Salted caramel cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of caramel and the fluffy goodness of cake in one bite. I first stumbled upon this heavenly recipe during a backyard gathering, where the dessert table groaned under the weight of sweets. These cupcakes stood out — their glossy caramel drizzle and light buttercream frosting were too tempting to resist! Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply a sweet solution to a tough day, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

What makes this recipe special

There are countless reasons why you’ll absolutely adore these salted caramel cupcakes. First and foremost, they blend the comforting sweetness of vanilla cupcakes with the gourmet allure of homemade salted caramel. What could be better? This dish is not just a dessert; it’s a conversation starter that screams indulgence without being overly complicated.

Imagine serving these at your next gathering; your friends will be asking for the recipe before they even take the last bite! The balance of sweet and salty makes these cupcakes an instant crowd-pleaser, and the best part is that they’re achievable for any home baker.

"I made these for my daughter’s birthday, and they were a massive hit! Everyone loved the salted caramel filling! I’ll be making these regularly now!"

Preparing Salted Caramel Cupcakes

Creating these indulgent cupcakes is a delightful journey that unfolds in a few simple steps: making the caramel sauce, baking the cupcakes, preparing a rich buttercream, and assembling everything together for the final masterpiece. Expect layers of flavor and texture as you bite into the sweet, buttery cupcake topped with smooth frosting and drizzled caramel.

The magic lies in the homemade salted caramel sauce that truly elevates this dessert, giving it a gourmet touch that will impress your guests.

What you’ll need

To bring these salted caramel cupcakes to life, gather the following ingredients:

• Cupcake Base:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

• Salted Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

• Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 1/2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce
  • 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of salt

Feel free to experiment with plain yogurt instead of sour cream for a slightly tangy twist. Also, you can use different types of butter if you’re feeling adventurous, like incorporating a compound butter with herbs for a savory touch!