Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes Recipe

Introducing a treat that truly feels like a hug in cupcake form: Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes. Each bite brings together tender vanilla-caramel cake, a lush pocket of sweet cream cheese, and a cascade of warm salted caramel that keeps your tastebuds swooning for more. Whether you’re looking to dazzle at a party or simply want the ultimate excuse to celebrate, these cupcakes are here to turn any day into something extraordinary.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes is simpler than it looks — but each ingredient pulls its weight in making these cupcakes unforgettable. Let’s dive into what makes them irresistible, from the buttery base to that game-changing caramel topping.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cupcakes their structure without drying them out, resulting in a soft, tender crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to ensure the perfect amount of lift and lightness in every bite.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and ties together the flavors — especially alongside caramel.
• Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture; always use it at room temperature for the best creaming.
• Granulated and brown sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens, while brown sugar adds a hint of caramelized depth that matches the theme.
• Eggs: Add richness and help everything hold together seamlessly.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all of the warm, comforting notes in the cupcake base and filling.
• Sour cream or plain yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, keeping the cake extra tender.
• Milk: Brings the batter together with just the right consistency and moisture.
• Caramel sauce: Swirled into the batter and drizzled on top, it’s absolutely essential for that gooey caramel punch (homemade or store-bought works).
• Cream cheese: The star of the filling; make sure it’s softened for the creamiest results.
• More granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cream cheese, making it delightfully smooth.
• More vanilla extract (for filling): Adds a gentle warmth to the filling — don’t skip it!
• Flour (for filling): Just a spoonful thickens the cream cheese so it won’t melt away during baking.
• Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top, it delivers that addictive sweet-and-salty finish everyone craves.

How to Make Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which gives the cupcakes their signature rise and golden hue. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners, making sure they’re snug so nothing sticks and serving is a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix together your softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract until the mixture is gloriously smooth and creamy. If your kitchen is a little warm, it helps to chill this filling briefly; a thicker filling will nestle right into each cupcake for that perfect gooey surprise.

Step 3: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Whisk your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) together in one bowl. Then, in a larger mixing bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy — this step is all about adding air for a lighter crumb. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and sour cream for richness. Next, alternate adding the dry mixture and milk, gently folding after each addition to keep things light. Finally, swirl in a few spoons of caramel sauce — this is where the magic happens, giving the cakes extra moisture and a subtle caramel ribbon throughout.

Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes

Drop about a tablespoon of the cupcake batter into each lined cup. Then add a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese filling right in the center. Cover with more batter until the liners are about three-quarters full — you want just enough batter so the filling is hidden but not smothered.

Step 5: Bake

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them after the 18-minute mark; a toothpick inserted into the edge (not the filling!) should come out clean, and the tops should look lightly golden. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for five minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The waiting is tough, but so worth it!

Step 6: Top with Salted Caramel

Once your Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time for the grand finale. Drizzle them generously with warmed caramel sauce — don’t hold back! — and top each with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This final flourish transforms them from ordinary to kind of legendary.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Garnishes

To make every bite special, finish each cupcake with an extra drizzle of caramel just before serving. For a pop of color and crunch, add a bit more flaky sea salt — it really highlights the gooey caramel and tangy cream cheese. If you’re feeling fancy, a swirl of cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of toffee bits on top creates bakery-worthy flair.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes are delightfully rich, so pair them with something simple. A glass of ice-cold milk for kids (and kids at heart), or a bold cup of coffee for grown-ups, adds a nice contrast. If you want to keep things light, a platter of fresh berries plays beautifully with the sweet and salty notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes look gorgeous stacked on a tiered dessert stand or nestled in pretty cupcake wrappers for parties. For a personalized touch, add tiny flags or handwritten labels. To wow guests at a gathering, set up a “decorate your own” station with extra toppings like mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or edible glitter — interactive and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cupcakes stay wonderfully moist for a few days. Store extras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after a day, making them even more irresistible.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes down the line, let them cool completely and skip the caramel drizzle and salt until after thawing. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag; they’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready, defrost at room temperature and finish with caramel and salt before serving.

Reheating

Bringing cupcakes to room temperature brings out the gooeyness, but if you like a warm center, zap one in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds (without caramel or salt on top). Then drizzle on the caramel and sprinkle the flaky sea salt for a treat that feels freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce brings a wonderful depth of flavor and a personal touch to your Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes. Just be sure it’s not too thick or hard so it drizzles easily and melds into the cupcakes perfectly.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the regular flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend. Double-check that your caramel sauce and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for best results, and expect a slightly different texture but still great flavor.

How can I make the filling extra gooey?

If you want maximum gooeyness, sneak a small soft caramel candy into the center with the cream cheese filling before baking. You can also swirl extra caramel sauce right into the batter to really amp up that luscious effect.

Do Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes need to be refrigerated?

Because of the cream cheese filling, it’s safest to refrigerate them if you won’t eat them all within a day or two. Bring to room temperature or give them a quick microwave warm-up before serving to keep that soft, gooey center.

Can I make mini versions of these cupcakes?

Mini Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are adorable and irresistible! Use mini muffin tins, fill them about ⅔ full with batter and a small dollop of filling, then reduce baking time to around 10–13 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t overbake.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a special occasion or treating your friends and family just because, these Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes are a surefire way to bring smiles (and maybe a few happy sighs) to the table. Go ahead, bake a batch — there’s a whole lot of joy packed into every bite, and they might just become your new signature dessert!