Salted Caramel Cinnamon Cupcakes are the ultimate fusion of cozy spice and rich sweetness. These fluffy cupcakes are infused with warm cinnamon and topped with a silky salted caramel buttercream made from a quick, easy caramel sauce. With a caramel drizzle finish, they’re perfect for fall gatherings, birthdays, or any day you want to impress with bakery-style cupcakes from your own kitchen.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Cupcakes:

• 165 g plain flour (1¼ cups)

• 25 g corn flour (¼ cup)

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¾ cup light brown sugar (150 g)

• 115 g unsalted butter, softened (½ cup)

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup buttermilk (125 ml), room temperature

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 125 g chewy caramels (e.g., Werther’s)

• ¼ cup thickened cream (60 ml)

• ½ tsp salt

For the Salted Caramel Frosting:

• 170 g unsalted butter, softened (¾ cup)

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• ¾ tsp vanilla extract

• 1¾ cups icing sugar (powdered sugar), sifted

• ½ tsp salt

• Most of the salted caramel sauce (reserve ¼ cup for topping)

Directions

Make the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line 10 muffin cups with cupcake liners.

2. In a bowl, sift together flour, corn flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Beat butter and brown sugar until very light and fluffy (2 minutes).

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.

5. Fold in one-third of the dry ingredients, then half the buttermilk. Repeat, ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Divide batter evenly between liners, filling ¾ full. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1. In a saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with cream, stirring until smooth.

2. Stir in salt and allow to cool slightly before using.

Make the Frosting:

1. Beat softened butter, brown sugar, and most of the cooled caramel sauce until smooth.

2. Add vanilla, sifted icing sugar, and salt. Beat until fluffy and well combined.

3. Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes.

4. Make a small divot on top of each cupcake and spoon the reserved caramel sauce into the center.

Nutrients (Per cupcake, approx.)

• Calories: 521 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 66 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 28 g

• Saturated Fat: 17 g

• Sugar: 48 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sodium: 360 mg

• Cholesterol: 107 mg

• Calcium: 96 mg

• Iron: 1 mg

A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty

Salted caramel has become a favorite in modern baking, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of deep, buttery sweetness with a hint of salt is universally appealing, offering balance and depth in a way that purely sweet frostings sometimes lack. When paired with the earthy warmth of cinnamon, it creates a layered flavor profile that’s both comforting and refined.

In these cupcakes, the salted caramel frosting takes center stage. It’s made using a quick caramel sauce, which melts chewy caramels with cream and finishes with a pinch of salt. This sauce is then whipped into a fluffy buttercream that’s smooth, rich, and perfectly sweet with just the right salty edge.

Soft, Cinnamon-Spiced Cupcakes That Melt in Your Mouth

The cupcake base is soft and tender with a moist crumb, thanks to a combination of plain flour and corn flour. The corn flour helps create a lighter texture, giving the cupcakes that bakery-style softness without making them dense. Brown sugar and warm cinnamon infuse the batter with a cozy, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the frosting.

These cupcakes are not overly spiced, allowing the cinnamon to enhance rather than overpower. Each bite is well-balanced—light and fluffy with just enough spice to remind you of cozy autumn mornings or holiday desserts.

Buttermilk for Tang and Moisture

Buttermilk plays a key role in making these cupcakes soft and flavorful. Its natural acidity reacts with the leavening agents in the batter, helping the cupcakes rise evenly and stay tender. It also adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the caramel and balances the richness of the butter and sugar.

Using room-temperature buttermilk helps ensure an even mixture and a smoother batter, resulting in a better overall texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a simple substitute of milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar will work just as well.

A Quick Caramel Sauce for Maximum Flavor with Minimal Effort

Instead of making caramel from scratch, this recipe simplifies the process by melting chewy caramels with a bit of cream. The result is a silky, pourable caramel that tastes every bit as decadent as the slow-cooked version. Stirred until smooth and golden, the sauce becomes the key ingredient in the frosting and a finishing drizzle that ties the entire dessert together.

This shortcut not only saves time but also delivers reliable results every time. You still get the deep, buttery flavor of caramel without worrying about burning sugar or using a candy thermometer. It’s the kind of smart baking trick that makes homemade desserts feel totally doable, even on a busy schedule.

Salted Caramel Frosting That Steals the Show

The frosting on these cupcakes is a true standout. Made by blending softened butter, brown sugar, and the cooled caramel sauce, it whips into a luscious, creamy frosting that pipes beautifully and holds its shape. The salt balances the sweetness, while the brown sugar and caramel add a rich depth that makes every bite satisfying.

This frosting isn’t overly sweet or greasy like some buttercreams can be. Instead, it’s smooth, light, and full of flavor, adding both visual appeal and decadent taste. A spoonful of reserved caramel is spooned into a divot on top of each frosted cupcake, giving a glossy finish and a little extra indulgence with every bite.

A Dessert That Looks as Good as It Tastes

Presentation is a big part of what makes these cupcakes special. The swirl of salted caramel frosting piped on top adds a professional touch, while the drizzle of caramel sauce creates a shiny, elegant finish. The golden hue of the frosting against the warm-toned cupcake makes each one look like it came straight from a bakery.

For extra flair, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a caramel candy pressed into the top. These small touches make the cupcakes feel festive and extra special—perfect for birthdays, parties, or gift boxes.

Versatile for Any Occasion or Season

While these cupcakes are ideal for autumn with their cozy cinnamon notes, they’re versatile enough to enjoy year-round. Their balanced flavor and soft texture make them perfect for any occasion that calls for a comforting yet refined dessert. Think holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving dinner, baby showers, or even Valentine’s Day with a hint of spice.

Because they’re so easy to transport and serve, they also make great additions to potlucks or bake sales. Everyone loves a cupcake that delivers big flavor in a portable, single-serving format—and these definitely deliver.

Simple Enough for Beginners, Impressive Enough for Bakers

These cupcakes strike the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance. The techniques are easy enough for beginners to master, with no complicated steps or specialty equipment required. Yet the result looks polished and professional, making you feel like a true baking star when you bring them to the table.

If you’re an experienced baker, you’ll appreciate how the layers of flavor come together without fuss. And if you’re new to baking, this is a great recipe to build confidence with. From the fluffy cinnamon sponge to the smooth, salted caramel buttercream, every part of this recipe is designed to be approachable and delicious.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Cinnamon Cupcakes are a celebration of everything that makes baking special—warm, inviting flavors, rich textures, and the kind of indulgence that turns an ordinary day into something memorable. With their soft cinnamon cake, smooth salted caramel frosting, and elegant drizzle, these cupcakes are the perfect blend of cozy and classy.

They’re the kind of dessert that feels right at home in any season and any setting—from a casual afternoon treat to a showstopping party dessert. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these cupcakes will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply treating yourself, one bite of these salted caramel cinnamon cupcakes is all it takes to fall in love.