Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

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There’s something magical about cupcakes that combine gooey salted caramel with creamy frosting. These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes

These cupcakes are soft, moist, and rich with a sweet vanilla base that pairs perfectly with the gooey salted caramel filling and tangy cream cheese frosting. Topped with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of crunchy chocolate pearls, they are as beautiful as they are delicious.

What sets these cupcakes apart is the decadent combination of flavors:

• Salted Caramel Filling: The gooey center is the ultimate surprise, adding a burst of caramel goodness in every bite.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The tanginess of the frosting balances the sweetness of the cupcake base and caramel for the perfect flavor harmony.
• Textural Bliss: Topped with caramel drizzle and sprinkles, these cupcakes offer just the right touch of crunch.

Ingredients for Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

To create these decadent cupcakes, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and a few special ingredients for that extra indulgence. Here’s what you’ll need:

The Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of your cupcakes, providing structure and softness.
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder – For a light and fluffy texture.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Adds richness and moisture.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes perfectly.
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind and create that fluffy texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – For a classic, warm flavor.
• 1/2 cup whole milk – Keeps the batter light and smooth.

The Salted Caramel Filling:

• 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade salted caramel sauce – The gooey surprise inside your cupcakes.

The Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – The tangy, creamy star of the frosting.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Adds smoothness and richness.
• 2 cups powdered sugar – Creates a fluffy, sweet frosting.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting.

Topping:

• Extra salted caramel sauce – For drizzling on top.
• Chocolate pearls or sprinkles – Adds crunch and decoration.

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How to Make Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Creating these cupcakes is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to bring this bakery-style treat to life.

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
2. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Add the Gooey Salted Caramel Filling

1. Using a small knife or cupcake corer, create a small hole in the center of each cupcake (don’t cut all the way through).
2. Fill the holes with about 1 teaspoon of salted caramel sauce. Replace the removed piece of cupcake on top to seal in the caramel.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and fully combined.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

1. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or use a spatula to spread the frosting). Pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto each cupcake.
2. Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the frosting and sprinkle with chocolate pearls or sprinkles for the final touch.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these irresistible cupcakes!

Baking Tips and Storing Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Baking cupcakes to perfection and ensuring they stay fresh and delicious requires just a few extra tips and tricks. Here’s everything you need to know to get the best results every time.

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How Long to Bake Cupcakes

Getting that perfect golden, moist cupcake depends on baking them just right:

• Standard-Sized Cupcakes: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
• Mini Cupcakes: Bake for 10-12 minutes.
• Jumbo Cupcakes: Bake for 25-28 minutes.

To ensure your cupcakes are ready, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on them during the final minutes.

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How to Store Leftover Cupcakes

Whether you’re meal-prepping for a special event or saving leftovers, here’s how to store your cupcakes properly:

Refrigerator:

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• For the best taste, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

Freezer:

• Unfrosted cupcakes can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To freeze frosted cupcakes, place them in the freezer for 1 hour to firm up the frosting, then wrap tightly and store. Defrost in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

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Tips for Perfect Cupcakes

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Use a Cupcake Corer: For clean, neat caramel centers, use a corer or small spoon. This makes filling much easier and uniform.
4. Decorate with Precision: Use a piping bag for a professional-looking swirl, and drizzle the caramel sauce slowly for a polished finish.
5. Let Them Rest: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting; otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off.

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