Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Indulging in a delicious dessert is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and these Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes deliver that joy in every bite. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home, these cupcakes combine rich flavors and a delightful texture that will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes

1. Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet caramel, tangy cream cheese, and a hint of salt creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
2. Moist and Tender: Thanks to the cream cheese in the batter, these cupcakes are incredibly moist and tender, ensuring a delightful experience.
3. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cupcakes are perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
4. Impressive Presentation: Topped with a generous swirl of caramel cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of salted caramel, these cupcakes are sure to impress guests.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cupcakes

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Melt Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
2. Add Butter: Remove from heat and carefully add the butter, stirring until melted.
3. Add Cream and Salt: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth, then stir in the sea salt. Let it cool slightly before using.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. Mix in the salted caramel sauce until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Create a Hollow: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove a small portion of the center of each cupcake.
2. Fill with Caramel: Spoon a little salted caramel sauce into each hollowed-out cupcake.
3. Frost the Cupcakes: Pipe the caramel cream cheese frosting on top of each cupcake.
4. Drizzle with Caramel: Finish with a drizzle of additional salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid dense cupcakes.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Conclusion

These Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a true delight, combining textures and flavors that make for an unforgettable dessert. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these cupcakes will certainly satisfy any sweet tooth. Don’t forget to share them with friends and family — they’ll be asking for seconds! Enjoy baking and indulging in this decadent treat!

Here are some Serving and Storage Tips for your Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes to ensure they stay fresh and delicious:

Serving Tips

1. Presentation: For an elegant touch, garnish each cupcake with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a small piece of caramel candy or a chocolate drizzle. This enhances both the visual appeal and flavor.
2. Temperature: Serve the cupcakes at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. If refrigerated, allow them to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
3. Pairing Suggestions: These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Consider offering them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
4. Serving Size: Each cupcake is rich and filling, so consider serving them in smaller portions if you’re hosting a large gathering. You can even cut each cupcake in half to share and let guests sample.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Since these cupcakes contain cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any odors from the fridge.
2. Freezing: If you want to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to three months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.
3. Frosting Storage: If you have leftover frosting, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Rewhip the frosting slightly before using it again, as it may firm up when chilled.
4. Preventing Sogginess: To avoid the cupcakes becoming soggy from the caramel, consider drizzling the caramel sauce just before serving rather than storing them with the caramel already on top.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can keep your Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes fresh and ready to delight your taste buds! Enjoy your baking and the delicious treats that follow!

FAQ 1: Can I use a different type of frosting for these cupcakes?

Answer: Yes, you can definitely experiment with different frostings! While the cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the salted caramel flavor, you could also use a simple buttercream frosting or a chocolate ganache if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly.

FAQ 2: How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Answer: To make gluten-free Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free, such as the baking powder and any pre-made caramel sauce. Always check labels to be sure.

FAQ 3: What can I do if I don’t have sour cream?

Answer: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt (Greek or regular) for a similar tangy flavor and moisture. Another option is to use a mixture of milk and vinegar (1 tablespoon of vinegar mixed with enough milk to make ½ cup) and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly before adding it to the batter.

FAQ 4: How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Answer: Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They will last for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without frosting. Once frozen, they can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

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