Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of caramel and treat your taste buds to a world of indulgence. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just can’t get enough of that sweet, sticky sauce, we’ve got 18 decadent caramel dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
From classic treats like salted caramel chocolate tarts and sticky toffee puddings with caramel sauce, to creative twists like caramel-stuffed chocolate chip cookies and caramelized pineapple upside-down cakes, there’s something for everyone on this list. And the best part? Each recipe features the star of the show: that sweet, golden stuff we all know and love – caramel!
Stay tuned for the full list of recipes and get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth in a major way.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart Recipe
Elevate your dessert game with this rich and decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, featuring a buttery crust, gooey caramel, and velvety chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon fleur de sel or flaky sea salt
– 12 ounces high-quality dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add cold butter; use a pastry blender or your fingers to work into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Bake crust for 20-22 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the caramel turns a deep amber color (about 10-12 minutes).
7. Pour caramel into baked tart shell; let cool slightly.
8. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
9. Spread melted chocolate over cooled caramel layer.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these scrumptious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! A perfect blend of tender cheesecake, crunchy caramelized apples, and a buttery shortbread crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Arrange apple slices on top of the cheesecake mixture.
5. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce
A classic British dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, this sticky toffee pudding is served warm with a rich and gooey caramel sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup golden syrup
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Caramel sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, golden syrup, melted butter, eggs, and heavy cream. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Caramel Sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup brown sugar
Combine ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until caramel turns golden brown. Pour over warm pudding and serve immediately.
Caramel Pecan Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies get a delicious boost from caramel and pecans in these indulgent treats.
Dulce de Leche Flan
This rich and creamy flan is infused with the deep flavors of dulce de leche, a classic Latin American caramel sauce. A perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dulce de leche (homemade or store-bought)
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and stir in dulce de leche until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually pour the warm caramel mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
6. Pour the mixture into 6 (1/2 cup) ramekins or small baking dishes.
7. Place the ramekins in a large baking dish and add hot water to come halfway up the sides.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly jiggly.
9. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Caramel Popcorn Cupcakes
Sweet Treat Alert! Get ready to elevate your cupcake game with these Caramel Popcorn Cupcakes that will transport you to a world of nostalgic delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup caramel popcorn (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Fold in caramel popcorn.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Banoffee Pie with Homemade Caramel
A classic British dessert gets a homemade twist with this simple recipe for Banoffee Pie, featuring a rich and creamy caramel sauce made from scratch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) heavy cream
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 8-10 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/2 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup (30g) brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in softened butter until melted. Let cool slightly.
4. Arrange banana slices in a pie dish. Pour caramel sauce over the bananas.
5. In a separate bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add softened butter and mix until a crust forms.
6. Press crust mixture into the pie dish, covering the filling.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Sweet and gooey caramel filling wrapped in a crispy chocolate chip cookie – this treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup caramel bits (such as Kraft Caramel Bits)
– Optional: sea salt for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Stir in chocolate chips and caramel bits.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Caramel Drizzle Bread Pudding
Transform stale bread into a decadent dessert with this rich and indulgent caramel drizzle bread pudding recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add bread cubes to the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and stir until combined.
5. Pour the pudding mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramel Macchiato Tiramisu
Elevate your coffee break with this decadent Caramel Macchiato Tiramisu, combining the richness of espresso and caramel with the creaminess of mascarpone cheese.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso or strong coffee
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together espresso and sugar until dissolved.
2. Dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture for about 3-5 seconds on each side. They should be soft and pliable but not too wet.
3. In a separate bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Whip until smooth and creamy.
4. To assemble, start with a layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish. Top with a layer of the mascarpone mixture, followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 two more times, finishing with a layer of mascarpone on top.
6. Dust with powdered sugar and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (not including refrigeration time)
Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream
Elevate your ice cream game with this rich and creamy sea salt caramel recipe, perfect for a warm summer day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup flaky sea salt
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream, milk, and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
4. Preheat your ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Pour the chilled mixture into the ice cream maker and churn according to instructions (about 20-25 minutes).
6. During the last 2 minutes of churning, add flaky sea salt and caramel sauce.
7. Transfer the finished ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caramelized Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Experience the sweet union of caramelized pineapple rings and a moist, fluffy cake. This upside-down masterpiece is perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice
– 1 cup (120g) caramelized pineapple rings (see note)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by pineapple juice.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Arrange caramelized pineapple rings on the prepared pan, reserving some for topping.
7. Pour batter over the pineapple rings and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Caramel Pretzel Blondies
Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe
Introduce yourself to a sweet and salty masterpiece – Caramel Pretzel Blondies!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pretzels (softened)
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
– Chopped pretzels and sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in chopped pretzels.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
8. Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caramel Swirl Cheesecake
Elevate your cheesecake game with this decadent dessert featuring a rich caramel swirl throughout the creamy filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, mix crust ingredients until combined. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix well.
3. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Dollop caramel sauce on top, using a knife or spatula to create a swirly design.
4. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
5. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Chocolate Caramel Layer Cake
Moist chocolate cake layers smothered in a velvety caramel sauce, topped with creamy whipped cream – this show-stopping dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
For the caramel sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
For the whipped cream:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cocoa powder and whisk until combined.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling the cake with caramel sauce and whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Caramel Coconut Macaroons
A sweet and chewy coconut macaroon infused with caramel flavor, perfect for a dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut, sugar, flour, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, egg whites, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Allow macaroons to cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling with caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Caramel Pear Crumble
Treat your family and friends to a warm and comforting dessert with this Caramel Pear Crumble recipe. A combination of tender pears, gooey caramel sauce, and crunchy oat topping will surely become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced pears, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Mix until coated.
3. Transfer the pear mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
5. Top the pear mixture with the oat topping.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the pears are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramel Mousse with Berries
This rich and creamy caramel mousse is elevated by the sweetness of fresh berries, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 8 ounces white chocolate chips
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and sea salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted and smooth.
4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
5. Fold the cooled cream mixture into the melted white chocolate until well combined.
6. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
7. Top with fresh berries and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the sweet and sticky world of caramel desserts! This collection of 18 decadent recipes will satisfy your cravings for a gooey, golden treat. From classic tarts to innovative cupcakes, each recipe features the rich flavor of caramel. Try Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, or Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce – there’s something for every sweet tooth.