Indulge in the rich, velvety smoothness of caramel with these 20 decadent recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth. From classic desserts like cheesecake bars and brownies to innovative twists like caramelized onion flatbread and mocha tiramisu, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a busy home cook, our collection of caramel recipes is sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
A rich and decadent dessert combining the deep flavors of caramel, chocolate, and flaky pastry, perfect for a special occasion or a indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup (250g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon or Fleur de Sel)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the pastry on it.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramel forms (about 5 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, sea salt, and melted butter. Pour caramel mixture onto the baked pastry.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Spread over the caramel layer. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (including baking time).
Caramel Apple Pie
This classic dessert combines tender apples with a rich caramel sauce and flaky pastry crust, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place in the dish.
4. Arrange apple mixture on top of pie crust.
5. Drizzle caramel sauce over apples.
6. Fold edges of pie crust up around apples.
7. Brush beaten egg over pie crust.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until pie crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Homemade Caramel Sauce
Transform your desserts with this simple recipe for homemade caramel sauce. With just a few ingredients and some gentle heat, you’ll be whipping up a batch of golden goodness to drizzle over ice cream, cakes, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Combine sugar, heavy cream, and sea salt in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat.
2. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then increase heat to medium-high.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until caramel turns golden brown.
4. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in butter until melted and smooth.
5. Pour into a clean glass jar and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Caramel Cheesecake Bars
Elevate your dessert game with these rich and creamy caramel cheesecake bars, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a velvety caramel topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crust: Mix crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press into prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the cheesecake: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
4. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
5. Cool completely before topping with caramel sauce. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Caramel Popcorn Balls
Transform plain popcorn into a sweet and salty treat with these easy-to-make caramel popcorn balls. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a fun snack.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 6 cups popped popcorn (unsalted)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes or until caramel reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla extract, and salt until melted and smooth.
5. Pour caramel over popcorn and stir until evenly coated.
6. Let cool slightly before shaping into balls (about 1-inch diameter). Place on prepared baking sheet.
7. Allow to cool and harden completely (about 30 minutes).
8. Serve or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: About 45 minutes
Caramel Pecan Brownies
Elevate your brownie game with these indulgent treats, packed with the perfect blend of caramel, pecans, and chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
– 2 cups sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in eggs one at a time, followed by cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and flour.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and top with chopped pecans and caramel sauce.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
Transform your favorite caramel sauce into a decadent ice cream that’s sure to impress. This recipe combines the deep, sweet flavor of dulce de leche with creamy vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the milk is dark golden brown and has a caramel-like aroma.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract.
6. Once the dulce de leche has cooled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Add the whipped cream mixture and continue churning until fully incorporated.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: About 1 quart of ice cream
Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with these gooey caramel-filled treats that combine the best of both worlds – crispy edges and chewy centers.
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 sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Optional: sea salt for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in flour mixture and chocolate chips.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce into the center of each ball.
7. Fold dough over to enclose caramel, pressing edges together to seal.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Caramel Banana Bread
Moist banana bread infused with caramel goodness!
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, melted butter, egg, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and caramel sauce. Mix until combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. If using nuts, sprinkle on top.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Caramel Drizzled Pumpkin Spice Latte
Start your day off right with this indulgent latte, featuring the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. This Caramel Drizzled Pumpkin Spice Latte is sure to become a fall favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 shots of strong brewed coffee
– 1 cup of milk (whole, skim, or a non-dairy alternative)
– 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 2 tablespoons of caramel syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the coffee according to your preferred method.
2. In a large mug, combine the milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add the brewed coffee to the mug and stir to combine.
4. Drizzle the caramel syrup over the top of the latte.
5. If desired, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just brew that coffee!)
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Flatbread
A flavorful and elegant flatbread recipe that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the creaminess of goat cheese, perfect for a quick and easy dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole wheat flatbread
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup goat cheese crumbles
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Meanwhile, place the flatbread on a baking sheet.
4. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the flatbread.
5. Top with goat cheese crumbles and sprinkle with salt.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Caramel Coconut Macaroons
Caramel Coconut Macaroons Recipe
These chewy macaroons are infused with the sweetness of caramel and the tropical flavor of coconut, perfect for a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 large egg whites
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold the egg whites into the almond flour mixture until well combined.
5. Stir in melted butter and caramel sauce.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Caramel Pretzel Bark
Sweet and salty collide in this addictive treat that’s perfect for snacking or gifting. Caramel Pretzel Bark is an easy-to-make dessert that combines the crunch of pretzels with the gooey goodness of caramel.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pretzels, broken into pieces
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (such as dulce de leche or caramel ice cream topping)
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Stir in the caramel sauce and sea salt.
4. Add the pretzel pieces to the melted chocolate mixture and stir until they are evenly coated.
5. If using nuts, sprinkle them on top of the bark.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
7. Break into pieces and serve.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including melting time)
Caramel Glazed Donuts
Sweet Treat Alert!
Caramel Glazed Donuts Recipe
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Caramel glaze (recipe below)
Caramel Glaze:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add yeast mixture (combine lukewarm milk, eggs, and 1 teaspoon sugar).
4. Mix until smooth, then knead for 5 minutes.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into donut shapes.
6. Fry donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil and let cool slightly.
8. Glaze donuts with warm caramel glaze, letting excess drizzle off.
Caramel Glaze Instructions:
1. Combine heavy cream, sugar, and butter in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your Caramel Glazed Donuts!
Caramel Pear Upside-Down Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of caramelized pears with a buttery brown sugar crust, perfect for a special occasion or dessert gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23cm x 33cm) baking dish.
2. Arrange the pear slices in the prepared dish, overlapping slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add flour and baking powder; mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter over pears; smooth top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Caramel Toffee Blondies
These chewy blondies are packed with the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, thanks to a caramel toffee topping. With just six ingredients, you can have these scrumptious bars ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup caramel toffee bits
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Press dough into prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
4. While blondies are baking, melt caramel toffee bits in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Remove blondies from oven and drizzle with melted caramel toffee mixture. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Caramel Swirl Fudge
Sweet and gooey caramel swirls add a delicious twist to classic fudge. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this indulgent treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) white chocolate chips
– 1 can (14 oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 12 ounces (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour in semisweet chocolate chips; let sit for 1 minute.
5. Stir until smooth.
6. If using nuts, fold them into the fudge mixture.
7. Pour half of the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. Drizzle with caramel sauce and top with remaining fudge mixture.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
10. Cut into squares and serve.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (refrigeration time)
Caramel Mocha Tiramisu
This Italian classic gets a luxurious twist with the addition of rich caramel and mocha flavors. Perfect for coffee enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike, this creamy treat is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon instant mocha powder
– Whipped cream and chopped hazelnuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Dip each ladyfinger into the brewed coffee for about 3-5 seconds on each side.
2. In a separate bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Mix until smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. To assemble the tiramisu, start with a layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish. Top with a layer of the coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
5. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
6. Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle mocha powder on top.
7. Repeat layers one more time, finishing with a layer of whipped cream and chopped hazelnuts (if using).
8. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: None required!
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Sweet and savory, these caramel apple cinnamon rolls are a perfect treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 3 tablespoons warm water
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh apple
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, sugar, and softened butter to the bowl; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes, until smooth.
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Sprinkle chopped apple and caramel sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
6. Roll the dough into a tight log; cut into 8 equal pieces.
7. Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each roll.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Caramel Hazelnut Truffles
Transform rich hazelnuts into decadent truffles by combining them with smooth caramel and velvety chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (120g) hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
– 1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (250g) dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the caramel reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove from heat and stir in chopped hazelnuts and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
3. Roll the cooled caramel mixture into small balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
5. Dip each hazelnut ball into the melted chocolate, coating completely. Place on a new piece of parchment paper.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Serve chilled.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a sweet tooth’s paradise! This collection of 20 mouthwatering caramel recipes will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. From classic treats like Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart and Caramel Apple Pie, to creative twists like Caramel Drizzled Pumpkin Spice Latte and Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Flatbread, there’s something for everyone. Treat yourself or gift a loved one with these irresistibly sweet creations.