Deep, buttery caramel adds a velvety sweetness that makes ordinary desserts unforgettable. These recipes play with sauces, candies, bars, and bakes where caramel takes center stage. Smooth textures meet toasted sugar flavor for a truly indulgent experience. It’s the kind of sweetness that feels luxurious without being fussy.

Caramel Apple Cake

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

Soft, tender cake is layered with sweet apples and rich caramel flavor. Warm spices bring a cozy bakery-style aroma to every slice. A moist crumb keeps each bite light yet indulgent. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime dessert cravings strike.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cake

Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Buttery shortbread creates a sturdy base for layers of chocolate, caramel, and streusel. A silky Nutella ganache adds extra richness on top. Sweet and salty flavors balance beautifully in every bite. Ideal for dessert trays, holidays, or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Creamy cheesecake filling sits on a buttery graham cracker crust. Spiced apples and golden caramel create a warm, fall-inspired topping. Individual portions make serving effortless for parties or holiday tables. A perfect balance of smooth, crunchy, and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes

Southern Caramel Cake

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

Moist cake layers are coated in rich, old-fashioned caramel frosting. Deep buttery sweetness brings classic Southern bakery flavor. A soft crumb keeps each slice tender and satisfying. Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or special family desserts.
Get the Recipe: Southern Caramel Cake

Caramel Swirl Brownies

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

Fudgy chocolate brownie batter swirls with ribbons of golden caramel. A moist, chewy texture delivers rich flavor in every bite. Low-carb and gluten-free ingredients keep things lighter without sacrificing taste. Perfect for sharing with both keto and non-keto guests.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Swirl Brownies

Caramel Apple Popcorn

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

Crisp popcorn is coated in buttery caramel and sweet apple flavor. A crunchy texture makes every handful irresistibly snackable. Great for movie nights, game days, or fall parties. Sweet, salty, and cozy flavors come together perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Popcorn

Banana Caramel Cake

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

Ripe banana flavor blends with rich caramel for a bakery-style dessert. A tender crumb keeps the cake soft and moist. A boxed mix base makes preparation fast and foolproof. Perfect for easy entertaining or casual family treats.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake

Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

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

Chocolate shortbread cookies hold pools of smooth, golden caramel. Sweet and salty flavors create a perfectly balanced bite. A tender, crumbly texture melts in the mouth. Ideal for holidays, cookie swaps, and gift boxes.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

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

Sweet apples bake beneath buttery cake mix and warm caramel. A crisp golden topping forms as everything bakes together. Minimal prep delivers big fall flavor. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or last-minute desserts.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

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

Fudgy brownie layers pair with creamy cheesecake and spiced apples. Caramel drizzle adds rich sweetness on top. Every bite delivers a mix of chocolate, fruit, and creaminess. A show-stopping dessert for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

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

Brown sugar and butter melt into tender apples as the cake bakes. A sticky caramelized topping forms when flipped over. Moist cake balances the sweet fruit layer perfectly. A classic-style dessert with bold fall flavor.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

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

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