Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) sour cream (or plain yogurt)
½ cup (120ml) whole milk
For the Salted Caramel Filling:
½ cup (120g) salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar, sifted
2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For Garnish:
Extra salted caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Sea salt flakes (optional, for extra salted caramel flavor)
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then mix in vanilla extract.
Mix in sour cream until smooth.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow cupcakes to cool completely before filling.
Step 2: Add the Caramel Filling
Once cooled, use a cupcake corer or small knife to remove the center of each cupcake.
Fill each hole with about 1–2 teaspoons of salted caramel sauce.
Replace the top piece of cupcake to seal the filling.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Beat until fluffy and pipeable (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes
Pipe the cream cheese frosting on top of each cupcake using a piping bag with a star tip.
Drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.
Sprinkle lightly with sea salt flakes for extra flavor (optional).