Name: Salted Caramel Cupcakes
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 15.25 ounces white cake mix; 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding; 4 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup sour cream; ¾ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup milk; Salted caramel (to fill cupcakes); 1½ cups salted butter (softened); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 6 cups powdered sugar; ⅔ cup salted caramel; 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; flaked sea salt (such as Maldon’s)

a split open Salted Caramel Cupcakes is on a white plate with other cupcakes

These salted caramel cupcakes are a sweet and salty treat, perfect for any occasion. Rich caramel drizzle and creamy frosting make every bite irresistible!

Jump to Recipe

Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Caramel Cupcakes
Why You'll Love This Salted Caramel Cupcake Recipe
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
JUMP TO RECIPE

Table of Contents

Salted caramel cupcakes are the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors in every bite. Topped with creamy frosting and drizzled with rich caramel, these cupcakes are irresistible. They're great for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or just want a sweet treat. You won’t be able to stop at just one!

This recipe is easy to make, and you can follow the step-by-step guide below. We’ve included detailed photos, pro tips, and tricks to ensure perfect cupcakes every time. Plus, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions and answers for even more baking success!

More Recipes ⭐ Caramel Apple Cheesecake | Caramelized Bananas | Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

These easy salted caramel cupcakes take just thirty minutes to make, and they’re loaded with rich, sweet flavors. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or any special occasion, these cupcakes stand out with their gooey caramel topping and creamy frosting.

The combination of sweet and salty makes every bite irresistible. You’ll love how easy they are to bake at home, impressing everyone with homemade cupcakes that taste like they’re from a bakery!

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this recipe for Salted Caramel Cupcakes:

For The Cupcakes:

1 (15.25-ounce) box of white cake mix
3.4 ounces of instant vanilla pudding
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup of sour cream
¾ cup of vegetable oil
½ cup of milk
Salted caramel sauce to fill cupcakes

For The Salted Caramel Frosting:

1½ cups of salted butter, softened
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
6 cups of powdered sugar
⅔ cup of salted caramel
2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream
flaky sea salt (such as Maldon’s)

Pro Tip

To make salted caramel sauce, stir ½ teaspoon of sea salt flakes into 1 recipe of homemade caramel sauce or 1 jar of store-bought caramel sauce. Taste and add more salt if you wish. I like to stir the salt into warm caramel so that it dissolves and spreads throughout.

Substitutions and Additions

Personalize your Salted Caramel Cupcakes by swapping ingredients and adding tasty extras! These easy changes will make your cupcakes stand out. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

Substitute Caramel: Swap the caramel sauce with chocolate or butterscotch sauce for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

Instead of Butter: Try using margarine or coconut oil for a unique flavor in your salted caramel cupcakes.

Substitute Flour: Use gluten-free flour to make the recipe perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise in every bite of your cupcakes.

These easy substitutions and additions can be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this salted caramel cupcake recipe.

How to Make Caramel Cupcakes

Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and the tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started making these delicious salted caramel cupcakes today! You’ll love how easy and fun this recipe is to make.

For The Cupcakes

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line muffin pans with cupcake liners and set aside.

Pro Tip

Parchment paper liners can help prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the liners.

SECOND STEP: In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat together the cake mix, instant pudding, eggs, sour cream, oil, and milk.

Cake mix, pudding, eggs, sour cream, oil, and milk beat together in a bowl.

THIRD STEP: Scoop the cupcake batter into prepared muffin tins, filling each cup no more than ⅔ of the way full.

FOURTH STEP: Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcake comes out with just a few crumbs. Remove the cupcake pan from the oven and cool completely.

Pro Tip

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your cupcakes as the suggested baking time approaches.

FIFTH STEP: When the cupcakes are cool, use a serrated spoon or cupcake corer to carve out a small hole in the top center of each cupcake. Fill with salted caramel sauce.

a piping bag fills each hole in the cupcakes with caramel.

For The Frosting

Pro Tip

This recipe makes an ultra-big batch of salted caramel buttercream frosting so that you can pipe big tops on the cupcakes. Halve the recipe if you want a shorter layer of frosting.

FIRST STEP: In a medium bowl, beat butter and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.

SECOND STEP: Add powdered sugar, half at a time, and beat until fully mixed. The mixture will be thick.

THIRD STEP: Add salted caramel while the beater is running and whip until smooth.

A glass bowl of frosting with caramel blended into it.

FOURTH STEP: Add whipping cream and continue beating until the frosting is fluffy.

FIFTH STEP: Fill a piping bag with the frosting. Pipe swirls of frosting on top of each cupcake.

a piping bag is used to pipe frosting on top of the caramel-filled cupcakes.

SIXTH STEP: Drizzle with additional caramel and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Pro Tip

This makes an ultra-moist vanilla cupcake that pairs well with the caramel filling and the ultra-fluffy frosting. Do not skip the sea salt flakes because they’re the perfect balance for the sweet caramel frosting.

How To Serve Salted Caramel Cupcakes

These salted caramel cupcakes are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a holiday party or a casual treat, these cupcakes will be a hit! Here are some fun ways to serve this recipe:

Birthday Parties: Kids love the sweet and salty flavors of these cupcakes, making them perfect for any birthday celebration. Serve them with chocolate milkshakes or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Holiday Gatherings: These cupcakes add a festive touch to any holiday spread with their rich caramel drizzle. Pair them with a cozy cup of hot chocolate or a spiced latte for a delicious seasonal treat.
Dinner Parties: Impress your guests with these elegant cupcakes as the perfect dessert to finish off a meal. Serve them alongside espresso or a glass of red wine for a sophisticated touch!

cupcakes on a white serving plate drizzled with caramel.

Why You'll Love This Salted Caramel Cupcake Recipe

Salted Caramel Cupcakes are a beloved favorite for so many sweet reasons:

A Perfect Balance of Flavors: These cupcakes blend the rich, buttery caramel with a hint of salt, creating a deliciously balanced treat. The fluffy cake base and creamy frosting add the perfect texture to every bite.
Comfort Food at Its Best: For many, these cupcakes bring back warm memories of cozy fall days and holiday gatherings. Their irresistible taste makes them a go-to dessert that brings joy to any occasion.
An Elegant Dessert with Ease: These cupcakes look as good as they taste, impressing family and friends without the hassle of complicated baking. Their simple yet sophisticated flavor profile makes them a treat everyone loves.

Salted Caramel Cupcakes aren’t just tasty—they’re a sweet celebration that fits any occasion!

a split open cupcake beside more salted caramel cupcakes

Recipe FAQ

How do I make the caramel drizzle for these cupcakes?
You can easily make caramel by melting sugar, adding butter, and finishing with cream for a smooth drizzle.

Why is my caramel frosting not setting properly?
If your frosting is too soft, chill it for a few minutes or add powdered sugar until it thickens.

How can I avoid overbaking my salted caramel cupcakes?
Check your cupcakes at the eighteen minute mark and insert a toothpick; they’re done when it comes out clean.

What type of salt works best for a caramel cupcake?
Use flaky sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor and texture balance with the sweet caramel.

caramel is oozing from a bit open cupcake next to a bowl of frosting.

Serving FAQ

Can I serve salted caramel cupcakes warm or cold?
These cupcakes taste amazing both warm or cold, but cooling helps the caramel and frosting set perfectly.

How should I decorate salted caramel cupcakes before serving?
Drizzle extra caramel on top and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for a beautiful, tasty presentation.

Are salted caramel cupcakes good for special occasions?
Absolutely! Their sweet and salty flavor makes them ideal for parties, birthdays, or any celebration.

How many salted caramel cupcakes should I serve per person?
Plan for at least one cupcake per person, but you may want extra because they’re so irresistible!

a plate of caramel cupcakes topped with caramel frosting and caramel drizzle.

Storage FAQ

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage of these salted caramel cupcakes. From making them ahead to reheating leftovers, we’ve got you covered!

Can I prepare salted caramel cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cupcakes ahead and store them unfrosted in an airtight container for up to two days.

What's the best way to store leftover salted caramel cupcakes?
Store leftover frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.

Can I freeze salted caramel cupcakes?
Yes, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to three months for future use.

How should I reheat salted caramel cupcakes when ready to serve?
Bring the cupcakes to room temperature before serving. If desired, warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.

Can I reheat salted caramel cupcakes in the microwave?
Yes, reheat for about ten to fifteen seconds in the microwave, but avoid overheating to keep the texture soft and moist.