Caramel brings a rich, buttery sweetness that can transform desserts into something truly special. Whether it’s paired with apples, swirled into brownies, or layered with chocolate, these recipes highlight caramel in all its gooey glory. From cakes and cookies to frozen treats and candy, you’ll find options for baking, no-bake, and everything in between. Sweet, salty, creamy, and chewy, there’s a caramel dessert here for every craving.

Caramel Apple Cake

A bowl of apple crisp topped with melting vanilla ice cream, with a spoon inside; two 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 cake combines tender apples with a caramel glaze that soaks into every bite. The fruit adds freshness while the caramel brings a rich, buttery finish. Perfect for fall or any time you want something cozy. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cake

Salted Caramel Sheet Cake

A square piece of white Texas sheet cake with light brown frosting, reminiscent of gooey caramel desserts, sits on a white plate, with a fork and knife in the background.
Salted Caramel Sheet Cake. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A light, fluffy cake is topped with a smooth caramel icing and a sprinkle of flaky salt. The sweet-salty combination makes each bite addictive. Ideal for parties since it serves a crowd. Easy to slice and share.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Sheet Cake

Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

A close-up of a crumbly dessert bar with three layers: a golden crumb topping, a creamy middle layer, and a thin chocolate layer—perfect for fans of caramel desserts and gooey caramel treats.
Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Layers of buttery shortbread, soft caramel, and chocolate create a decadent treat. Each layer brings a different texture—crisp, chewy, and smooth. Cut into small squares for a bite-sized dessert. They store well, making them great for gifting.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

Southern Caramel Cake

A slice of layered yellow cake with gooey caramel frosting, inspired by classic caramel desserts, is served on a white plate.
Southern Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A classic Southern favorite with tender layers and a rich, cooked caramel frosting. The frosting sets into a soft, candy-like coating. It’s elegant and nostalgic. A centerpiece dessert for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Southern Caramel Cake

Caramel Apple Dip

Caramel Apple Dip. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Cream cheese, brown sugar, and caramel sauce blend into a smooth, sweet dip. Serve with sliced apples for an easy party snack. It’s creamy, tangy, and sweet all at once. Quick to whip up and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dip

Easy Caramel Pretzel Apple Bark

Easy Caramel Pretzel Apple Bark. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Pretzels, apple chips, and caramel drizzle over melted chocolate for a crunchy, sweet-salty snack. Break into pieces for easy serving. Great for gifting or snacking. A fun twist on traditional bark.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caramel Pretzel Apple Bark

Salted Caramel S’mores

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

Classic s’mores get an upgrade with a drizzle of salted caramel. The combination of gooey marshmallow, chocolate, and caramel is irresistible. Perfect for campfires or oven-baked versions. A rich twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel S’mores

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

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

Fudgy brownies are topped with cheesecake, apple slices, and a caramel drizzle. Every bite is a mix of chocolate, creamy tang, and fruit. It’s indulgent and layered with flavor. Ideal for special gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

Banana Caramel Cake

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

Ripe bananas keep this cake moist while caramel glaze adds depth and sweetness. The flavors blend beautifully. Serve as a snack cake or dessert. A great way to use overripe bananas.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake

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 ice cream gets a luxurious lift from homemade salted caramel. The sweet-salty balance makes it hard to stop at one scoop. Serve plain or with chocolate sauce. A freezer staple for caramel lovers.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies

Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Soft chocolate cookies hide a molten caramel center. Each bite is rich and gooey. Best enjoyed warm so the caramel stays soft. A decadent treat for cookie fans.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies

2-Ingredient Caramel Fudge

2-Ingredient Caramel Fudge. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Sweetened condensed milk and caramel chips create a quick, creamy fudge. Minimal effort with big flavor. Perfect for holiday trays or gifting. It sets up quickly in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient Caramel Fudge

Chocolate Caramel Tart

Chocolate Caramel Tart. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

A crisp pastry shell holds layers of caramel and chocolate ganache. Elegant and rich, it’s a showstopper dessert. Slice into small wedges—it’s that decadent. Best served chilled.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Tart

Chocolate Caramel Apple Pops

Chocolate Caramel Apple Pops. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Apple slices are dipped in caramel, coated with chocolate, and decorated with toppings. Easy to hold and fun to customize. Great for parties or kids’ treats. A playful twist on a caramel apple.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Apple Pops

Caramel Whoopie Pies

A plate of caramel sandwich cookies on a white plate.
Caramel Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Soft cake-like cookies sandwich a caramel buttercream filling. The result is sweet, soft, and indulgent. Perfect for portable desserts. A fun alternative to cupcakes.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Whoopie Pies

Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

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

Chocolate cookies are pressed in the center and filled with soft caramel. The combination is rich and beautiful on a dessert tray. Drizzle with chocolate for extra flair. A holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Peanut butter and caramel are enclosed in a chocolate shell. Sweet, salty, and nutty all in one bite. Store in the fridge for the perfect texture. A great no-bake treat.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups

White Chocolate Caramel Fudge

White Chocolate Caramel Fudge. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

White chocolate and caramel combine into a creamy, sweet fudge. It’s smooth, rich, and beautiful when cut into squares. Great for holidays or special gifts. Easy to make in batches.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Caramel Fudge

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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