Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese

Introduction

Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines the smoothness of cream cheese with the deep, sweet flavor of caramel, all enhanced by a pinch of sea salt. The result is a luscious, creamy treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.

I first made this dessert when I wanted something easy yet decadent, and it quickly became a favorite among my friends and family. The best part about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare while still delivering a big impact on flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family gathering, or just craving something sweet, this dessert is sure to impress. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, salty, and sweet, and it’s the kind of treat you’ll find yourself making time and time again.

Perfect for:

• Dessert parties
• Holiday gatherings
• Special occasions
• Easy weeknight treats
• Salted caramel lovers

Why You’ll Love This Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese

Here’s why Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese will become your go-to dessert:

• Rich and Creamy: The cream cheese base adds a velvety smooth texture that perfectly complements the gooey caramel topping.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty: The combination of caramel and sea salt creates a flavor profile that is both indulgent and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, this dessert comes together quickly and doesn’t require any fancy techniques.
• Versatile: This dessert can be served on its own or paired with fruit, cookies, or crackers for extra texture.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it to friends or family, this dessert is sure to be a hit.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 280-320 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 16g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for the cream cheese layer)
• 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for cream cheese layer)
• Crushed graham crackers, cookies, or fruit for serving (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy texture and a tangy contrast to the rich sweetness of the caramel.
• Caramel: The homemade caramel sauce is made from butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream, creating a gooey, indulgent topping.
• Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt brings out the flavors of the caramel and balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the caramel sauce, making it even more flavorful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese:

Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:

1. Mix the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of a serving dish or individual cups.

Make the Caramel Sauce:

2. Cook the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
3. Add Cream and Salt: Slowly add the heavy cream to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Let the caramel mixture bubble for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
4. Cool Slightly: Allow the caramel sauce to cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the cream cheese layer. This will prevent the cream cheese from melting too much.

Assemble the Dessert:

5. Layer the Caramel: Pour the warm caramel sauce over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
6. Chill (Optional): For the best texture, refrigerate the dessert for 15-20 minutes to let it firm up a bit, or serve immediately for a gooier texture.

Serve:

7. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with crushed graham crackers, cookies, or fresh fruit for a delightful treat.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese

Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• With Crackers or Cookies: Serve the caramel cream cheese with graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or shortbread cookies for a sweet, salty crunch.
• On Fruit: Pair this dessert with fresh fruit like apple slices, strawberries, or pears for a refreshing and balanced snack.
• As a Dip: This dessert makes a perfect dip for fruit or cookies at parties.
• As a Standalone Dessert: Enjoy it by itself in a bowl or small dish as a satisfying and rich treat.

Additional Tips for Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese

Here are some tips to ensure your Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese is perfect every time:

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For the smoothest texture, make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
• Stir the Caramel Constantly: When making the caramel sauce, make sure to stir it continuously to prevent it from burning.
• Adjust the Saltiness: You can adjust the amount of sea salt depending on your preference. If you like it saltier, add a little more salt to the caramel.
• Make Ahead: This dessert can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated for an even firmer texture.
• Serve at Room Temperature: If you refrigerate the dessert, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to bring it to room temperature for a smoother texture.

Recipe Variations for Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese

Here are 10 variations you can try for Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese:

• Chocolate Salted Caramel Cream Cheese: Swirl in some melted chocolate into the caramel sauce for a chocolatey twist.
• Pumpkin Spice Salted Caramel Cream Cheese: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese layer for a seasonal flavor.
• Cinnamon Salted Caramel Cream Cheese: Mix ground cinnamon into the cream cheese for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Caramel Apple Cream Cheese: Layer slices of caramelized apples over the cream cheese before adding the caramel sauce.
• Pecan Salted Caramel Cream Cheese: Add chopped toasted pecans on top of the caramel sauce for a crunchy, nutty texture.
• Coffee Salted Caramel Cream Cheese: Stir in a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder into the caramel sauce for a coffee-flavored version.
• Churro Salted Caramel Cream Cheese: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top for a churro-inspired dessert.
• Maple Salted Caramel Cream Cheese: Replace the brown sugar in the caramel sauce with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
• Berry Salted Caramel Cream Cheese: Top the dessert with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
• No-Bake Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Bars: Press the cream cheese layer into a crust made from crushed cookies or graham crackers for a no-bake bar version.

Freezing and Storage for Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese

• Freezing: This dessert doesn’t freeze well because of the caramel sauce. It’s best served fresh or refrigerated.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The caramel may harden in the fridge, but it will soften again when served at room temperature.

Special Equipment for Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese easier:

• Hand Mixer: A hand mixer will help you achieve a smooth and fluffy cream cheese layer.
• Saucepan: Use a medium saucepan to make the caramel sauce.
• Serving Dish: A small pie dish, baking dish, or individual cups works great for this dessert.
• Whisk: A whisk helps ensure the caramel sauce is smooth and lump-free.

Frequently Asked Questions for Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly different, and the flavor may be less rich.
2. Can I make the caramel sauce in advance?
   Yes, you can make the caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before pouring it over the cream cheese layer.
3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
   While homemade caramel sauce is preferred for the best flavor, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re in a pinch.
4. Can I use a different salt?
   Sea salt is preferred because of its coarse texture, but you can use regular table salt if needed. Just use less.
5. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
   Yes, this dessert is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or cookies if necessary.

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Conclusion

Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese is the ultimate indulgence, combining rich, creamy cheese with a sweet and salty caramel topping. Whether you’re serving it as a dip or enjoying it on its own, this dessert is sure to delight with every bite. Easy to make and impossible to resist, it’s perfect for any occasion or as a special treat just for yourself.

This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is delicious, making it a great choice for everything from casual gatherings to cozy nights in. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or treating yourself to something sweet, this gooey caramel cream cheese dip is bound to be a crowd favorite.

I’d love to see how your Gooey Salted Caramel Cream Cheese turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!