Salted caramel cupcakes offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite. With a soft, moist texture and rich caramel flavor, they are topped with a luscious salted caramel frosting for extra indulgence. These cupcakes are not only easy to make but also absolutely delicious
Key Benefits
Perfect Sweet and Salty Balance – The combination of rich caramel flavor and a hint of sea salt creates an indulgent treat that satisfies every craving.
Moist and Fluffy Texture – Made with the right mix of butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream, these cupcakes stay soft and tender with every bite.
Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of salted caramel cupcakes in no time.
Versatile for Any Occasion – Whether for birthdays, holidays, or a simple treat, these cupcakes add a touch of elegance to any event.
Homemade Caramel Goodness – Skip store-bought toppings and enjoy the rich, buttery taste of homemade salted caramel frosting drizzled over each cupcake.
Ingredients for salted caramel cupcakes
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup homemade salted caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
These simple yet rich ingredients come together to create moist, fluffy cupcakes with a buttery salted caramel frosting that melts in your mouth.
Instructions
Make the Cupcakes:
Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients – Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugar – Using a mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Gradually add milk, mixing until smooth.
Combine & Fill – Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake & Cool – Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
Melt Sugar – In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar, stirring continuously until it is golden brown.
Add Butter & Cream – Carefully stir in butter and heavy cream, then whisk until smooth.
Season & Cool – Stir in sea salt, remove from heat, and let cool slightly before using.
Make the Frosting & Assemble:
Beat Butter – In a bowl, beat butter until creamy.
Add Caramel & Sugar – Gradually mix in powdered sugar, homemade caramel sauce, vanilla, and sea salt until fluffy.
Adjust Consistency – Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until smooth and spreadable.
Frost & Drizzle – Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes, then drizzle with salted caramel for a perfect finish.
Enjoy these moist, fluffy cupcakes with their rich salted caramel frosting and decadent drizzle!
Pro Tips for salted caramel cupcakes
Room Temperature Ingredients – For the best texture, ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures the cupcakes bake evenly.
Don’t Overmix – When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, and we want them light and fluffy!
Check for Doneness – Start checking the cupcakes at the 18-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re done.
Cool Completely – Before frosting, let the cupcakes cool completely. If they’re warm, the frosting will melt, and we want that rich salted caramel frosting to stay perfectly in place.
Make the Caramel Sauce Ahead – You can prepare the salted caramel drizzle a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and warm it up slightly before using.
For Extra Moisture – If you want even more moist cupcakes, add sour cream or yogurt to the batter. It’ll create a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Customize the Frosting – If you like a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar. For a lighter texture, add extra heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
These tips will help ensure your salted caramel cupcakes turn out perfectly every time!
Variations
Caramel-Pecan Cupcakes – Add a handful of chopped toasted pecans to the cupcake batter for a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the salted caramel frosting.
Chocolate Salted Caramel Cupcakes – For a deeper flavor, mix a couple of tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder into the cupcake batter. The rich chocolate complements the sweet and salty caramel beautifully.
Salted Caramel Cupcake Pops – After frosting, insert a stick into each cupcake, chill them, and then dip them in more salted caramel sauce for a fun, bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties.
Pumpkin Salted Caramel Cupcakes – Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a cup of pumpkin puree to the cupcake batter. These autumn-inspired flavors blend perfectly with the rich salted caramel topping.
Vegan Salted Caramel Cupcakes – Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. You can also find vegan caramel sauce to complete the frosting.
Feel free to get creative with these variations, adjusting flavors to suit your preferences. Each one adds a unique twist while keeping the rich, indulgent essence of salted caramel cupcakes!
Serving Suggestions for salted caramel cupcakes
Perfect with Coffee or Tea – These salted caramel cupcakes pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness of the caramel and the salty finish balance beautifully with the rich flavors of your favorite brew.
For Special Occasions – Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a casual gathering, these cupcakes make an impressive dessert. The stunning salted caramel drizzle adds a touch of elegance that will wow your guests.
Top with Extra Toppings – If you’re looking to take these cupcakes up a notch, top them with shaved chocolate, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Gift-Worthy Treat – Package these moist cupcakes in a cute box or jar, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift for friends and family. The rich flavor and beautiful presentation make them a thoughtful gesture for any occasion.
Pair with Ice Cream – For an indulgent dessert experience, serve your salted caramel cupcakes alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The combination of soft cupcake and cold ice cream is simply irresistible!
These salted caramel cupcakes are versatile and make any occasion sweeter, whether enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite treat!
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FAQs about salted caramel cupcakes
What flavours go well with salted caramel?
Salted caramel is a versatile flavor that pairs well with a variety of other flavors. Try combining it with chocolate, vanilla, or coffee for a rich, indulgent taste. For a fruity twist, salted caramel also complements apples, pears, and even berries.
What is the secret to moist cupcakes?
The secret to moist cupcakes lies in the ingredients and their ratios. Use buttermilk or sour cream for added moisture, and don’t overmix the batter—just mix until combined. Also, make sure the cupcakes don’t overbake. Checking for doneness around the 18-minute mark will help ensure they stay moist and tender.
What is the difference between salted caramel and caramel?
The main difference between salted caramel and regular caramel is the addition of salt. Salted caramel has a balance of sweet and salty flavors, while regular caramel is only sweet. The salt enhances the depth of the caramel, giving it a richer, more complex flavor.
Why do people love salted caramel?
People love salted caramel because it combines two of the most irresistible tastes—sweet and salty. The salt cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfect balance that is both comforting and exciting to the taste buds. It’s a flavor that works in everything from cakes and cupcakes to candies and sauces.