25 Caramel Recipes You’ll Wish You’d Known About Sooner

Caramel recipes have a way of making any dessert feel extra special, whether you're sticking with classic favorites or trying out some fresh ideas. This collection showcases 25 recipes that take caramel to the next level, combining traditional methods with creative spins that are sure to impress. From rich and gooey to light and fluffy, each recipe brings something great to the table. So get ready to whip up some sweet treats that you'll wish you’d known about sooner!

Close-up image of easy caramel pretzel apple bark in a plate. — Easy Caramel Pretzel Apple Bark. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel)

Close up of Mandarin Cake showing the perfect caramelization. — Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A modern take on a classic mandarin cake, this version features a gooey caramel layer beneath a rich cocoa cake base, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a show-stopping treat that will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel)

Chocolate Caramel Apple Pops

These easy chocolate apple pops are a quick and sweet snack made with fresh apples, chocolate chips, and a layer of caramel sauce. The satisfying mix of textures and flavors makes them a fun and tasty option for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Apple Pops

Walnut and Buckwheat Caramel Tart

Close-up image of wlanut and buckwheat caramel tart being sliced. — Walnut and Buckwheat Caramel Tart. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This walnut and buckwheat caramel tart is a fall favorite, blending the slight bitterness of walnuts with sweet, gooey caramel in a hearty crust. The contrast of flavors and textures creates an unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Walnut and Buckwheat Caramel Tart

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.

Salted caramel and brown butter transform these snickerdoodles into chewy, cinnamon-packed cookies that are utterly irresistible. They’re a standout treat that will delight cookie lovers everywhere.
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.

Baked with brown sugar, butter, and fresh apples, this apple upside-down cake is topped with a sticky caramel glaze. Each slice is a cozy reminder of fall flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Caramel Apple Popcorn

Homemade caramel apple popcorn is a sweet, buttery snack that’s ideal for movie nights or cozy game days at home. The caramel coating adds a delightful crunch, making it a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Popcorn

Easy Caramel Pretzel Apple Bark

Made with just four ingredients, this no-bake caramel pretzel apple bark combines the tartness of green apples with rich caramel and crunchy pretzels. It’s an easy dessert that’s perfect for autumn gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caramel Pretzel Apple Bark

Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

This Pumpkin Caramel Cake features warm spices, rich caramel, and pumpkin for a moist, flavorful fall dessert that’s ready in under an hour. It’s a delightful addition to any seasonal celebration.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Salted Caramel Blondies Bar

Salted caramel blondies with a chocolate chip cookie base and dark chocolate topping. — Salted Caramel Blondies Bar. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Sweet and salty flavors come together in these Salted Caramel Blondie Bars, creating a dessert that’s hard to resist. They make a perfect snack for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Blondies Bar

Banana Caramel Cake

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

Made with a boxed cake mix, this Easy Banana Caramel Cake has a soft crumb and layers of caramel that taste bakery-fresh. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing choice that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake

Honey Caramel Apples

Honey candied apples, made with pumpkin spice honey and caramel, capture the essence of fall in a quick, sweet treat. With just three ingredients, they’re a delightful autumn dessert.
Get the Recipe: Honey Caramel Apples

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups

These salted caramel peanut butter cups are a no-fuss treat that combines creamy peanut butter with a rich caramel layer. They’re an indulgent homemade option that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cups

Mini Caramel Apples

Mini caramel apples are a fun and mess-free alternative to full-sized caramel apples. Perfect for parties or a family treat, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Mini Caramel Apples

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Topped with caramel and toffee, these triple chocolate cookies offer a rich, decadent dessert that’s hard to beat. They’re a delightful way to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Salted Caramel S'mores

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

Simple ingredients come together for these s'mores that capture the cozy flavors of a classic campfire treat. They’re a crowd-pleaser perfect for any gathering or outdoor event.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel S'mores

Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

This Salted Caramel Cake blends the gooey sweetness of caramel with a rich chocolate base, creating an indulgent dessert for any celebration. It’s an effortless recipe that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping

Mini caramel apple cheesecakes with streusel topping bring together caramel and apple in a bite-sized dessert. They’re an easy, impressive choice for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping

Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce

Small mason jar with homemade caramel sauce in it and a spoon pulling out the caramel with a blue linen behind it. — Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Dairy-free and made with simple ingredients, this homemade caramel sauce is rich and creamy, perfect for drizzling over your favorite desserts. It adds a luxurious touch to any treat.
Get the Recipe: Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce

Copycat Caramel Brulee Latte

A cup of coffee with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks topped with Nigerian Jollof Rice. — Copycat Caramel Brulee Latte. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Learn how to make the Copycat Caramel Brulee Latte at home with this straightforward recipe. Enjoy the rich caramel flavor of this café classic without leaving your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Caramel Brulee Latte

Gochujang Caramel Cookies

For a bold flavor experience, these cookies mix sweet caramel with a hint of spice. They’re a fun addition to any cookie lineup and are sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

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

Caramel Apple Dump Cake brings together the sweet, sticky flavors of caramel and apple in a cozy, easy-to-make dessert. It’s the perfect fall treat that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dump Cake

No-Bake Seal Salted Caramels

Three squares of sea salted caramel candies on a piece of paper. — No-Bake Seal Salted Caramels. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

These microwave sea-salted caramels are an easy homemade treat that packs big flavor with minimal effort. They’re a delightful option for anyone craving something sweet.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Seal Salted Caramels

Caramel Swirl Brownies

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

Caramel swirl brownies combine the richness of chocolate with sweet caramel in a moist, crowd-pleasing dessert. They’re perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Swirl Brownies

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

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

Caramel apple cheesecake brownies combine the flavors of apple, caramel, and cheesecake for a decadent dessert that’s ideal for fall. They’re easy to make and sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas

Air fryer bananas provide a quick dessert option that delivers caramelized sweetness in minutes. This simple treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas