Salted Caramel Cupcakes

by

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our delectable Salted Caramel Cupcakes. These moist and fluffy cupcakes are infused with the rich flavor of caramel and topped with a creamy salted caramel buttercream. With the perfect balance of sweet and salty, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite for any occasion, from birthdays to bake sales.

Ingredients:

For the Sponge:

  • Butter or Baking Spread: 3/4 cup (175g)
  • Light Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup (175g)
  • Large Eggs: 3
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Self-Raising Flour: 1 and 1/4 cups (175g)

For the Buttercream:

  • Butter: 7/8 cup (200g)
  • Icing Sugar: 3 and 1/4 cups (400g)
  • Salted Caramel Flavouring: 2 teaspoons
  • Milk: 1 tablespoon

For the Filling and Decoration:

  • Salted Caramel Sauce: 3/4 cup (200g)
  • Salted Caramel Fudge, Chopped (optional): 1/3 cup (75g)

Directions:

Prep:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a cupcake tin with cases.

Cupcake Batter:

  1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Whisk in eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  3. Gently fold in the self-raising flour until well combined.

Bake:

  1. Distribute the batter evenly among the cupcake cases.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.

Caramel Core:

  1. Use a small knife or cupcake corer to hollow out a small section in the center of each cupcake.
  2. Fill the hollowed-out section with salted caramel sauce.

Buttercream:

  1. In a mixing bowl, whip together the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the salted caramel flavoring and milk, and continue to whip until smooth and creamy.

Decorate:

  1. Pipe or spread the salted caramel buttercream onto each cupcake.
  2. Optional: Sprinkle chopped salted caramel fudge on top of the buttercream for extra indulgence.
  3. Finish by drizzling each cupcake with additional salted caramel sauce.

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: Enjoy these Salted Caramel Cupcakes either chilled from the refrigerator or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
  2. Garnish Before Serving: Add a final drizzle of salted caramel sauce just before serving to enhance the visual appeal and flavor of the cupcakes.
  3. Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve these cupcakes alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
  4. Dessert Buffet Addition: Include these cupcakes as part of a dessert buffet for parties and gatherings to offer guests a variety of sweet treats.
  5. Individual Dessert Jars: Crumble the cupcakes and layer them with whipped cream and caramel sauce in jars for a creative and portable dessert option.
  6. After-School Snack: Pack these cupcakes in lunchboxes or prepare them as an after-school snack for a sweet pick-me-up.
  7. Freeze Extras: If you have leftover cupcakes, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  8. Gift Giving: Package these cupcakes in decorative boxes or bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
  9. Picnic Pleaser: Bring these cupcakes to picnics or outdoor gatherings for a convenient and delicious dessert option.
  10. Holiday Dessert Table: Display these cupcakes on a festive dessert table during holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving for a decadent treat.
  11. Brunch Delight: Serve these cupcakes alongside other brunch favorites like fruit salad and quiche for a delightful morning spread.
  12. Ice Cream Topping: Crumble these cupcakes over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert sundae.
  13. Toast Before Serving: For an extra indulgent treat, lightly toast the cupcakes under the broiler before serving to caramelize the top.
  14. DIY Cupcake Bar: Set up a cupcake decorating station with various toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, and extra caramel sauce for guests to customize their cupcakes.
  15. Bake Sale Bestseller: Package these cupcakes individually or in boxes for bake sales or fundraising events—they’re sure to be a hit!

Variations:

  1. Chocolate Drizzle: Top the cupcakes with a drizzle of melted chocolate in addition to the salted caramel sauce for a double dose of indulgence.
  2. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts like pecans or almonds on top of the cupcakes for added texture and flavor.
  3. Pumpkin Spice: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cupcake batter for a seasonal twist on this classic flavor combination.
  4. Coconut Bliss: Mix shredded coconut into the cupcake batter for a tropical flavor profile that pairs beautifully with caramel.
  5. Espresso Infusion: Replace the milk in the buttercream with espresso for a rich coffee flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel.
  6. Maple Pecan: Drizzle the cupcakes with maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a deliciously autumnal variation.
  7. S’mores Inspired: Top each cupcake with a marshmallow and briefly torch it until toasted, then drizzle with caramel sauce for a campfire-inspired treat.
  8. Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cupcake batter for a bright citrusy flavor that contrasts with the rich caramel.
  9. Red Velvet: Make a red velvet version of these cupcakes by adding red food coloring to the batter and topping them with cream cheese frosting and caramel drizzle.
  10. Berry Burst: Fill the cupcakes with a spoonful of mixed berry compote for a fruity surprise in the center.
  11. Gingerbread Spice: Add ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to the cupcake batter for a warm and cozy flavor reminiscent of gingerbread cookies.
  12. Apple Cinnamon: Fold diced apples and cinnamon into the cupcake batter for a comforting fall-inspired treat.
  13. Vanilla Bean: Infuse the buttercream with vanilla bean seeds for a fragrant and elegant twist on the classic frosting.
  14. Mocha Madness: Add cocoa powder and instant espresso powder to the cupcake batter for a rich chocolatey flavor with a hint of coffee.
  15. Berry Swirl: Swirl raspberry or strawberry jam into the cupcake batter before baking for a burst of fruity sweetness in every bite.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in the cupcake batter? Yes, you can use salted butter, but adjust the amount of added salt accordingly to avoid over-salting the cupcakes.
  2. Can I make the cupcakes in advance and freeze them? Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and serving.
  3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade? Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, but homemade sauce will offer a fresher flavor.
  4. How do I prevent the cupcakes from sinking in the center? Be sure not to overmix the cupcake batter, and avoid opening the oven door too often while they bake. Additionally, make sure your oven is properly preheated.
  5. Can I substitute a different type of flour for self-raising flour? Yes, you can make your own self-raising flour by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every cup of all-purpose flour.
  6. Can I use a different type of frosting instead of buttercream? Yes, you can use cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or ganache as alternatives to buttercream for these cupcakes.
  7. How do I store leftover frosted cupcakes? Store leftover frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.
  8. Can I make mini cupcakes instead of regular-sized ones? Yes, you can adjust the baking time accordingly and make mini cupcakes using a mini muffin tin lined with mini cupcake liners.
  9. Can I omit the salted caramel flavoring from the buttercream? Yes, you can omit the salted caramel flavoring if you prefer a plain buttercream frosting. Adjust the consistency with milk or cream as needed.
  10. Can I use a different type of sugar instead of light brown sugar in the cupcake batter? Yes, you can use granulated sugar or dark brown sugar as alternatives to light brown sugar, but the flavor and texture of the cupcakes may vary slightly. Adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness.

With their heavenly combination of sweet caramel, moist sponge, and creamy buttercream, these Salted Caramel Cupcakes are a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are guaranteed to be a hit. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible flavor of salted caramel with this mouthwatering recipe.