Caramel Cupcakes: Buttery, Moist, and Dripping with Golden Goodness

If you’re the kind of person who always lingers over the caramel drizzle on a dessert menu, these Caramel Cupcakes are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Soft, fluffy cake with warm caramel flavor, topped with silky caramel buttercream and a glossy drizzle—each bite is sweet, rich, and completely irresistible.

Perfect for birthdays, cozy gatherings, or any time you’re craving something indulgent, these cupcakes hit all the right notes: sweet but balanced, beautiful but unfussy, and so soft they practically melt on your tongue.

Ingredients

For the Caramel Cupcakes

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Caramel Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for smoother texture)

Optional Garnish

• Extra caramel drizzle
• Sea salt flakes
• Toffee bits or caramel candies

Directions

Step 1: Make the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and caramel sauce.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream/milk mixture to the wet batter, mixing just until combined. Scoop batter into liners, filling about 2/3 full. Bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the caramel sauce, vanilla, and salt. If needed, add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to get a light, spreadable texture.

Step 3: Assemble and Drizzle

Frost cooled cupcakes with a swirl of caramel buttercream. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top and garnish with sea salt flakes or caramel candy pieces if desired.

Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes

• Deep caramel flavor in both cake and frosting
• Soft, moist, and perfectly balanced
• Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
• Easy to customize—try adding pecans or chocolate drizzle

Final Thoughts

Caramel Cupcakes are simple, sweet, and full of cozy charm. Whether you’re serving them at a fall celebration or treating yourself to something golden on a quiet afternoon, they offer the kind of comfort you can taste. Rich without being heavy, sweet without being overdone—these are the cupcakes that make people ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished the first bite.

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.