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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    25 Caramel Recipes You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner

    Published: Jan 14, 2025 by Maggie Unzueta

    A caramel cheesecake sits on a white cake stand, with a thick caramel layer on top and whipped cream dollops around the edge. The sides of the cheesecake show a crumbly crust and creamy filling, partially sliced. A striped cloth is in the background.

    This collection of caramel recipes is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or any time you’re craving sweet indulgence. From decadent cakes and cookies to creative caramel-dipped treats, these recipes offer a variety of textures and flavors to delight every palate. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a festive dessert, or simply treating yourself, these caramel creations bring comfort and joy to the table. Get ready to savor the rich, golden goodness of caramel in every bite.

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

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Caramel Cheesecake
    • 2 Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
    • 3 Creamy Salted Caramel Mousse
    • 4 Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting
    • 5 Panqué de Nuez (Pecan Loaf Bread)
    • 6 Turtle Pie
    • 7 Empanadas de Cajeta (Caramel Empanadas)
    • 8 Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
    • 9 Dulce de Leche Donuts
    • 10 Salted Caramel Pecan Bars
    • 11 Easy DIY Caramel Apples – Autumn and Halloween Treat
    • 12 Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip
    • 13 Chocolate Caramel Cookies
    • 14 Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping
    • 15 Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Cookies
    • 16 Real Deal Caramel Cake
    • 17 Autumn Caramel Apple Cookies
    • 18 Caramel Apple Angel Food Cake
    • 19 Gluten Free Apple Pie Bars
    • 20 Carmelitas
    • 21 Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars
    • 22 Pumpkin Spice Mudslide Martini with Baileys
    • 23 Caramel Apple Tartlets – Mini Tarts
    • 24 Turon with Lemongrass Spiced Caramel
    • 25 Carmelita Bars (Gooey Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Cookies!)

    Caramel Cheesecake

    A caramel cheesecake sits on a white cake stand, with a thick caramel layer on top and whipped cream dollops around the edge. The sides of the cheesecake show a crumbly crust and creamy filling, partially sliced. A striped cloth is in the background.
    Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bonni Bakery.

    This baked caramel cheesecake is rich, creamy, and topped with luscious homemade caramel sauce. A classic dessert that’s always a hit.
    Get Recipe: Caramel Cheesecake

    Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

    A close-up of a scoop of caramel ice cream in a waffle cone. The ice cream is drizzled with a thick, glossy caramel sauce, creating a mouth-watering and indulgent treat against a plain, light gray background.
    Dulce de Leche Ice Cream. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Dulce de Leche ice cream is a delicious treat you can whip up at home. Each creamy bite is like a trip to a land full of sweetness and joy.

    Get Recipe: Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

    Creamy Salted Caramel Mousse

    A round blue dish filled with creamy vanilla ice cream swirled with thick caramel sauce. A spoon is scooping out a portion of the ice cream, revealing its smooth and rich texture. The dish handles are visible on either side against a dark background.
    Creamy Salted Caramel Mousse. Photo credit: Baking Ginger.

    Rich, fluffy, and perfectly salted, this caramel mousse is a sophisticated dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.
    Get Recipe: Creamy Salted Caramel Mousse

    Pumpkin Cupcakes with 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 Caramel Frosting. Mama Maggies Kitchen

    Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cajeta Frosting are the perfect fall dessert to brighten up a cool day. You’ll love every bite!

    Get Recipe: Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cajeta Frosting

    Panqué de Nuez (Pecan Loaf Bread)

    A loaf of pecan bread on a wooden cutting board, topped with caramel drizzle and chopped nuts. Two slices are cut and placed in front of the loaf, revealing a moist interior with visible nut pieces.
    Panque de Nuez. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    This moist and buttery Panqué de Nuez is perfect any time of day. It’s rich but super soft, with a nutty cinnamon flavor. Topped with Mexican caramel and pecans, it won’t last long!

    Get Recipe: Panqué de Nuez

    Turtle Pie

    A slice of creamy cheesecake with a dark cookie crust on a white plate. The cheesecake is topped with swirls of chocolate and caramel sauce, whipped cream, and pecan pieces. A fork is placed beside the slice.
    Turtle Pie. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

    Turtle Pie combines a rich caramel filling, chocolate drizzle, and pecans in a no-bake cookie crust. It’s as easy as it is decadent.
    Get Recipe: Turtle Pie

    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.
    Empanadas de Cajeta. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    You’ll be hooked on Empanadas de Cajeta! These golden pastries, stuffed with gooey Mexican caramel, are a sweet treat you can’t resist.

    Get recipe: Empanadas de Cajeta

    Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

    A group of puff pastries topped with caramelized apple chunks are arranged on a cooling rack. The pastries are sprinkled with sugar, and two cinnamon sticks are visible in the corner. The background is a warm, textured surface.
    Caramel Apple Pie Cookies. Photo credit: Cambrea Bakes.

    All the flavors of apple pie in a bite-sized cookie! These puff pastry treats with caramel drizzle are perfect for fall.
    Get Recipe: Caramel Apple Pie Cookies

    Dulce de Leche Donuts

    A close-up of several doughnuts coated in powdered sugar, arranged on a plate. The doughnuts have a golden-brown crust, and the powdered sugar is generously sprinkled, creating a sweet and inviting appearance.
    Dulce de Leche Donuts. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    Dulce de Leche Donuts are a tasty Mexican treat that goes great with coffee! They’re made from pre-made dough and are perfect for fun gatherings and parties!

    Get Recipe: Dulce de Leche Donuts

    Salted Caramel Pecan Bars

    Close-up of stacked caramel nut bars with a crumbly base and a golden brown top layer packed with chopped nuts, showcasing their rich texture and mouthwatering appearance.
    Salted Caramel Pecan Bars. Photo credit: Cambrea Bakes.

    These bars combine a buttery crust, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans for an irresistible dessert. Easier than pie, they’re perfect for gatherings.
    Get Recipe: Salted Caramel Pecan Bars

    Easy DIY Caramel Apples – Autumn and Halloween Treat

    Caramel apples with fake spiders on top are displayed on a white plate, surrounded by decorative skeleton hands. The apples are glossy and appear freshly coated, creating a spooky Halloween-themed treat.
    Easy DIY Caramel Apples – Autumn and Halloween Treat. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Make Halloween extra special with these DIY caramel apples. Juicy apples coated in rich caramel are an easy and fun seasonal treat.
    Get Recipe: Easy DIY Caramel Apples – Autumn and Halloween Treat

    Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip

    A close-up view of a caramel apple dip in a glass bowl. The top is garnished with chopped pecans and a sliced apple wedge, placed for dipping. The creamy texture of the dip and the caramel sauce are clearly visible.
    Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This caramel apple cheesecake dip is creamy, sweet, and perfect for fall parties. Pair with apple slices for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
    Get Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip

    Chocolate Caramel Cookies

    A plate of rich, dark chocolate cookies sprinkled with flaky sea salt. One cookie has a bite taken out, revealing a gooey center. A hand reaches in to grab one. The cookies are on a white marble surface.
    Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    Soft, chewy, and bursting with gooey caramel, these double chocolate cookies are a decadent delight for any occasion.
    Get Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

    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 cheesecakes with apple topping and streusel are a bite-sized autumn dessert. Perfectly portioned and irresistibly delicious!
    Get Recipe: Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping

    Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Cookies

    A tray of round cookies topped with caramel and chocolate drizzle. The cookies are neatly arranged on a dark plate. Small caramel candies and chocolate chips are scattered in the background.
    Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Made in a Pinch.

    These cookies combine buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate for a treat that’s as good as your favorite candy bar.
    Get Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Cookies

    Real Deal Caramel Cake

    A caramel cake with smooth icing, viewed from above on a white plate. A slice is being lifted out, revealing layers of cake underneath the caramel topping. A fork and knife are seen beside the plate on a napkin.
    Real Deal Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes.

    This Southern caramel cake features moist buttery layers topped with scratch-made caramel icing. It’s the real deal for any celebration!
    Get Recipe: Real Deal Caramel Cake

    Autumn Caramel Apple Cookies

    Four shortbread cookies stacked with caramel centers and tied with a brown ribbon, placed on a dark cutting board. The background is a light-toned kitchen setting.
    Autumn Caramel Apple Cookies. Photo credit: The Instant Pot Table.

    Chewy, spiced, and packed with caramel and apple flavors, these cookies are fall in every bite. A must-have treat for the season.
    Get Recipe: Autumn Caramel Apple Cookies

    Caramel Apple Angel Food Cake

    A round caramel apple cake topped with caramel glaze and decorated with cinnamon-dusted apple slices. The cake is set on a white plate with a couple of forks nearby. A green cloth and a cinnamon stick are in the background.
    Caramel Apple Angel Food Cake. Photo credit: Live to Sweet.

    Light, fluffy angel food cake meets the warmth of caramel and spiced apples. This dessert is a delightful mix of airy and rich flavors.
    Get Recipe: Caramel Apple Angel Food Cake

    Gluten Free Apple Pie Bars

    A close-up of a dessert bar topped with chopped nuts and a caramel drizzle. The textured topping appears crunchy and golden brown, with hints of the gooey filling peeking through. The lighting highlights the rich, inviting colors.
    Gluten Free Apple Pie Bars. Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

    These apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and streusel topping. Drizzled with caramel, they’re gluten-free and irresistible.
    Get Recipe: Gluten Free Apple Pie Bars

    Carmelitas

    Top view of a white marble surface scattered with square chocolate chip oatmeal bars drizzled with caramel. Chocolate chips are sprinkled around the bars, adding texture and contrast to the composition.
    Carmelitas. Photo credit: Crayons + Cravings.

    Carmelitas are the ultimate dessert bars with layers of caramel, chocolate, and a buttery oatmeal crust. They’re chewy, gooey, and absolutely delicious.
    Get Recipe: Carmelitas

    Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars

    Close-up of rich, dark chocolate bark with glossy caramel swirls, topped with chopped nuts. The textured surface reveals layers of creamy chocolate and crunchy nut pieces, set on a wooden surface against a dark backdrop.
    Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars. Photo credit: In The Kitch.

    These nutty, gooey chocolate caramel bars are made with hazelnuts, cream, and chocolate. A simple homemade candy that’s pure indulgence.
    Get Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Caramel Bars

    Pumpkin Spice Mudslide Martini with Baileys

    A creamy dessert served in a cocktail glass, drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with a dusting of nutmeg. A cinnamon stick garnishes the rim. Warm, inviting colors create a cozy atmosphere.
    Pumpkin Spice Mudslide Martini with Baileys. Photo credit: A Grateful Meal.

    This creamy pumpkin spice mudslide martini is fall in a glass. Made with Baileys, coffee vodka, and pumpkin, it’s the ultimate seasonal cocktail.
    Get Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Mudslide Martini with Baileys

    Caramel Apple Tartlets – Mini Tarts

    A small pastry cup filled with caramelized diced apples sits on a dark surface. The crust is light and flaky, while the glossy apple filling looks sweet and inviting.
    Caramel Apple Tartlets – Mini Tarts. Photo credit: Veena Azmanov.

    Buttery tart shells filled with caramel apples spiced with cinnamon make these mini tartlets a fall must-have. Simple, sweet, and satisfying.
    Get Recipe: Caramel Apple Tartlets – Mini Tarts

    Turon with Lemongrass Spiced Caramel

    Plated rolls of crispy, glazed pastries on a ceramic dish and a metal tray. Surrounded by white flowers and green leaves on a textured surface. Golden brown with a glossy finish.
    Turon with Lemongrass Spiced Caramel. Photo credit: Cinnamon Snail.

    Take your taste buds on a journey with this Filipino classic. Sweet saba bananas and jackfruit wrapped in crispy perfection, coated with a lemongrass spiced caramel, create a dessert like no other.
    Get Recipe: Turon with Lemongrass Spiced Caramel

    Carmelita Bars (Gooey Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Cookies!)

    A batch of square oatmeal bars with a golden-brown top, featuring oats and visible texture. One piece is slightly separated from the rest, revealing a chewy inside. The bars sit on a white surface.
    Carmelita Bars (Gooey Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Cookies!). Photo credit: On My Kids Plate.

    Sink your teeth into these decadent Carmelita Bars! Layers of buttery oat cookie, gooey caramel, and melty chocolate come together for the ultimate dessert.
    Get Recipe: Carmelita Bars (Gooey Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies)

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