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Golden caramel adds richness, shine, and irresistible sweetness to desserts. Recipes include drizzles, fillings, and toppings that transform ordinary sweets into indulgent treats. Every bite balances creamy, buttery texture with deep, golden flavor. Perfect for elevating cakes, brownies, ice creams, and more.

Salted Caramel Blondies

Close-up of caramel blondie bars topped with white chocolate chips and a sprinkle of sea salt, arranged in a grid pattern.
Salted Caramel Blondies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.
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Soft and chewy blondies are loaded with sweet-salty flavor that keeps every bite irresistible. Brown sugar and melted butter create a rich, caramelized base, while swirls of gooey caramel melt into pockets of sweetness. White chocolate chips add creamy indulgence, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top balances the flavors perfectly. Ideal for dessert or sharing with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Blondies

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes

A mini caramel apple cheesecake on a plate.
Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Bite-sized cheesecakes combine a buttery graham cracker crust with smooth, creamy filling and spiced apple topping. A drizzle of golden caramel adds extra indulgence, making each treat perfectly festive. Easy to serve at gatherings, tailgates, or Friendsgiving dinners, they offer a cozy mix of creamy and crunchy textures. These petite desserts are ideal for fall celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes

Salted Caramel Apple Pie

A baked salted caramel apple pie with a decorative lattice crust sits on a white plate, surrounded by baking utensils and ingredients on a white wooden table.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Sweet and slightly salty caramel blends seamlessly into tender baked apples for a gooey, indulgent filling. A buttery double crust holds all the flavors together and ensures each slice is satisfying. The balance of sweetness and a touch of salt elevates a classic pie into a memorable dessert. Perfect for fall or any time a comforting pie is needed.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

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

Chocolate shortbread dough is filled with rich, homemade caramel sauce for a decadent treat. The combination of chocolate and caramel creates a perfect sweet-salty balance. Ideal for holidays, gift-giving, or any festive gathering, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Each cookie delivers indulgence in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

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.

Browned butter adds a deep, nutty richness to soft snickerdoodles, while swirls of salted caramel elevate classic flavors. A touch of cinnamon gives warmth and aroma, creating a cozy treat. Crispy edges and tender centers make every bite irresistible. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

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

Tender cake bakes over a sticky layer of apples coated in brown sugar and butter, creating a caramelized topping. Each slice offers a perfect balance of soft cake and gooey fruit. Warm spices enhance the fall flavors, making it an inviting dessert for gatherings. Simple yet impressive for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Gochujang Caramel Cookies

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

Sweet caramel is paired with a subtle spicy kick for an adventurous flavor combination. Chewy cookies provide a fun, unexpected twist for those who love bold desserts. Perfect for holiday baking or trying something new, each bite surprises and delights. A unique treat for flavor explorers.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Banana Caramel Cake

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

Moist banana cake gains extra richness from a luscious caramel topping, creating a dessert that tastes bakery-made. Using a boxed cake mix keeps it easy and approachable while still delivering impressive flavor. Sweet, tender, and flavorful, it’s a dessert that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

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

Chocolate brownie meets creamy cheesecake and spiced caramel apples in a layered fall dessert. The combination delivers indulgence with each bite, offering rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and soft cheesecake textures. Easy to make yet elegant enough for gatherings, it’s a seasonal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

Salted Caramel S’mores

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

Gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and salted caramel stack into an indulgent treat. Crispy graham crackers provide the perfect crunch, balancing the sweet and salty layers. Quick and simple, these s’mores make a fun dessert for parties or cozy nights in. Each bite is rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel S’mores

Caramel Swirl Brownies

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

Chocolate and caramel swirl together for a rich, decadent brownie with a moist texture. Keto-friendly and gluten-free, they appeal to a wide audience without compromising flavor. Perfect for parties or family dessert, these brownies combine indulgence and simplicity. Easy to make, they impress both visually and in taste.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Swirl Brownies

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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