Description
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. This dessert is ideal for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family gathering, or just craving something sweet. It’s a decadent, easy-to-make treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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.
Instructions
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Layer the Caramel: Pour the warm caramel sauce over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
- 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:
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280-320 kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g