• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Mamá Maggie's Kitchen
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • By Category
    • Agua Frescas
    • Appetizers
    • Beef
    • Breakfast
    • Chicken
    • Dessert
    • Drinks
    • Pork
    • Salsa Recipes
    • Seafood
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup
    • Tamales
    • Vegetarian
  • Contact
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • By Category
      • Agua Frescas
      • Appetizers
      • Beef
      • Breakfast
      • Chicken
      • Dessert
      • Drinks
      • Pork
      • Salsa Recipes
      • Seafood
      • Side Dishes
      • Soup
      • Tamales
      • Vegetarian
    • Contact
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipe Roundups

    25 Caramel Dessert Recipes You Didn’t Know You Were Missing Out On

    Published: Apr 4, 2025 by Maggie Unzueta

    A stack of homemade caramel slice bars featuring layers of cookie base, golden caramel, and smooth chocolate topping. The top layer is sprinkled with sea salt flakes, and one bar has a bite taken out.

    Caramel dessert recipes are the ultimate sweet treat that everyone goes crazy for, and I’ve put together 25 amazing recipes you’ll love. These goodies show off caramel in all its forms – silky, golden, and perfectly sweet. They’re great for when you want to make something that feels fancy but isn’t too hard to whip up. From dripping cakes to smooth puddings, these recipes turn basic stuff into wow-worthy desserts. Let’s check out these awesome caramel creations you’ll want to make again and again!

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Turtle Pie
    • 2 Pumpkin Cupcakes with Mexican Caramel Frosting
    • 3 Caramel Apple Cheesecake
    • 4 Empanadas de Cajeta (Caramel Empanadas)
    • 5 Caramel Pecan Slab Pie
    • 6 Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
    • 7 Caramel Apple Tartlets
    • 8 Cajeta (Mexican Caramel Sauce)
    • 9 Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake
    • 10 Tamales de Cajeta (Caramel Tamales)
    • 11 Chocolate Covered Apple Slices (Caramel Turtle)
    • 12 Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars (Millionaire Squares)
    • 13 Salted Caramel Banana Cake
    • 14 The Most WONDERFUL Pumpkin Cake
    • 15 Salted Caramel Cheesecake
    • 16 Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Made with a Cake Mix
    • 17 Best Caramel Nice Cream
    • 18 Caramel Apple Crumble (Vegan)
    • 19 Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping
    • 20 Easy Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Blondie Bars
    • 21 Salted Caramel Profiteroles
    • 22 Salted Caramel Ice Cream
    • 23 Caramel Cake
    • 24 Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups
    • 25 Caramel Apple Snack Cake with Browned Butter Frosting

    Turtle Pie

    A slice of creamy pie with a chocolate crust on a white plate, topped with whipped cream, drizzled with caramel and chocolate syrups, and garnished with pecans.
    Turtle Pie. Photo credit: Chenee Today.

    Chocolate, caramel and pecans in a crust – Turtle Pie has it all. It’s one of those caramel dessert recipes that’s perfect for chocolate lovers!
    Get the Recipe: Turtle Pie

    Pumpkin Cupcakes with Mexican Caramel Frosting

    A close-up of several pumpkin spice cupcakes with swirled cajeta frosting and caramel drizzle, arranged on a dark surface. A pine cone, a large pumpkin, and a mason jar with sauce are in the background. The scene has a cozy autumnal atmosphere.
    Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cajeta Frosting. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

    When fall comes around, these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cajeta Frosting are the best thing ever. The spicy pumpkin and sweet caramel are a perfect match!

    Get Recipe: Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cajeta Frosting

    Caramel Apple Cheesecake

    A caramel apple cheesecake with a crumbly crust on a white marble surface. The cheesecake is topped with caramel sauce and chopped nuts. Green apples and a wooden spoon are partially visible in the background.
    Caramel Apple Cheesecake. Photo credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

    Apple pie meets cheesecake in this Caramel Apple Cheesecake. It’s one of those caramel dessert recipes that combines two favorites perfectly!
    Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake

    Empanadas de Cajeta (Caramel Empanadas)

    Top view of a plate with two flaky pastries cut in half, revealing their cinnamon-sugar coating. To the right is a cooling rack with more pastries, and a jar of spread with a spoon inside it sits above the plate.

    Flaky pastry stuffed with gooey caramel – Empanadas de Cajeta are like little pockets of happiness. They’re perfect for when you need a sweet handheld treat!

    Get Recipe: Empanadas de Cajeta

    Caramel Pecan Slab Pie

    Close-up of a square, nutty dessert bar drizzled with caramel, resting on parchment paper. The bar has a crumbly top with visible nuts, contrasting with the creamy interior.
    Caramel Pecan Slab Pie. Photo credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

    Pecans and caramel in flaky crust – this Slab Pie feeds a crowd. It’s one of those caramel dessert recipes perfect for holiday parties!
    Get the Recipe: Caramel Pecan Slab Pie

    Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

    A pan of caramel swirl ice cream with a scoop resting on top, next to four empty waffle cones. A jar of caramel sauce with a wooden spoon is beside the pan, on a marble surface.
    Dulce de Leche Ice Cream. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

    Creamy Dulce de Leche Ice Cream is packed with rich caramel flavor. It’s the perfect cold treat when you want something sweet and satisfying!

    Get Recipe: Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

    Caramel Apple Tartlets

    Four apple puff pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Each pastry has slices of apple neatly arranged on a golden-brown, flaky crust. A striped cloth is partially visible in the background.
    Caramel Apple Tartlets. Photo credit: Confetti & Bliss.

    Cute little Caramel Apple Tartlets are perfect for parties. They’re one of those caramel dessert recipes that look fancy but are simple to make!
    Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Tartlets

    Cajeta (Mexican Caramel Sauce)

    A close-up of creamy, rich caramel sauce being drizzled from a spoon into a glass jar. The sauce appears smooth and glossy, with a few streaks on the rim of the jar, indicating its thick and luscious texture.

    Cajeta is a super smooth caramel sauce made from goat’s milk that makes everything taste better. Pour it over ice cream or fruit for an amazing sweet treat you’ll love!

    Get Recipe: Cajeta

    Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

    A bundt cake on a wire rack is being drizzled with caramel sauce, making the cake appear glossy and golden.
    Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake. Photo credit: Chenee Today.

    Super moist Kentucky Butter Cake soaked in caramel sauce is pure comfort food. It’s one of those caramel dessert recipes people ask for again and again!
    Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake

    Tamales de Cajeta (Caramel Tamales)

    A caramel tamal, inspired by classic tamales recipes, with glossy caramel sauce drizzled on top and garnished with two pecan halves, rests on a textured brown surface.
    Cajeta Tamales. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Sweet and delicious Tamales de Cajeta take you straight to flavor town with their sugary goodness. This traditional Mexican treat is so good it’ll disappear fast!

    Get Recipe: Tamales de Cajeta

    Chocolate Covered Apple Slices (Caramel Turtle)

    A round, chocolate-covered treat on a stick with caramel drizzle and chopped pecans on top, resting on parchment paper. Small caramel drips are visible around it.
    Chocolate Covered Apple Slices (Caramel Turtle). Photo credit: Basics with Bails.

    These Chocolate Covered Apple Slices are dipped in caramel and nuts for a crunchy, sweet snack. They’re one of the most fun caramel dessert recipes to make and eat!
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Apple Slices (Caramel Turtle)

    Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars (Millionaire Squares)

    A stack of homemade caramel slice bars featuring layers of cookie base, golden caramel, and smooth chocolate topping. The top layer is sprinkled with sea salt flakes, and one bar has a bite taken out.
    Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars (Millionaire Squares). Photo credit: Basics with Bails.

    Buttery shortbread, creamy caramel and chocolate make these Millionaire Squares unbelievably good. They’re one of those caramel dessert recipes that look fancy but are easy to make!
    Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars (Millionaire Squares)

    Salted Caramel Banana Cake

    Close-up of a creamy dessert topped with a caramel swirl, creating a marble effect. A jar filled with more caramel sauce and a spoon is in the background.
    Salted Caramel Banana Cake. Photo credit: Of Jen Sweets.

    This Salted Caramel Banana Cake mixes ripe bananas with sweet caramel for the perfect combo. It’s one of those caramel dessert recipes that’s great for using up old bananas!
    Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Banana Cake

    The Most WONDERFUL Pumpkin Cake

    A partially sliced pumpkin cake with cream frosting is on a white cake stand. Three pumpkin-shaped decorations sit on top. Two white plates, each with a cake slice and a fork, are nearby. Two small decorative pumpkins are in the background.
    The Most WONDERFUL Pumpkin Cake. Photo credit: Of Jen Sweets.

    Spiced pumpkin cake with caramel glaze – this Pumpkin Cake is fall on a plate. It’s one of those caramel dessert recipes that makes holidays extra special!
    Get the Recipe: The Most WONDERFUL Pumpkin Cake

    Salted Caramel Cheesecake

    A caramel cheesecake topped with sea salt flakes sits on a wooden board. A light green cloth and a small bowl are nearby. The scene is set on a white surface with a serving utensil to the side.
    Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Ask Chef Dennis.

    Creamy cheesecake with caramel swirls – this Salted Caramel Cheesecake is restaurant quality. It’s one of those caramel dessert recipes worth the extra effort!
    Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

    Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Made with a Cake Mix

    Close-up of a crumbly caramel shortbread slice with a thick caramel layer sandwiched between a soft, golden crust and a crumb topping. Several slices are stacked together in the background.
    Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Made with a Cake Mix. Photo credit: Practically Homemade.

    Easy Cake Mix Bars loaded with caramel are perfect for busy days. They’re one of those caramel dessert recipes that save time without skimping on flavor!
    Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Made with a Cake Mix

    Best Caramel Nice Cream

    A white bowl filled with creamy dessert, topped with dark chocolate sauce drizzles. A metal spoon is placed inside, with the bowl sitting on a white plate, resting on a marble surface.
    Best Caramel Nice Cream. Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    Healthy Caramel Nice Cream made from bananas is creamy and dreamy. It’s one of those caramel desserts you can feel good about eating!
    Get the Recipe: Best Caramel Nice Cream

    Caramel Apple Crumble (Vegan)

    A skillet filled with apple crisp, topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and two cinnamon sticks. It rests on a woven placemat, with a cloth and star-shaped ornament nearby, and an ice cream scoop with residue on a wooden surface.
    Caramel Apple Crumble (Vegan). Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    Warm apples and crunchy topping make this Vegan Apple Crumble delicious. It’s one of those caramel dessert recipes everyone can enjoy!
    Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Crumble (Vegan)

    Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping

    Close-up of caramel apple cupcakes topped with whipped cream and drizzled caramel sauce, placed on a wooden board. A green apple is in the background. The cupcakes are garnished with a crunchy topping.
    Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    These Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes are the perfect little treats with creamy filling and crunchy topping. They’re exactly what you want when looking for caramel dessert recipes that feel extra special. Each mini cheesecake packs big flavor that’ll wow your friends at parties!
    Get the Recipe: Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping

    Easy Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Blondie Bars

    Top view of peanut butter bars on a cooling rack, topped with chopped peanuts. A bowl of peanuts and a knife are nearby on a white surface. A small bowl with swirled peanut butter is at the bottom.
    Easy Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Blondie Bars. Photo credit: The Simple Sweet Life.

    Chewy and packed with flavor, these Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Blondie Bars mix two favorite tastes. They’re one of those caramel dessert recipes people beg you to make. Great for snacks or dessert anytime!
    Get the Recipe: Easy Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Blondie Bars

    Salted Caramel Profiteroles

    Golden cream puffs with glossy caramel glaze, one cut in half revealing a creamy white filling. Edible gold leaf adorns a few puffs on a white background.
    Salted Caramel Profiteroles. Photo credit: Teak & Thyme.

    These Salted Caramel Profiteroles are light pastry puffs stuffed with cream and topped with caramel. They’re one of the fanciest caramel dessert recipes that’s actually easy to make. Perfect for impressing guests!
    Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Profiteroles

    Salted Caramel Ice Cream

    A rectangular container filled with caramel-swirl ice cream, topped with a scoop. Surrounding the container are empty waffle cones, caramel sauce jars, a milk bottle, and a spoon. Wrinkled cloth and caramel drippings are scattered around.
    Salted Caramel Ice Cream. Photo credit: Confetti & Bliss.

    Sweet and salty Salted Caramel Ice Cream is the perfect treat. It’s one of those caramel dessert recipes you’ll want all summer long!
    Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Ice Cream

    Caramel Cake

    A slice of creamy two-layer cheesecake with a light frosting sits on a decorative plate. In the background, the rest of the cake is on a silver tray, accompanied by a glass of milk and a jar.
    Caramel Cake. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

    This Caramel Cake is super moist with layers of sweet caramel frosting. It’s one of those caramel dessert recipes everyone remembers. Bake it for birthdays or special dinners!
    Get the Recipe: Caramel Cake

    Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups

    Three stacked chocolate cups with a bite taken from the top one, revealing caramel and peanut butter filling. Additional chocolate cups are nearby, sprinkled with sea salt, and a blue-and-white checkered cloth is partially visible.
    Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Chocolate cups filled with peanut butter and caramel – these Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups are dangerously good. They’re one of those caramel dessert recipes you can’t stop eating!
    Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups

    Caramel Apple Snack Cake with Browned Butter Frosting

    A top-down view of dessert squares on a white plate and cooling rack, featuring a caramel and cream swirl topping. A small bowl with caramel sauce and a spoon is beside them on a pale striped cloth. Plates and a fork are nearby.
    Caramel Apple Snack Cake with Browned Butter Frosting. Photo credit: The Simple Sweet Life.

    This Caramel Apple Snack Cake is loaded with apple chunks and caramel, then topped with amazing frosting. It’s one of those caramel dessert recipes that makes your kitchen smell incredible!
    Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Snack With Browned Butter Frosting

    More Recipe Roundups

    • A plate of creamy tomato basil chicken with a rich sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves and small tomatoes, accompanied by a light-colored napkin on the side.
      17 Slow Cooker Favorites That Make Dinner Easy
    • A white bowl filled with a hearty Mexican beef stew, featuring strips of beef and chopped green vegetables in a reddish-brown broth. A spoon and greenery are visible in the background, highlighting classic Mexican beef dishes.
      30 Bold Mexican Beef Meals to Spice Up Dinner
    • A floral-patterned plate filled with a vibrant vegetable stew, featuring sweet potatoes, carrots, and beans, garnished with lime slices. Served with brown rice, and a silver spoon rests on the plate. A lime wedge is in the corner.
      24 Instant Pot Meals You Can Count On
    • Syrup drizzling on a pile of french toast that is sitting on a white plate.
      17 Weekend-Ready Mexican Brunch Ideas

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A picture of Maggie Unzueta in her kitchen holding a coffee cup.

    iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Birria de Res, or Mexican Beef Stew, in a brown bowl topped with chopped onions and cilantro.
      Slow Cooker: Birria de Res, or Mexican Beef Stew + VIDEO
    • Camarones a la Diabla served next to white rice and lime wedges.
      Camarones a la Diabla [VIDEO]
    • Menudo, or Pancita, is Mexican comfort food at its best. Served for Sunday brunch and shared with lots of love. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen
      Mexican Menudo Recipe + VIDEO
    • Instant Pot Pork Tamales stacked and ready to cook. Surrounded by cilantro and decorative Mexican kitchenware.
      Instant Pot Pork Tamales [VIDEO]
    • Caldo de Camarón, or Mexican Shrimp Soup in a white bowl with a rich, guajillo sauce. Spoon lifting shrimp and avocado. Cilantro and lime on a dark brown table.
      Caldo de Camarón – Mexican Shrimp Soup + VIDEO
    • Carne En Su Jugo in a white bowl topped with cilantro beans bacon
      Carne En Su Jugo + VIDEO

    FEATURED IN


    Online publications Mama Maggie's Kitchen has been feature in.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Info

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Subscribe

    • Sign Up! for emails and start cooking Mexican food today!

    Contact

    • About Maggie
    • Contact

    © 2010-2025 · Mama Maggie's Kitchen ·