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Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

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These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are rich and indulgent, featuring a fluffy vanilla cupcake base, tangy cream cheese filling, and luscious homemade salted caramel topping. Perfect for parties, holidays, or when you want to impress with ease.

Ingredients

  • For the cupcakes:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk
  • For the cream cheese filling:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the salted caramel topping:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • Coarse sea salt flakes for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Chill.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
  6. Fill cupcake liners halfway, add a spoonful of cream cheese filling, then cover with more batter.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until tops are golden and spring back lightly. Cool completely.
  8. Make caramel: Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until golden. Stir in butter and then cream. Mix in sea salt and cool slightly.
  9. Spoon cooled caramel over cupcakes and sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired.

Notes

  • Store-bought caramel can be used—just warm slightly and add sea salt.
  • Ensure cream cheese filling is thick and centered to prevent sinking.
  • Freeze cupcakes without caramel topping and add it when ready to serve.
  • Add cinnamon or substitute brown sugar in the batter for extra warmth and flavor.
  • Avoid microwaving topped cupcakes to keep caramel texture intact.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/salted-caramel-cream-cheese-cupcakes/