Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a perfect balance of rich, creamy, and sweet flavors, with a touch of salted caramel to give them a savory twist. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy layer that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and salty caramel. These cupcakes are perfect for special occasions or just a delicious treat!

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Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for moisture)
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

For the Caramel Drizzle (optional):

• 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the sour cream and salted caramel sauce to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and salted caramel sauce, then beat until smooth and fluffy.
4. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a small amount of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost each cupcake generously with the salted caramel cream cheese frosting.
2. Drizzle a little extra salted caramel sauce on top of the frosting for added flavor and decoration.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle to bring out the salty-sweet flavor of the cupcakes.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Allow the caramel to set slightly before serving. These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

• Salted caramel: You can use store-bought salted caramel sauce, or you can make your own by cooking sugar, butter, and cream together with a pinch of sea salt.
• Frosting consistency: If your frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar until it thickens. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream.
• Topping variations: For added texture, you can garnish with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even shaved chocolate for a rich, indulgent look.

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Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you need to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to 1 month. Frost them once they have thawed at room temperature.

Enjoy your delicious Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes – a sweet and indulgent treat that everyone will love! 🍰🍯