Caramel, We're Stuck on You

Caramel makes everything better—that's a fact. So when we want something to eat by the spoonful, we go straight for the good stuff. These 25 recipes, for gooey desserts and next-level dinners, confirm that, yes, the world is a better place when it's doused in caramel.
Christopher Testani1/25Caramelized-Honey Nut and Seed Tart
This press-in crust is easier to make and handle than a buttery dough that you have to roll out.
Marcus Nilsson2/25Milk Pudding with Rose Water Caramel and Figs
Almost any fresh fruit (pears, apples, berries) can replace the figs.
Ted Cavanaugh3/25Caramel and Root Beer Float
Pour in the root beer slowly, allowing it to cascade over the ice cream, then top off until the glass is full.
Alex Lau4/25Croquembouche
Is this caramel cream-puff skyscraper a showstopper? Yes. Is it a major-league project? Yes! Here’s the strategy: Make the puffs and the pastry cream a couple of days in advance, then tackle assembly on the morning of the day you plan to serve this.
Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott5/25Caramelized-Honey Brûlée
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, time to treat yourself. They’re inexpensive and super fun to use—and you can’t make this dessert without one.
Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott6/25Chocolate-Caramel Pecan Tart
You can also bake this candy bar of a tart in an 8x8" pan, but whatever you do, toast those nuts.
Peden + Munk7/25Crab Fat–Caramel Wings
Don’t worry—you won’t need to buy any crabs to make these mind-altering wings from Hot Joy. The crab flavor comes from a jarred condiment that’s pretty easy to find at Asian markets; if not, use the shrimp version.
Christina Holmes8/25Blackberry-Vinegar Caramel Sauce
This revelatory sauce starts with a dry caramel, meaning no water is added to the sugar. It will take on color quickly and is less likely to crystallize.
Tuukka Koski9/25Caramel-Dipped Popovers with Chocolate Mousse
These savory popovers are made with cheddar cheese, which keeps the dessert from veering into overly sweet territory.
10/25Brown Butter–Polenta Cake with Maple Caramel
For a moist cake, be sure to use finely ground polenta labeled “quick-cooking” or “instant”; cooking times listed on the package will be five minutes or less.
Marcus Nilsson11/25Bourbon–Sea Salt Caramels
Sweetened condensed milk makes for an extra-luscious confection.
12/25Hazelnut Butter Cake with Sea Salt Caramel
This hazelnut butter cake is covered in a decadent sea salt caramel that will fit in a small saucepan, but make sure you use something larger—the molten sauce bubbles up quite a lot.
Mikkel Vang13/25Apple Pie with Spiced Apple-Caramel Sauce
A little cider vinegar in the filling keeps this apple pie from being too sweet.
Matt Duckor14/25Chocolate-Caramel Cake with Sea Salt
Mayonnaise in the batter isn’t as weird as it sounds—it’s just eggs and oil, after all. It’s also why this cake is so moist.