Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that craves the perfect balance of rich, buttery cake and luscious, slightly salty glaze, then you are going to adore this Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes are a heavenly marriage of moist, tender crumb infused with tangy buttermilk and bursts of salted caramel goodness, all crowned with a smooth, creamy salted caramel frosting that truly elevates this dessert to unforgettable. From the first forkful to the last, each bite delivers a warm, cozy hug in cupcake form that’s impossible not to smile over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to creating cupcakes that are both decadent and balanced. Each ingredient plays a distinct role, from the fluffy texture of the flour and buttermilk to the rich flavor of butter and salted caramel sauce.

• 1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness of the cupcakes.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully for a light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for perfect lift and crumb.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moistness to the batter.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients and contribute to texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to every bite.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, room temperature: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) salted caramel sauce: The star addition that brings that irresistible sweet-salty note.
• Salted Caramel Frosting ingredients: Unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, salted caramel sauce, vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream combine to create the perfect silky frosting.
• Topping: Extra salted caramel sauce for drizzling and sea salt flakes for a final, delightful crunch.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking. Line your 12-cup muffin tray with cupcake liners to keep these treats from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures your leavening agents and flour are evenly distributed, which makes for uniform cupcakes every time.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This creaming process traps air and creates that beautifully tender cupcake crumb. Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract for a fragrant finish.

Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Turn your mixer speed to low, then gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture to keep the batter smooth and evenly moistened. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make cupcakes tough, so keep it gentle.

Step 5: Fold in Salted Caramel Sauce

Carefully fold in the salted caramel sauce, making sure not to overwork the batter. This ingredient is what sets this recipe apart, infusing each cupcake with pockets of gooey, salty caramel bliss.

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each to about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise without spilling over the edges.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfect

Bake your cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This guarantees the cupcakes are moist and fully cooked. Remove them from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the Salted Caramel Frosting

Beat the butter on high speed until creamy, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing on low speed until combined and smooth. This smooth base will transform your cupcakes into a decadent treat.

Step 9: Flavor the Frosting

Add the salted caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat everything on high for about 3 minutes to get a fluffy, luscious texture. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream, adding it tablespoon by tablespoon until your frosting is perfect for piping and spreading.

Step 10: Frost Your Cupcakes

Generously frost the cooled cupcakes with the salted caramel frosting. The contrast of velvety frosting against the moist cupcake is what dreams are made of.

Step 11: Add Finishing Touches

Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes for an irresistible sheen, then sprinkle with a few sea salt flakes. These final touches highlight the sweet and salty magic of this Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

For a show-stopping presentation, consider topping your cupcakes with a sprinkling of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or even a few chocolate shavings to add visual appeal and a complementary flavor. The sea salt flakes are essential—they cut through the sweetness and highlight the caramel’s depth.

Side Dishes

Salted caramel cupcakes are perfect on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of strong coffee can turn your dessert into an experience that feels like a cozy treat at your favorite café. Fresh berries can also cleanse the palate beautifully between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, arrange these cupcakes on a tiered cake stand to make them a centerpiece everyone will admire. You can also serve them in cupcake boxes tied with ribbons as delightful gifts. Another fun idea: place a caramel candy or a mini toffee on top of each cupcake for a playful surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy that soft texture again.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing completely for best results. Alternatively, freeze frosted cupcakes on a baking sheet, then transfer to airtight containers for a quicker dessert fix anytime.

Reheating

To recapture that freshly baked warm feeling, warm a cupcake in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating to preserve the moist texture and prevent the frosting from melting completely.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought salted caramel sauce for this Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade caramel has its charm, many high-quality store-bought salted caramel sauces work wonderfully and save time, delivering excellent flavor without any hassle.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Use a reliable gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Expect a slightly different texture, but the salted caramel frosting paired with the moist cake stays just as delicious.

How long does the frosting stay fresh?

The salted caramel frosting is best eaten within 3 days when stored in the refrigerator. Make sure it is covered well to avoid it drying out or absorbing other odors.

Is there a way to make these cupcakes less sweet?

You can reduce the granulated sugar slightly or use less caramel sauce in the batter if you prefer a subtler sweetness. Just keep in mind that salted caramel’s charm is in its sweet-salty balance.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like biting into a cupcake that perfectly balances the creamy sweetness of caramel with a hint of sea salt to make your taste buds dance. This Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe is one I love sharing because it’s both approachable and spectacular, whether it’s a special occasion or just a day that calls for a little indulgence. Trust me, once you try these, they will quickly become your go-to dessert to wow family and friends alike!

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