Warm, Rich, and Sweet: 18 Caramel Recipes to Try

Caramel is magic in dessert form. Its sweet, buttery richness makes every bite feel indulgent and cozy. Whether you’re a fan of crowd-pleasing classics or looking to try something a little more adventurous, caramel is a versatile ingredient that pairs beautifully with fruits, chocolates, and more. I’ve rounded up some must-try caramel recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth and might even inspire your next baking session. From gooey caramel swirls to salty-sweet bites, let’s explore these 18 drool-worthy caramel desserts!

Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

Layers of shortbread, gooey caramel, and silky chocolate create a melt-in-your-mouth treat. These bars strike the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy for a snack you’ll keep reaching for!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

Southern Caramel Cake

This Southern staple features soft, buttery cake coated in layers of rich caramel frosting. It’s a dessert classic that’s equal parts comforting and nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Southern Caramel Cake

Mini Caramel Apples

These bite-sized delights take traditional caramel apples to a whole new level. Their miniature size makes them great for parties or a fun family treat.
Get the Recipe: Mini Caramel Apples

Caramel Apple Popcorn

This caramel apple popcorn combines sweetness with a satisfying crunch. Lightly coated popcorn is tossed with caramel and apple flavors for an irresistible snack.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Popcorn

Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

With a caramel-filled center and a drizzle of chocolate, these cookies deliver big flavor in every bite. They’re easy to make and even easier to devour!
Get the Recipe: Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Banana Caramel Cake

This dessert pairs moist banana cake with a thick layer of creamy caramel frosting, creating a mouthwatering fusion of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake

Salted Caramel S’mores

Your favorite campfire treat just got an upgrade! Gooey marshmallows and chocolate are paired with salted caramel for a decadent twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel S’mores

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

These layered brownies bring together fudgy chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and tangy caramel apples for an unforgettable dessert mashup.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars

A rich chocolate crust topped with chewy caramel and a drizzle of chocolate makes these bars a dreamy dessert option you’ll want to whip up again and again.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars

Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

These soft and chewy cookies combine cinnamon sugar with a salted caramel drizzle and nutty browned butter for the ultimate sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This quick one-pan dessert features spiced apples, caramel, and buttery cake topping. Whether served warm or with a scoop of ice cream, it hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel Apple Cake

This apple-forward dessert gets an extra dose of decadence with a caramel glaze that soaks right into every slice, leaving it ultra-moist and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cake

White Chocolate Caramel Fudge

Rich and creamy, this fudge recipe blends the sweetness of white chocolate with the velvety goodness of caramel for an indulgent treat that’s easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Caramel Fudge

Gochujang Caramel Cookies

For the more adventurous baker, these cookies combine the subtle heat of gochujang with sweet caramel for a dessert that’s unexpected and unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Salted Caramel Sheet Cake

This no-fuss sheet cake is topped with a salted caramel glaze, making it a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings or weekday indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Sheet Cake

Caramel Swirl Brownies

Rich chocolate brownies meet ribbons of gooey caramel in this decadent dessert. Every slice boasts a perfect mix of fudgy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Swirl Brownies

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

This showstopper dessert layers caramel-soaked apple slices under a moist cake. Once flipped, the glossy caramel apples steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake