Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Ingredients Overview
Vanilla Cake Mix: The base of the cupcakes provides a soft and fluffy texture with a light vanilla flavor that perfectly complements the rich frosting.
Butter: Softened butter gives moisture to the batter, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes.
Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy tanginess to the frosting that balances out the sweetness of the caramel.
Caramel Sauce: Brings a deep, rich sweetness to the frosting and adds that signature caramel flavor.
Sea Salt: This small addition elevates the flavors by cutting through the sweetness of the caramel and cream cheese frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Creates the smooth, fluffy texture in the frosting while adding sweetness.
Sea Salt for Garnish: The finishing touch that brings out the contrast between sweet and salty with every bite.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Cupcake Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. This will ensure your cupcakes bake evenly and release easily from the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Cupcake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, softened butter, and 1/2 cup of water. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The butter will add a richness to the cupcakes, making them soft and flavorful.
Step 3: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner halfway with the batter. Be careful not to overfill, as the cupcakes will rise as they bake.
Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean, they are ready. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the caramel sauce until smooth and well combined. The cream cheese will make the frosting rich and tangy, while the caramel adds a delicious sweetness.
Step 6: Add Powdered Sugar and Sea Salt
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and sea salt until the frosting becomes creamy and smooth. Taste the frosting as you go to adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
Step 7: Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes have cooled, pipe or spread the caramel cream cheese frosting generously on top of each cupcake. Use a piping bag for a professional look, or simply spread with a knife for a rustic touch.
Step 8: Garnish with Sea Salt
For the final touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on each frosted cupcake. The salt enhances the caramel flavor and adds a beautiful contrast of sweet and savory.