Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes – The Ultimate Indulgence

Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence for caramel and chocolate lovers alike. These rich, moist chocolate cupcakes are filled with a gooey salted caramel center and topped with a creamy, luxurious caramel buttercream. The contrast of sweet and salty flavors, combined with the soft cake and rich caramel, makes these cupcakes a standout dessert for any occasion.

INGREDIENTS

• All-purpose flour: 1 cup, for the cupcake base
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness in the cupcakes
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: ½ cup, for the rich chocolate flavor in the cupcakes
• Baking powder: 1 tsp, to help the cupcakes rise
• Baking soda: ½ tsp, for even rise in the cupcakes
• Salt: ¼ tsp, to balance the sweetness
• Whole milk: ½ cup, to keep the cupcakes moist
• Vegetable oil: ¼ cup, for added moisture in the cupcakes
• Large egg: 1, to bind the ingredients together
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor in the cupcakes
• Boiling water: ½ cup, to thin the cupcake batter
• Granulated sugar: ½ cup, to make the caramel filling
• Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp, for the caramel filling
• Heavy cream: ¼ cup, for richness in the caramel filling
• Sea salt: ½ tsp, for the perfect salted caramel flavor
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened, for the caramel buttercream frosting
• Powdered sugar: 3 cups, for sweetness in the frosting
• Salted caramel sauce: ⅓ cup, to flavor the frosting
• Heavy cream: 1 tbsp, to thin the frosting to the perfect consistency
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, to enhance the flavor of the frosting

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3:

Add the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Slowly stir in the boiling water until the batter is thin and smooth.

Step 4:

Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before filling.

Step 5:

For the caramel filling, melt the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown. Add the butter, heavy cream, and sea salt, and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 6:

Once the cupcakes are cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill the hole with a teaspoon of caramel.

Step 7:

To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the salted caramel sauce, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 8:

Pipe or spread the caramel buttercream frosting onto each cupcake. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
• For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cupcakes for a chocolate-caramel combination.

Helpful Notes

• Be sure to let the caramel cool slightly before filling the cupcakes to prevent melting the cake.
• For an even richer caramel flavor, add a pinch of sea salt on top of the frosted cupcakes.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• For a professional-looking finish, use a star tip to pipe the frosting in swirls, and garnish with caramel drizzles and sea salt flakes for a bakery-style presentation.

How to Perfect Your Caramel Cupcakes

To achieve the perfect gooey caramel filling, it's essential to monitor the caramel as it melts and to stir constantly to prevent burning. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before filling the cupcakes, and ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled to prevent the filling from sinking into the cake. For a smoother finish on the frosting, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before whipping it, and beat the frosting for several minutes to achieve a light and fluffy consistency.

FAQs

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Add the caramel filling and frosting the day you plan to serve them for the freshest taste.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, if you're short on time, store-bought caramel sauce can be used to fill the cupcakes and flavor the frosting.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?

To keep your caramel filling soft and gooey, make sure not to overcook the sugar when making the caramel. A short cooking time and adding the butter and cream quickly will help prevent the caramel from becoming too hard.

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Conclusion

Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes are a decadent dessert featuring rich chocolate cake, a gooey salted caramel center, and creamy caramel buttercream frosting. The cupcakes are made even more indulgent with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt, balancing the sweetness with a perfect touch of saltiness. These cupcakes are ideal for any occasion where you want to impress with an elegant and delicious treat. Serve them at parties, gatherings, or as a special indulgence for yourself!