# Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes: A Decadent Delight
If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and a hint of salt, look no further than **Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes**. These cupcakes combine the rich flavor of cream cheese with the indulgence of salted caramel, creating a treat that’s both delightful and satisfying. Perfect for celebrations, parties, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, these cupcakes are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to take a bite!
## Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
### Irresistible Flavor Combination
The pairing of cream cheese and salted caramel offers a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and slightly savory. The tanginess of the cream cheese complements the richness of the caramel, making each bite a heavenly experience.
### Moist and Tender Cupcakes
These cupcakes are not only delicious but also incredibly moist, thanks to the cream cheese in the batter. This ensures that they stay fresh and tender, even a few days after baking.
### Easy to Make
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making these cupcakes is a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats with ease.
### Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, these cupcakes make an excellent addition to any dessert table. They are visually appealing and sure to be a hit among family and friends.
## Ingredients
To make Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
### For the Cupcakes:
– **1 ½ cups all-purpose flour**
– **1 tsp baking powder**
– **½ tsp baking soda**
– **¼ tsp salt**
– **½ cup unsalted butter, softened**
– **8 oz cream cheese, softened**
– **1 cup granulated sugar**
– **3 large eggs**
– **1 tsp vanilla extract**
### For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
– **1 cup granulated sugar**
– **6 tbsp unsalted butter**
– **½ cup heavy cream**
– **1 tsp sea salt** (adjust to taste)
### For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– **8 oz cream cheese, softened**
– **½ cup unsalted butter, softened**
– **4 cups powdered sugar**
– **1 tsp vanilla extract**
– **Salt to taste**
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## Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce
1. **Melt the Sugar:** In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color.
2. **Add Butter:** Once melted, carefully add the butter, stirring until completely melted and combined.
3. **Incorporate Cream:** Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
4. **Season with Salt:** Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let the caramel sauce cool while you prepare the cupcakes.
### Step 2: Make the Cupcakes
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Cheese:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
4. **Add Sugar and Eggs:** Gradually add the sugar, beating until fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
6. **Fill Cupcake Liners:** Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. **Add Caramel:** Before baking, add a teaspoon of salted caramel sauce into the center of each cupcake, gently pushing it down into the batter.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
### Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
1. **Beat Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. **Add Sugar and Vanilla:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to taste.
### Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes
1. **Frost the Cupcakes:** Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or a knife.
2. **Drizzle with Caramel:** Drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes and sprinkle with a little extra sea salt for garnish.
## Tips for the Perfect Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
– **Check Your Ingredients:** Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for the best texture and flavor.
– **Store Properly:** These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
– **Adjust Salt to Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of sea salt in both the caramel sauce and the frosting to suit your preference.
## Conclusion
Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and a moist, tender texture. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to impress. With their creamy frosting and luscious salted caramel drizzle, they’re the perfect way to elevate your dessert game. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious cupcakes!
