Caramel brings a deep, buttery sweetness that can take any dessert to another level. From gooey-filled cookies to layered cakes and chewy bars, caramel fits into almost every kind of treat. This collection brings together some of the richest, most satisfying caramel recipes, sweet and salty, crisp and soft, cold and warm. Whether it’s paired with apples, chocolate, coconut, or peanut butter, each dessert highlights caramel in its own way, and there’s no shortage of texture or flavor here.
Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars
A buttery shortbread base is topped with a thick caramel layer and smooth chocolate. Each bite offers the perfect blend of crunch, chew, and melt. The layers set cleanly, making them easy to slice and serve. A sprinkle of sea salt on top adds the final touch.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars
Salted Caramel Blondies
These dense blondies are loaded with caramel swirls and finished with a hint of salt. The texture is soft and chewy with crispy edges. They’re easy to make in one bowl and great for sharing. Each square packs rich flavor without being too sweet.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Blondies
Caramel Apple Cake
Chunks of tart apple and swirls of caramel run through this moist, spice-filled cake. It bakes up tall and soft, with a warm, comforting flavor. A caramel glaze over the top makes it extra special. This one works well in cooler months or holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cake
Southern Caramel Cake
This classic Southern layer cake is all about the caramel icing, slow-cooked, rich, and poured over soft yellow cake layers. The icing sets slightly for a smooth, fudge-like top. It’s a bold, beautiful dessert that doesn’t need anything extra. Serve it sliced thick with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Southern Caramel Cake
Salted Caramel Sheet Cake
This easy sheet cake comes together quickly and gets topped with a warm, salted caramel glaze that soaks into the crumb. The texture stays soft and moist for days. It’s ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or simple weekday baking. No frosting needed here, just that glossy topping.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Sheet Cake
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Apple slices and caramel line the bottom of the pan and flip into a sticky, golden topping. The cake itself is soft and spiced, soaking up the caramel as it bakes. It looks impressive right out of the pan. Best served warm with a spoonful of whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
These rich chocolate cookies hide soft caramel centers that stay gooey even after baking. A sprinkle of flaky salt on top brings out the chocolate. They have crisp edges and a molten middle. Perfect straight from the oven or rewarmed the next day.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
Caramel Swirl Brownies
Thick brownie batter is swirled with ribbons of caramel before baking into rich, chewy bars. The caramel caramelizes slightly in the oven, giving extra texture and flavor. Each bite is dense and bold. A pinch of sea salt brings balance to the sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Swirl Brownies
Caramel Brulee Latte
This drink combines espresso with steamed milk, caramel syrup, and a layer of caramelized sugar topping. It’s rich, sweet, and cozy without being too heavy. A few crushed sugar bits on top give it that brulee crackle. Great as a morning pick-me-up or afternoon treat.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Brulee Latte
Caramel Whoopie Pies
Two soft, cake-like cookies sandwich a thick caramel frosting in this fun handheld dessert. The caramel flavor runs through both the filling and the cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and great for sharing. You can roll the edges in crushed nuts or chocolate chips for extra crunch.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Whoopie Pies
Chocolate Caramel Apple Pops
Sliced apples are dipped in melted caramel and chocolate, then topped with sprinkles, nuts, or crushed cookies. They’re easier to eat than full caramel apples and great for kids or parties. The crisp fruit balances the rich coatings. Serve them on sticks for no-mess snacking.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Apple Pops
Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups
These layered treats combine a soft peanut butter base with a gooey caramel layer and chocolate topping. A sprinkle of salt makes the flavors pop. They’re rich and indulgent but still easy to portion. Store them chilled for a firm bite or let them soften slightly for a meltier texture.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
A fudgy brownie-like base gets layered with caramel and finished with more chocolate. These bars are thick, chewy, and full of contrast. The caramel layer stays soft without running. One square goes a long way.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
Banana Caramel Cake
Mashed bananas and sweet caramel give this cake a moist crumb and bold flavor. A caramel glaze or frosting on top ties it all together. It’s a great use for overripe bananas when you want something richer than banana bread. Works as a loaf, sheet, or layer cake.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake
Double Coconut Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream
This no-churn ice cream folds in coconut, caramel ribbons, and chunks of edible cookie dough. It’s creamy with bites of texture and bursts of sweetness. The coconut keeps things tropical while the caramel adds richness. Great served in bowls or cones.
Get the Recipe: Double Coconut Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
These small cookies have a soft center filled with smooth caramel and drizzled with chocolate. The base is buttery and slightly crisp. They hold their shape well and look great on a cookie tray. You can top each one with a flake of salt or chopped nuts.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites
Mini pretzels are topped with caramel, apple slices, and chocolate drizzle. The result is a sweet-salty snack with just the right amount of crunch. They’re quick to assemble and disappear fast. A fun twist on the usual caramel apple.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites
White Chocolate Caramel Fudge
This smooth, two-tone fudge layers white chocolate with a rich caramel base. Each bite melts in your mouth with creamy texture and sweet balance. You can add sea salt, nuts, or swirl the two layers together. It sets up well for slicing and gifting.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Caramel Fudge
Salted Caramel S’mores
Swap the chocolate bar for a spoonful of caramel in this sweet twist on a campfire favorite. Toasted marshmallow and graham crackers hold it all together. The mix of gooey textures and salted caramel hits every craving. Great for indoor or outdoor setups.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel S’mores
Chocolate Caramel Tart
This tart starts with a crisp chocolate crust and fills with rich caramel and a dark chocolate ganache. It slices clean with defined layers and glossy finish. A sprinkle of salt brings out both the chocolate and caramel. Elegant enough for dinner parties but not hard to make.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Tart
