Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

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Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful treat that elevates the classic cupcake to new heights. These little wonders feature a moist, fluffy vanilla cupcake infused with rich cream cheese and gooey caramel filling, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Imagine biting into a soft, tender cupcake that gives way to a sweet creamy center infused with a hint of saltiness, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the frosting. It’s the type of dessert that makes every occasion feel special, whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in. This recipe is designed to be simple to follow, ensuring that you can whip it up step-by-step with ease, even if you’re not an experienced baker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes. First and foremost, the preparation is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. These cupcakes are family-friendly and perfect for bakers of all skill levels. With minimal ingredients and a quick baking time, you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. The blend of flavors creates a harmonious and addictive treat that’s hard to resist. Plus, they serve as the ideal dessert for various occasions — from birthday parties to casual family dinners. Every bite delivers a burst of flavor that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

To create these indulgent cupcakes, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup caramel sauce, ideally homemade or your favorite brand for filling
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting, store-bought or homemade
• Pretzel twists for topping (optional, but they add a delightful crunch!)
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
• Sea salt flakes for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions for Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This helps ensure an easy release after baking.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients from the first bowl to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix for a tender cupcake.

6. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full to allow space for rising.

7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, cool the cupcakes on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.

8. Using a small knife or cupcake corer, cut a small hole in the center of each cooled cupcake. Fill with softened cream cheese, then drizzle in caramel sauce for that luscious filling.

9. Frost each cupcake with cream cheese frosting to create a beautiful swirl on top. Finish by drizzling with extra caramel sauce, adding a pretzel twist for crunch, and sprinkling a few sea salt flakes for that perfect contrast of flavors.

Tips & Tricks

One secret to achieving the perfect salted caramel flavor is using a high-quality caramel sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own caramel sauce at home for that gourmet touch. Additionally, allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. For an extra touch, consider toasting the pretzel twists slightly for enhanced flavor before adding them as a garnish.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are splendid on their own, but you can elevate your dessert table by pairing them with a rich cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk. They also go beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for those who love a mix of flavors. For special occasions, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a fruit compote to balance the sweetness.

Nutritional Information

While indulging in Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes, moderation is key! Each cupcake contains approximately 320 calories, depending on serving size and added toppings. The creamy filling and frosting due to cream cheese contribute to the richness, making them a perfect occasional treat. If you’re looking to enjoy this recipe guilt-free, consider opting for lower-fat cream cheese or using a sugar substitute in your frosting.

Storing Tips & Variations for Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to prolong their freshness, keep them in the refrigerator. For longer preservation, these cupcakes can be frozen. Just ensure they’re tightly wrapped in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. If you’re looking to switch things up, try substituting the cream cheese filling with a flavored whipped cream or adding crushed nuts to the frosting for a delightful crunch. You could even experiment with different flavored frostings like chocolate or vanilla bean.

Conclusion for Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

It’s time to treat yourself and your loved ones to the luxurious taste of Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes. With their moist texture, sweet caramel center, and a perfect salty twist, every bite is sure to bring joy and satisfaction. Whether you’re gearing up for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a delicious homemade treat, this recipe is a must-try. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step directions, and indulge in the heavenly flavors that these cupcakes offer!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the flavor profile, you can use buttercream or whipped cream if you prefer.

2. How can I make these cupcakes healthier?
Consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and substitute some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

3. Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day before and store them in an airtight container. Just frost them the day you plan to serve for optimal freshness.

4. How do I make homemade caramel sauce?
To make homemade caramel sauce, combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and turns a golden brown. Remove from heat and carefully add butter and cream, stirring until smooth.

5. What’s the best way to store leftover cupcakes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. You may also freeze them for up to three months!

Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

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Delightful moist vanilla cupcakes infused with cream cheese and caramel filling, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup caramel sauce, for filling
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting
• Pretzel twists for topping (optional)
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
• Sea salt flakes for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.
6. Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with batter.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
8. Cut a hole in the center of each cooled cupcake, fill with cream cheese, and drizzle with caramel sauce.
9. Frost with cream cheese frosting, drizzle with caramel sauce, and garnish with pretzel twists and sea salt flakes.

Notes

Use high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

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