Caramel, with its rich and buttery goodness, has a unique way of transforming any dessert into something truly special. Whether you prefer it gooey, salted, or swirled into your favorite treats, caramel is the ultimate indulgence. From cakes to cookies, there’s a caramel-infused recipe out there waiting to be your next favorite treat. To make things easier, I’ve rounded up 18 caramel recipes that bring deliciousness to a whole new level.

Caramel Apple Cake

A bowl of apple crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, with a spoon inside the bowl. Green apples and pecans are visible in the background, making it perfect for fans of caramel desserts.
Caramel Apple Cake. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples in every bite. A drizzle of caramel sauce on top makes it both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cake

Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

A close-up of dessert bars with a crumbly topping, creamy caramel middle layer, and a thin chocolate layer in between—perfect for fans of caramel desserts.
Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Layers of crumbly shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate come together for an easy yet decadent dessert. These bars are perfect for stacking on a dessert platter or enjoying with coffee.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

Salted Caramel Sheet Cake

Salted Caramel Sheet Cake. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A traditional sheet cake gets a bold upgrade with the addition of luscious salted caramel frosting. The blend of sweet and salty guarantees you’ll be going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Sheet Cake

Southern Caramel Cake

Southern Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This classic Southern favorite features moist cake layers generously slathered with a thick, homemade caramel frosting. It’s a time-honored treat that always hits the mark.
Get the Recipe: Southern Caramel Cake

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

A slice of apple cinnamon coffee cake on a plate.
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Imagine a sticky caramel glaze layered with perfectly cooked apple slices, all topping a light and tender cake. This recipe is an autumn dessert dream come true.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Mini Caramel Apples

Mini Caramel Apples on a stick and dipped in sugar.
Mini Caramel Apples. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These bite-sized treats are both fun to make and easy to eat. Small apples are dipped in caramel and decorated for a whimsical snack or party centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Mini Caramel Apples

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

A piece of cake on a blue plate with a fork.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

A decadent combination of rich brownies, creamy cheesecake, and caramel apple topping. The layers create a dessert that’s indulgent and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Image shows a wooden table with gochujang caramel cookies on it.
Gochujang Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sweet meets spicy in these bold cookies. The unique addition of gochujang pairs with caramel for an adventurous flavor experience.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Banana Caramel Cake

Iced banana cake with pecans on top.
Banana Caramel Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Soft banana-infused cake is paired with silky caramel frosting to create a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. A sprinkle of nuts on top adds the perfect crunch.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake

Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Two bowls of salted caramel snickerdoodle cookies on a plate with lavender flowers on the table.
Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A chewy twist on a classic cookie! Brown butter and salted caramel elevate these snickerdoodles to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

A bowl of cake with ice cream on top.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This effortless dessert combines apples, caramel, and a buttery cake topping. Perfect for those days when you need something quick, warm, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Overhead image of caramel chocolate thumbprint cookies.
Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A buttery chocolate cookie forms the base, with each one filled with gooey caramel. These are irresistible bite-sized delights with a soft, chewy texture.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Caramel Swirl Brownies

A plate of chocolate brownies with caramel swirls.
Caramel Swirl Brownies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Swirls of caramel add a rich and gooey texture to classic chocolate brownies. Every bite is a perfect balance of fudgy chocolate and sweet caramel.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Swirl Brownies

Salted Caramel S’mores

A person holding a s'mores sandwich.
Salted Caramel S’mores. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Take your campfire treat to the next level by adding salted caramel to your s’mores. Gooey, sweet, and slightly salty, this is a snack worth savoring.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel S’mores

Pecan Caramel Brownies

Pecan Caramel Brownies. Photo credit: Eat Fresh Glow.

A rich brownie base crowned with toasted pecans and flowing caramel sauce that makes this dessert both crunchy and gooey in the best possible way.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Caramel Brownies

Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Bowl of salted caramel ice cream with chopped candy on it.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy and rich in flavor, this homemade ice cream showcases salted caramel as the star ingredient. It’s an incredibly indulgent dessert for hot days or cozy nights in.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Ice Cream

White Chocolate Caramel Fudge

White Chocolate Caramel Fudge. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Smooth white chocolate and rich caramel come together in this melt-in-your-mouth fudge. It’s a sweet treat that’s great for gifting or enjoying on your own.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Caramel Fudge

Caramel Apple Popcorn

A white bowl with caramel apple popcorn.
Caramel Apple Popcorn. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Buttery popcorn generously coated with caramel and apple spices. This crunchy-sweet snack is ideal for movie nights or fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Popcorn

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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