20 Caramel Desserts That Bring the Sweet and Salty

Caramel has a way of making every dessert feel a little more decadent. Its deep, buttery sweetness adds richness and contrast, whether it’s layered into brownies, baked into cakes, or swirled through fudge. This lineup brings together a mix of chewy bars, gooey cookies, cozy cakes, and a few surprises along the way. From s’mores and snickerdoodles to upside-down bakes and mini cheesecakes, these recipes use caramel in all the right ways, salty, sweet, soft, and crisp.

Chocolate Caramel Tart

A chocolate crust holds layers of smooth caramel and dark ganache. It slices into sleek wedges with clean lines and glossy finish. The salt cuts the richness just enough. Serve with berries or whipped cream for extra contrast.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Tart

Salted Caramel Blondies

Chewy, rich blondies get a swirl of salted caramel that bakes into golden pockets. The edges are crisp, the center soft, and the flavor deep. They’re quick to make and don’t need frosting. Slice them warm for gooier bites.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Blondies

Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies

Deep chocolate cookies hold gooey caramel centers that stay soft after baking. The contrast between the crisp shell and molten inside is just right. These work well warm but hold their shape for storing. Sprinkle with salt before baking for more punch.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Slices of apple and a thick layer of caramel flip into a shiny, sticky topping once baked. The cake itself is soft and full of spice. Each slice brings sweetness and just enough tartness. Serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Each cookie holds a puddle of soft caramel in its center, finished with a drizzle of dark chocolate. The base is buttery with a slight crunch. They look impressive but are simple to make. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or salt can add more texture.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

White Chocolate Caramel Fudge

This creamy fudge blends white chocolate with swirls of golden caramel. It sets into smooth, sweet squares that melt on the tongue. You can add a salty crunch or swirl in extra caramel before chilling. Easy to portion and store.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Caramel Fudge

Caramel Brulee Latte

This cozy drink blends espresso with steamed milk, caramel syrup, and crushed sugar topping. It’s smooth and sweet with just a bit of crunch from the brulee finish. Great as a morning pick-me-up. Serve hot or iced, depending on the season.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Brulee Latte

Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel)

Mandarin slices sit at the bottom of the pan, caramelized under a layer of soft vanilla cake. Once flipped, the fruit glistens with sticky caramel and brings a citrusy punch. The cake absorbs the juices for extra flavor. Best served slightly warm.
Get the Recipe: Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel)

Salted Caramel S’mores

This spin on the campfire classic swaps chocolate for gooey caramel, adding a salty edge. Toasted marshmallow and crisp graham crackers round it out. Each bite is sticky, crunchy, and loaded with flavor. Easy to make inside or out.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel S’mores

Caramel Swirl Brownies

Dense chocolate brownies get ribbons of caramel swirled in before baking. The caramel adds texture and flavor without overpowering the chocolate. Let them cool completely for cleaner slices. Flaky salt on top makes them pop.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Swirl Brownies

Caramel Whoopie Pies

Soft cake-like cookies sandwich a thick caramel filling for a handheld treat that’s rich and satisfying. The edges stay tender, while the center adds just the right chew. You can roll them in nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. A fun pick for bake sales or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Whoopie Pies

Salted Caramel Heart Center Snickerdoodles

Classic snickerdoodles hide soft caramel centers and are finished with cinnamon sugar. The caramel stays warm and gooey in the middle. These cookies flatten slightly and crackle on top. Great for Valentine’s Day or any cozy baking day.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Heart Center Snickerdoodles

Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

Three layers, crisp shortbread, soft caramel, and melted chocolate, make up this classic treat. They cut into clean squares and hold up well for gifting. A bit of salt on top enhances the chocolate. These never last long.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups

These treats combine a peanut butter base with caramel and chocolate layers. A pinch of sea salt sharpens the sweetness. They’re rich and small enough for snacking. Keep them chilled for best texture.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping

These individual cheesecakes layer spiced apples over creamy filling with a crunchy oat topping. A caramel drizzle ties it all together. Each one is baked in a muffin tin for easy serving. Ideal for parties or plated desserts.
Get the Recipe: Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping

Banana Caramel Cake

Mashed bananas add moisture while a caramel glaze gives the whole cake a rich finish. The texture is soft, and the caramel pools slightly over the edges. It’s a good use for overripe bananas. Works in a loaf, bundt, or layer form.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

This layered dessert stacks fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a caramel drizzle. Each bite hits sweet, tangy, and rich all at once. The layers hold together for neat slices. It’s bold and totally worth the bake time.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

Salted Caramel Sheet Cake

A warm caramel glaze gets poured over a just-baked sheet cake, soaking into the crumb and forming a glossy top. The texture stays light while the flavor is rich. It slices clean and feeds a crowd. Perfect for low-effort, high-reward baking.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Sheet Cake

Caramel Apple Cake

Chunks of fresh apple and pockets of caramel run through this spiced, tender cake. It bakes into a rustic, golden loaf with a soft crumb. A quick glaze or dusting of sugar works on top. Great for breakfast or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cake

Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites

Crispy pretzels are layered with melted caramel and thin apple slices, then topped with a drizzle of chocolate. The salty-sweet balance makes these snackable and addictive. No baking required. A great option for fall get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites