These salted caramel cupcakes are bakery-worthy with zero fuss! A spice cake base, gooey caramel filling, fluffy frosting, and a caramel drizzle make them the ultimate sweet treat that feels special without the effort.
Holly’s Cupcake Highlights
- Flavor: Salted caramel cupcakes are the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
- Difficulty: Boxed cake mix and pre-made frosting make this recipe come together quickly and easily.
- Recommended Tools: Use a cookie scoop for perfectly sized cupcakes.
- Time-Saving Tip: Bake the cupcakes up to a day ahead so they are fully cooled before frosting.
Easy Ingredients
- Cake Mix: A spice cake mix balances the sweet and salty frosting and caramel drizzle.
- Frosting: To make things quick and easy, use a store-bought vanilla frosting.
- Caramel Sauce: Use soft store-bought caramels. Combine these with some heavy cream for an unforgettable sauce.
Cupcake Twists
- Other tasty mixes to try are carrot cake, cinnamon roll flavor, or a fudge marble.
- For an extra caramel flavor in the frosting, swap out the vanilla for caramel extract instead.
How to Make Salted Caramel Cupcakes
- Bake cupcakes per package directions. Cool completely.
- Make caramel sauce and caramel frosting.
- Fill cupcakes with caramel sauce, frost, and then drizzle with caramel sauce.
Sweet and Salty Shortcuts
- Keep the batter light and moist. Avoid overmixing, or the cupcakes will be dense and won’t rise as much as they can.
- You can swap the cake mix for your favorite homemade cupcake recipe or even start with plain store-bought cupcakes.
- If the caramel sauce gets too firm to use, just pop it in the microwave for 15–25 seconds until smooth again. Or, you can knead the baggie of caramel in your hands to soften it for easier drizzling.
- Add a swirl of caramel on top of the frosting with a toothpick for a pretty marbled look.
How to Store Salted Caramel Cupcakes
Keep leftover cupcakes (is that a thing?) in a covered container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze leftovers in a single layer, then transfer them to a zippered bag, or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze.
More Craveable Cupcakes
Did you enjoy this Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (13.5 ounce) box spice cake mix plus the ingredients called for on the box
- 10.8 ounces soft caramels unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 (16 ounce) container vanilla frosting
- flaky salt for decoration optional
Instructions
- Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions to make 22 cupcakes. Allow to cool completely.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until caramels have melted. Stir in salt, mixing until smooth.
- In a bowl, combine the vanilla frosting and ¼ cup of the salted caramel sauce with an electric hand mixer. Set aside.
- Use a wide spoon handle to make an indent in the top of each cupcake. Add 1 teaspoon of the salted caramel sauce in each hole*.
- Spread the frosting over each cupcake. Drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the icing. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
Notes
- *If the caramel sauce firms up at any point and is hard to work with, microwave it for 15-25 seconds or until soft.
- Instead of cake mix, use your favorite cupcake recipe or purchase premade, undecorated cupcakes.
- Leftovers will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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REPIN this Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe
Those look so mouth watering. I am usually not a big fan of caramel, but this one pairs it with cream cheese, which I think is an incredible flavor combo.
It is such a tasty combination, I am glad you enjoyed it Roxana!
My whole family loved these. They were so easy and turned out so delicious! Will definitely be making again!
Thrilled your family loved these Kim! Thanks for sharing.
I LOVE how easy this is and I don’t think I could think of a better flavour combo, yum!
Aww thanks Emily! So happy you loved them!
These look incredible! Cupcakes and caramel are the best combo. Thanks for the recipe!
I think so too Kate! Glad you enjoyed these.
What a delicious treat! Salted caramel is one of my favorite flavors. 🙂
These were made for you Raia!