37 Caramel Dessert Recipes

By Southern Living

Caramel lends its salty and sweet flavor to these luscious cakes, pies, and more. 

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Caramel Cake

Southern Living

Recipe: Caramel Cake

This old-fashioned cake will seal your reputation as a baker.

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Old-Fashioned Caramel Cupcakes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Old-Fashioned Caramel Cupcakes

Old-Fashioned Caramel is a cupcake that can't be rushed. It's a true labor of love. The caramel has to cool for a while before you can make the frosting, and then you need to use the frosting right away. If the frosting gets too thick to spread, add just a little cream or milk to make it spreadable. But rest assured—It is definitely worth the effort.

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Caramel-Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Caramel-Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

From the kitchen of Jennifer Mchenry, bakeorbreak.com

"Growing up in Mississippi, baking was a way of life. If someone you love is a fan of chocolate and caramel, these are a quick, easy way to create a little happiness."

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The Jam Cake

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: The Jam Cake

The origins of jam cake lie deep in Appalachia where store-bought sugar was once scarce. Cakes were often sweetened with homemade jams, filled with wild berries and mountain fruits. The payoff for the genius swap? Rich, dense cake layers with a depth of flavor sugar alone can't deliver.

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Caramel Apple Blondie Pie

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Caramel Apple Blondie Pie

Buttery rich layers of tender cake and caramelized apples add up to one sweet combo. The secret to the crisp, flaky crust? Baking in a cast-iron skillet on a lower oven rack.

Cooking Video: Caramel Apple Blondie Pie

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Cornbread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Recipe: Cornbread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel

For a different look, bake in 8 to 10 lightly greased 8-oz. ramekins in a jelly-roll pan. Reduce covered bake time to 25 minutes; reduce uncovered bake time to 10 to 15 minutes.

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Salted Caramel-Chocolate Pecan Pie

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Salted Caramel-Chocolate Pecan Pie

A cross between a fudge pie and pecan pie, you can experiment with different looks by arranging the pecans however you like.

Cooking Video: Salted Caramel-Chocolate Pecan Pie

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Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread Pudding with Apple Brandy-Caramel Sauce

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread Pudding with Apple Brandy-Caramel Sauce 

Use Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread to make this flavorfull fall dessert.

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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Tart

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Tart

It may look like a chore, but this cheesecake tart calls for a relatively straightforward preparation: First, press the crust into the tart pan. Next, mix the cream cheese filling, fill the tart shell, and bake. Finally, gild the pie with sautéed tart apples, and paint them with melted apple jelly for a jewelled effect.

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Salted Caramel-Chocolate Pecan Pie

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Salted Caramel-Chocolate Pecan Pie

Let these Thanksgiving pies dazzle on your dessert table this year. From to-die-for pumpkin cheesecake to tried-and-true apple—guests won't be able to resist these Thanksgiving sweets.

A cross between a fudge pie and pecan pie, this is all the more stunning if you arrange the pecans from the center in a spiral pattern.

Cooking Video: Salted Caramel-Chocolate Pecan Pie

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Apple Stack Cake

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Apple Stack Cake

Use six disposable 8-inch aluminum cake pans to create the layers of this stunning cake. Prepare the filling up to three days before assembling the cake.

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Caramel Apple Fantans

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Caramel Apple Fantans

Use any firm cooking apple, such as 'Jonagold' or 'Honeycrisp,' or a combo for extra flavor and texture.

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White Chocolate-Cranberry Crème Brûlée

Photo: Jennifer Davick/ Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell & Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: White Chocolate-Cranberry Crème Brûlée

Canned cranberry sauce adds tart, fruity flavor to this caramelized sugar-crusted custard. Garnish with fresh cranberries with edible gold leaf. Order gold leaf online from surlatable.com, fancyflours.com, or goldleafcompany.com; a splurge worthwhile, it will last for years if stored in a dry place.

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Caramel-Cream Cheese Flan

Photo: Jennifer Davick/ Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell & Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Caramel-Cream Cheese Flan

A heavenly marriage of cheesecake and custard, Caramel-Cream Cheese Flan is sent to the table with effortless style. Sugar is caramelized in a cake pan on the stovetop and then cooled and baked beneath a creamy layer of custard. After chilling, the hardened caramel melts, covering the top and sides of the inverted flan.

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Caramel-Pecan Tart

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett; Food Styling: Angela Sellers

Recipe: Caramel-Pecan Tart

Surprisingly easy to make, this pecan and caramel dessert recipe pairs the cookie-like crispness of shortbread with a buttery-rich brown sugar-and-honey topping.

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Southern-Style Caramel Apples

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Southern-Style Caramel Apples

Branch out and get creative with some of our favorite caramel apple toppings. We used Southern magnolia twigs; other branches may render the apples inedible. When in doubt, use craft sticks or large pretzel sticks.

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Caramel-Pecan Bars

Photo: Jennifer Davick/ Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell & Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Caramel-Pecan Bars

Caramelized brown sugar and toasted pecans make an irresistible combination. Pour this mixture over a shortbread crust and bake for delectable, chewy bars. They transport easily to take to a party or give as a gift.

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Pecan-Caramel Crunch Ice Cream

Southern Living

Recipe: Pecan-Caramel Crunch Ice Cream

Praline lovers: This is your ice cream. Packed with crunchy bits of a homemade caramel crisp, this creamy mixture has a caramel flavor and caramel topping.

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Caramel-Pecan-Pumpkin Bread Puddings

Photo: Jim Franco; Styling: Lynda White

Recipe: Caramel-Pecan-Pumpkin Bread Puddings

This recipe is a great way to use the delicious, seasonal flavor of pumpkin. If you're short on time (or dishes) you can make this in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

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Caramel-Pecan Pie

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Caramel-Pecan Pie

Create this rich gooey caramel pecan pie for your family and friends. It is a perfect special occasion pie.

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Salted Caramel-Chocolate Cupcakes

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Salted Caramel-Chocolate Cupcakes

These cupcakes may well be the ultimate in cupcake decadence with cream cheese and butter in the cake batter, a chocolate toppping, and then a caramel-cream cheese frosting with flaked salt. You'll see that salt really does bring out the flavor of the sweet.

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Candy Bar Pie

Southern Living

Recipe: Candy Bar Pie

A deliciously sweet filling made with chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel is the perfect match for the salty crunch of an over-the-rim pretzel crust. Pottery pie plates, like this pretty blue dish, vary in size and shape, so we don’t often use them for baking – but they do make colorful serving pieces and most are large enough to hold a 9-inch glass pie plate.

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Salted Caramel Strawberries

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Leigh Anne Montgomery

Recipe: Salted Caramel Strawberries 

Simple yet elegant, these sweet and salty confections are sure to impress your guests at a party. A hint of salt added to melted caramel creates a wonderful flavor combination on top of one of summer’s best fruits. Cover with chopped mixed nuts for an extra crunch and beautiful presentation.

More Strawberry Recipes

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Caramel-Apple Muffins

Southern Living

Recipe: Caramel-Apple Muffins

Sautéed apple slices baked beneath the batter turn these special muffins into miniature apple upside-down cakes. The same recipe also makes two luscious loaves of apple bread – perfect for fall picnics and tailgating.

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Caramel Apple-Pear Cobbler with Oatmeal Muffin Crust

Southern Living

Recipe: Caramel Apple-Pear Cobbler With Oatmeal Muffin Crust

No rolling pin required for this company-worthy cobbler! Sautée the apples and pears in brown sugar and butter, then pour on the crust and bake.

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Tiny Caramel Tarts

Photo: Jennifer Davick/ Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell & Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Tiny Caramel Tarts

These tasty bite-size tarts are filled with creamy caramel and are perfect for a dessert buffet. Add a festive touch by sprinkling tarts with finely chopped chocolate, crystallized ginger, toffee, or Buttered Pecans.

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Caramel-Pecan Oatmeal Bars

Southern Living

Recipe: Caramel-Pecan Oatmeal Bars

When you’re in the mood for cookies, try one of chocolate-filled, caramel-topped treats. They are easy to make, especially with the head start of a cake mix. Serve with a cold glass of milk.

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Caramel Custard

Southern Living

Recipe: Caramel Custard

Don’t be intimidated by making custard; give it a water bath and you’re sure to have a delicious dessert for entertaining. You’d never know it’s a light recipe.

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Caramel-Pecan Cheesecake Bars

Southern Living

Recipe: Caramel-Pecan Cheesecake Bars

These delicious bars combine two of our dessert favorites: cheesecake and caramel. The Quick Caramel Icing also tastes great on Chocolate-Caramel Sheet Cake; make both cakes for a special dessert presentation, as pictured.

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Spiced Caramel-Apple Bread Pudding

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Spiced Caramel-Apple Bread Pudding

This spice-filled bread pudding is significantly lower in sugar and fat than traditional versions. Drizzle with Toasted Pecan-Caramel Sauce, and indulge.

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Caramel Apples

Southern Living

Recipe: Caramel Apples

These gourmet apples are double dipped in melted chocolate and caramel, then rolled in toasted pecans. For an even quicker treat using caramel apple wraps, try our Candy Apples.

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Caramel Italian Cream Cake

Photo: Jennifer Davick/ Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell & Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Caramel Italian Cream Cake

Brown sugar is the shortcut to quick caramel flavor in both the cake layers and the frosting of this take on Italian Cream Cake. Take the cake's presentation from simple to sophisticated with toasted flakes of shaved coconut.

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Double Chocolate Brownies with Caramel Frosting

Southern Living

Recipe: Double Chocolate Brownies with Caramel Frosting

These indulgent bars are filled with toasted chopped pecans and semisweet chocolate morsels and topped with a warm caramel frosting. What more can you ask out of a brownie?

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Homemade Chocolate-Dipped Caramels

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Homemade Chocolate-Dipped Caramels

The hot caramel mixture needs to be poured immediately after stirring in vanilla, so be sure to butter your pan ahead of time.

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Death by Caramel Bars

Southern Living

Recipe: Death by Caramel Bars

Pockets of caramel goo are the highlight of these showy bar cookies. For an over-the-top dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.

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Caramel Pound Cake

Southern Living

Recipe: Caramel Pound Cake

Caramel lovers will rave about this decadent dessert. We’ve topped the moist cake with sinfully sweet Caramel Frosting.

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Brandy-Caramel Sauce

Southern Living

Recipe: Brandy-Caramel Sauce

This sauce is super easy—no worrying about scorching the sugar as with traditional caramel sauces. It's also terrific without the brandy. Serve it atop Ice-Cream Puffs or your favorite ice cream or cake.

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