauce is ideal, preferably store-bought or homemade with good consistency that won’t make the cupcake too runny.

• Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that matches a 1:1 ratio for baking.

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

Layer the caramel carefully between the batter, ensuring it’s not too liquid and is evenly distributed in the middle of the cupcake.

• Is it necessary to use both granulated and brown sugar?

Yes, brown sugar adds moisture and deeper flavor complexity to the cupcake, while granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure.

Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes That Melt Hearts

• Create Decadent Dessert: Transform ordinary cupcakes into a luxurious treat with hidden salted caramel surprise that elevates the entire baking experience.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Technique: Simple step-by-step instructions make these cupcakes accessible for home bakers of all skill levels, ensuring successful results every single time.
• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Rich chocolate base combined with salty-sweet caramel creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults at gatherings, parties, or casual get-togethers.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows creative variations like adding extra caramel drizzle, experimenting with different frosting styles, or incorporating additional toppings to match personal preferences.

Ingredients for Rich and Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure to the cupcake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes moisture and a rich, deep flavor to the cupcake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers a deep chocolate taste and dark color to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Assists with leavening and balances the acidity in the recipe.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcake.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cupcake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
• Milk: Helps create a moist and tender cupcake crumb.

• Salted Caramel Sauce: A decadent filling that adds a sweet and salty flavor contrast to the chocolate cupcake.

How to Bake Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set your oven to 350°F and grab a muffin tin. Line the tin with colorful paper cupcake liners to make your treats look extra cute.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk until everything is perfectly combined and looks like a chocolatey dust.

Step 3: Whip Butter to Fluffy Perfection

Take softened butter and cream it in a separate bowl until it becomes light and airy.

The texture should look smooth and cloud-like.

Step 4: Build Wet Ingredient Base

Gradually add sugars to the creamed butter and mix until well blended.

Crack eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract for that rich, warm flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly pour milk into the butter mixture, then gently fold in the dry ingredient blend. Stir until just combined – don’t overmix or your cupcakes might become tough.

Step 6: Create Caramel Surprise

Spoon half the batter into cupcake liners. Add a dollop of salted caramel sauce in the center of each, then cover with remaining batter.

Step 7: Bake to Delicious Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Let cupcakes cool completely before adding frosting.

This prevents the frosting from melting and keeps your cupcakes looking gorgeous.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Salted Caramel Cupcakes

• Check caramel sauce consistency before adding to cupcake batter to prevent sinking or uneven distribution.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk to ensure smoother, more uniform cupcake texture.
• Avoid overmixing batter to keep cupcakes tender and prevent tough, dense results.
• Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, consuming within 2-3 days.
• For gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain similar texture and taste.

Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe

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

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Description

Irresistible salted caramel cupcakes combine rich chocolate cake with luxurious caramel frosting. Chocolate lovers will savor each delectable bite of these indulgent desserts from scratch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50 g) cocoa powder
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1 cup salted caramel sauce
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and arrange paper liners in a muffin tin, ensuring even spacing.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter until it becomes light and airy, gradually incorporating sugars to create a smooth mixture.
4. Add eggs individually to the butter mixture, blending completely after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
5. Pour milk into the batter, stirring until the liquid integrates seamlessly with the existing mixture.
6. Carefully fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using gentle motions to maintain the batter’s delicate texture.
7. Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter, drop a small amount of salted caramel sauce in the center, then cover with remaining batter.
8. Transfer the filled muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
9. Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before applying frosting.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and optimal texture.
• Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a more uniform, lighter cupcake crumb.
• For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements.
• Adjust caramel sauce quantity based on personal preference, but avoid overfilling to prevent spillage during baking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg