52 carmel topping recipes

Ultimate caramel nut brownies with a gooey caramel-pecan layer sandwiched between two layers of fudgy unsweetened chocolate brownie. Rich, layered, and completely over the top.

German chocolate cake from scratch with a cooked coconut-pecan frosting. Three layers of buttermilk chocolate cake topped with a rich, chewy caramel-style filling.

Classic French apple tarte Tatin with Granny Smith apples caramelized in a skillet and topped with buttery homemade pastry. A stunning upside-down dessert with deep golden caramel.

Chocolate cocoa cookies with a Rolo candy hidden inside, topped with finely ground nuts. Bite through the crackled shell to hit molten caramel.

Candied sweet potatoes layered with brown sugar, butter, and salt, baked until glazed and topped with toasted marshmallows. A classic Thanksgiving side dish with caramelized edges and a gooey finish.

Terry's turtle cake layers chocolate cake with melted caramel, chocolate chips, and pecans, then tops with more batter for a gooey caramel center. A church potluck classic on a doctored cake mix base.

Grilled bananas cooked in their peels until caramelized and soft, split open and topped with powdered sugar, sour cream, and toasted coconut. A two-ingredient grill dessert.

Pineapple lemon upside-down muffins with crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, brown sugar, and lemon zest baked in whole wheat. Flip them out for a caramelized top.

Butterscotch pecan rolls baked in muffin tins: soft cinnamon-swirl yeast dough over a brown-sugar-pecan bottom that caramelizes into a sticky topping when flipped out warm.

Egyptian lentils (koshari) with rice and elbow macaroni topped with spicy tomato-vinegar sauce and crispy caramelized onions. A hearty vegan comfort dish.

Cornmeal and whole wheat pizza dough topped with caramelized Vidalia onion marmalade, dry-cured ham, Roma tomatoes, and melted Fontina cheese.

Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake), a classic German yeast cake with a caramelized almond topping and vanilla pudding filling. A bakery favorite made at home.

Buttery shortbread cookies topped with caramel, coated in melted chocolate, and pressed with chopped pecans. Homemade Turtle-style candy cookies that make a gorgeous gift box treat.

Spectacular French apple dessert with caramelized apples layered in Calvados-soaked brioche, pressed overnight, topped with hot apples for elegant dinner party finale.

Rich chocolate cookies with a gooey caramel candy hidden inside, topped with chopped pecans and drizzled with melted fondant. Makes 4 dozen stuffed cookies.

Caramelized pears cooked in butter, sugar, brandy, and lemon juice until golden and tender. An elegant French-style dessert topping ready in 30 minutes.