Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe

Salted caramel cupcakes are a mouthwatering treat that combines the rich depth of caramel with the subtle contrast of sea salt. This cupcake variation takes your standard sweet dessert and elevates it to an indulgent experience that’s perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply treating yourself. 

With moist vanilla cake bases, gooey caramel filling, and fluffy caramel buttercream, every bite is a perfect balance of salty and sweet. Whether you're an experienced baker or new to cupcake creation, this recipe is designed to guide you step-by-step for flawless results.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ?

• Balanced flavors: Sweet caramel with a hint of sea salt

• Soft and fluffy cupcake texture

• Gooey caramel center for an irresistible surprise

• Rich caramel buttercream that's smooth and satisfying

• Crowd-pleaser and visually impressive

• Ideal for special occasions or as a gourmet homemade treat

🍫 What Do You Need to Prepare Salted Caramel Cupcakes?

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup whole milk

For the Salted Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp sea salt

For the Caramel Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (from filling)

• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed for consistency)

• Pinch of salt (if needed)

✅ How to Make Salted Caramel Cupcakes Step-by-Step ?

Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tray with paper liners and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the sour cream and milk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the liners. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring constantly. Once it turns amber, add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly add cream and continue stirring. Let it boil for a minute, then remove from heat and add sea salt. Let cool slightly.

Step 7: Fill the Cupcakes

Use a knife or cupcake corer to remove the centers. Fill each hole with a teaspoon of salted caramel.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and caramel sauce. Adjust consistency with cream if needed. Frost cooled cupcakes.

📉 Variations

There are several exciting ways to personalize salted caramel cupcakes. You can swap the vanilla cupcake base for chocolate to create chocolate caramel cupcakes a rich and decadent variation. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or toffee bits on top of the frosting. 

Feeling adventurous? Add a touch of bourbon to the caramel sauce for a grown-up twist. You can also make mini cupcakes for party-sized treats or layer the batter with caramel chips for an extra burst of flavor. 

For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute the butter with vegan margarine and the heavy cream with coconut cream. Gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour with nearly identical results. Lastly, consider topping each cupcake with a tiny pretzel or sea salt flakes for added visual appeal and texture.

📌 Cooking Note

When working with caramel, timing and temperature are everything. Be careful not to burn the sugar when making your homemade caramel sauce; it can go from golden to scorched in seconds. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heating, and always stir with a heat-resistant silicone spatula. 

When filling the cupcakes, make sure they are fully cooled to prevent the caramel from melting into the cake. Likewise, ensure the caramel is also cool but still pourable. When it comes to frosting, use a stand mixer or hand mixer for a light and fluffy texture.

If your buttercream is too soft, chill it for a few minutes before piping. These tips will ensure that each cupcake has a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and presentation.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Salted caramel cupcakes pair beautifully with coffee, especially lattes or cappuccinos. Serve them as an elegant dessert for dinner parties or as a sweet treat during brunch. They also make great additions to dessert tables at birthdays, weddings, and holiday gatherings. 

For a more dramatic presentation, drizzle extra caramel over the frosted cupcakes and top with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a mini caramel candy. 

You can also serve them slightly warm for a gooey center that melts in your mouth. Add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side for a decadent dessert plate.

🧮 Helpful Tips

• Let all ingredients come to room temperature before baking.

• Don’t overmix the batter; it can lead to dense cupcakes.

• Use a cookie scoop for evenly-sized cupcakes.

• Let the caramel cool just enough to be thick but still pourable.

• If caramel gets too hard, reheat gently.

• For smooth frosting, sift the powdered sugar before mixing.

• Use a piping bag with a star tip for professional-looking cupcakes.

• Chill frosted cupcakes for 10-15 minutes before serving to set the buttercream.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months and thaw before decorating.

✨ Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Cupcakes

• Use high-quality butter and vanilla extract for rich flavor.

• Don’t skip the sour cream—it makes the cake super moist.

• Homemade caramel makes all the difference. Avoid store-bought versions for best taste.

• Sprinkle sea salt on top right before serving to keep it from dissolving.

• For ultra-light buttercream, beat it an extra 2-3 minutes.

⏰ Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 22 minutes

• Total Time: 42 minutes

📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate per cupcake)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 3g

• Sodium: 240mg

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
A: Yes! You can bake and freeze the cupcakes (without filling or frosting) for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: You can, but homemade caramel adds a much richer flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the cupcakes from being dry?
A: Don’t overbake them and use sour cream in the batter for moisture.

Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, but reduce the added salt to maintain flavor balance.

📄 Conclusion

Salted caramel cupcakes are a dreamy dessert that strikes the perfect harmony between sweet and salty. From the moist cupcake base to the molten caramel center and luxurious frosting, every element is crafted to delight your senses. With a few simple techniques and a bit of patience, you can recreate this bakery-worthy treat in your own kitchen. 

Whether you serve them at a party or indulge quietly with a cup of coffee, one thing is certain these cupcakes will leave a lasting impression.