Sweet and Salty Bliss: Utah's Best Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcake Recipe!

Photo byhomemade recipes

In the picturesque state of Utah, where majestic mountains meet serene desert landscapes, there’s a culinary gem that’s winning the hearts of dessert lovers: Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes. This delightful treat is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy, capturing the attention of anyone who craves a balanced, indulgent dessert. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cupcakes are a must-try for any occasion.

Salted caramel has become a beloved flavor across the country, but in Utah, the combination of caramel’s rich sweetness with the tangy creaminess of cream cheese reaches a new level of perfection. The cupcake’s moist and tender crumb complements the velvety cream cheese filling, while the caramel sauce brings that irresistible sweetness. Add a final touch of sea salt flakes for a bit of bite, and what you have is a dessert that’s hard to resist.

Recipe: Utah-Style Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened (for filling)
• ½ cup caramel sauce (for filling)
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting
• Pretzel twists for topping (optional)
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
• Sea salt flakes for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Bake:
   Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before filling.
6. Fill the Cupcakes:
   Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill halfway with softened cream cheese, then top with a generous amount of caramel sauce.
7. Frost and Garnish:
   Frost the cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and garnish with pretzel twists if you want to add a crunchy, salty element. Sprinkle sea salt flakes for that perfect sweet-salty finish.

These cupcakes combine everything you love in one bite: the smooth richness of cream cheese, the indulgent caramel sauce, and a hint of saltiness that enhances all the flavors. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes bring a taste of Utah's adventurous spirit to your dessert table.

For the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes, there are some amazing variations and tips available across several sources. Each offers a unique take on this delightful combination of sweet and salty. Here are some additional ideas based on my research:

1. Caramel Sauce Perfection: A rich homemade caramel sauce, as recommended by sources like Cookies and Cupsand Baker by Nature, is key to achieving the luxurious flavor in these cupcakes. Ensure your caramel sauce is smooth and thick enough to drizzle, and remember, a hint of sea salt in the caramel balances the sweetness perfectly​(Baker by Nature)​(Cookies and Cups).
2. Filling Techniques: Many recipes suggest hollowing out the center of each cupcake to add a creamy filling of caramel or cream cheese. If you want to avoid scooping out the center, you can use a filling tip to inject caramel directly into the cupcakes​(A Table Full Of Joy)​(My Baking Addiction). This keeps the cupcakes moist and ensures every bite bursts with caramel flavor.
3. Frosting Tips: A caramel-infused cream cheese frosting brings these cupcakes to life. You can pipe it beautifully using a Wilton tip for those professional bakery swirls. Add a finishing touch of sea salt or pretzel toppings to enhance the sweet-salty contrast​(Cookies and Cups)​(A Table Full Of Joy).

For more ideas or variations on the recipe, including caramel buttercream and decorating tips, check out these resources:

• (Baker by Nature)tps​(Taste of Home)m/u​(My Baking Addiction)pcakes/)
• Taste of Home
• My Baking Addiction

These cupcakes are a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, with their moist base, rich caramel center, and creamy frosting. Enjoy experimenting with the recipe to make it your own!