There’s something magical about the combination of soft, fluffy cupcakes and rich, gooey caramel. These delightful treats can transform any day into a special occasion. Let’s explore four irresistible homemade caramel cupcake recipes that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Caramel Sea Salt Cupcakes
Imagine soft, buttery cupcakes topped with a luscious caramel frosting, finished off with a sprinkle of sea salt. This flavor balance of sweet and salty creates a delightful experience that keeps you coming back for more. The secret ingredient? A pinch of sea salt that elevates the sweetness to a whole new level!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt for topping
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one by one. Mix in the milk and vanilla, followed by the dry ingredients. Fill your cupcake liners and bake for about 18-20 minutes. Once cooled, swirl that caramel sauce on top and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt. These cupcakes are perfect for a cozy gathering or a simple treat for yourself!
Chocolate Caramel Swirl Cupcakes
For chocolate lovers, these cupcakes are pure bliss! They feature rich chocolate cake swirled with a velvety caramel that creates a beautiful marbled effect. The combination is not only tempting but also celebrates two beloved flavors in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cupcake tray. In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients, and in another, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla, then the buttermilk, mixing until combined. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Fill the cupcake liners halfway, then add a dollop of caramel sauce and swirl with a toothpick before baking for 18-20 minutes. These cupcakes are not just a treat— they are an experience!
Apple Caramel Delight Cupcakes
CARAMEL APPLE CUPCAKES from Rachel Schultz
Ingredients: Caramel apple dip, vanilla buttercream frosting, apples, cinnamon, egg
Caramel Apple Cupcakes from The Kreative Life
Ingredients: Apple pie filling, vanilla pudding mix, brown sugar, cupcakes, caramel sauce
Caramel Apple Spice Cupcakes from Sweet Ordeal
Rating: 4.2. Ingredients: Spice cake mix, apple pie filling, apple pie spice, dulce de leche, powdered sugar Total Time: 40 min.
These cupcakes are like a warm hug on a chilly day! Fluffy apple-flavored cupcakes, filled with a gooey caramel center, create a cozy vibe that’s perfect for any autumn day. The addition of apple chunks makes every bite a delicious surprise!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your cupcake pan. Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla, and applesauce, mixing well. Combine the dry ingredients and fold in the diced apples. Fill your cupcake liners, but reserve a little batter to top them off after adding a spoonful of caramel sauce in the center. Bake for 20-22 minutes. These cupcakes invoke the flavors of fall and are sure to warm your heart!
Pecan Caramel Crunch Cupcakes

Salted Caramel and Pecan Cupcakes from – Kerens Kitchen Food Blog
Ingredients: Sour cream, maple syrup, dark chocolate, egg whites, heavy cream

Pumpkin Caramel Pecan Cupcakes from That's Just Jeni
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Yellow cake mix, pumpkin spice, pumpkin spice coffee, heavy whipping cream, ginger

Brown Butter Pecan Cupcakes from Barley & Sage
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Brown butter, brown sugar, cake flour, heavy cream, almond extract Total Time: 40 min.
If you love a bit of crunch with your sweet treats, these cupcakes are just for you! The soft vanilla base is topped with caramel frosting and a sprinkle of pecans, giving each bite a delightful crunch. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cupcake tray. Cream the butter and sugar, then add eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix the dry ingredients and combine everything until smooth. Pour the batter into the liners and bake for about 18-20 minutes. After they cool, generously frost with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans for that perfect crunch. These cupcakes are a true treat for any nut lover!