Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy cupcake, only to discover a luscious, gooey center of salted caramel. These Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence, combining the classic flavors of vanilla cake with the irresistible allure of salted caramel. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For the filling:
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra salted caramel sauce for drizzling
Directions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill Liners: Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- Fill with Caramel: Once cooled, cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake and fill with salted caramel sauce.
- Make Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost & Drizzle: Frost the cupcakes and drizzle with extra salted caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Kcal: 280 kcal per serving
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
Chef’s Advice
For the best results, make sure to use high-quality salted caramel sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own caramel sauce from scratch. It might take a bit more time, but the rich, homemade flavor is well worth the effort.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
- Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works just fine. Just make sure it’s salted caramel for that perfect balance of flavors.
2. How should I store these cupcakes?
- Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
- Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
4. Can I use a different type of milk?
- Yes, you can use any milk you prefer, including almond milk or soy milk, to suit dietary preferences or restrictions.
The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty
The magic of these cupcakes lies in their perfect balance of sweet and salty. The salted caramel filling adds a delightful surprise in every bite, enhancing the rich, buttery flavor of the vanilla cupcake. The combination of textures – the fluffy cake, gooey caramel center, and creamy frosting – creates a truly indulgent experience.
Ideal for Celebrations
Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a special treat, these Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes are sure to impress your guests. Their elegant appearance and gourmet taste make them a standout dessert for any celebration. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip up a batch without spending hours in the kitchen.
Fun to Make with Kids
These cupcakes are a fantastic baking project to do with kids. They can help with mixing the batter, filling the cupcake liners, and most importantly, decorating the finished cupcakes. It’s a fun way to spend time together while teaching them some basic baking skills.
Customizable Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe. You can add a chocolate drizzle on top for an extra layer of decadence or sprinkle a little sea salt on the caramel drizzle for an added crunch. If you’re a fan of nuts, chopped pecans or walnuts would make a great addition to the frosting or filling.
Conclusion
Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes are a delectable treat that combines the best of both worlds: sweet and salty. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and indulge in the rich, buttery, and caramel-infused goodness of these delightful cupcakes!
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