Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe
Introduction
Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, combining the richness of caramel with the tangy creaminess of cream cheese. These cupcakes have a soft and moist vanilla or caramel-flavored base, a luscious salted caramel filling, and a smooth cream cheese frosting drizzled with homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these cupcakes are loved by dessert enthusiasts worldwide.
History of Salted Caramel and Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Salted caramel originated in France in the late 20th century, thanks to pastry chef Henri Le Roux, who introduced salted butter caramel. It quickly gained popularity as a gourmet ingredient. Cream cheese frosting, on the other hand, has roots in the 19th-century United States and became widely used in classic cakes like red velvet and carrot cake. The fusion of these two elements in cupcakes creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making them irresistible to many dessert lovers.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
For the Salted Caramel Filling
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp sea salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnishing
Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
A pinch of sea salt
Crushed caramel candies (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before filling and frosting.
Step 2: Prepare the Salted Caramel Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
- Add the butter and stir until fully melted. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes
- Using a small knife or a cupcake corer, remove the center of each cupcake.
- Fill each hole with about a teaspoon of salted caramel sauce.
- Pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting over the cupcakes.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
Lovers of Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
These cupcakes are adored by people of all ages, from kids to adults. Dessert lovers appreciate the perfect balance of flavors, and caramel enthusiasts find the rich, buttery notes irresistible. They are also a favorite for festive occasions, elegant parties, and cozy gatherings.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a luxurious treat that brings together the best of both worlds: the sweet and salty magic of caramel and the creamy indulgence of cream cheese. They are easy to make yet sophisticated in flavor, making them a perfect choice for any occasion. Try baking a batch and share them with your loved ones—they’re sure to become a favorite!