Salted Caramel Cupcakes are the epitome of indulgence, bringing together the rich sweetness of caramel with the delightful balance of salt. Topped with a luscious salted caramel frosting and sprinkled with flaky sea salt, these cupcakes are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. Each bite offers a moist and fluffy cake layered with a sweet and salty flavor profile that leaves you craving more. Perfect for celebrations or just an everyday treat, these cupcakes will surely impress friends and family alike.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this salted caramel cupcake recipe for its exquisite flavor combination and uncomplicated preparation. The moist vanilla cake serves as the perfect canvas for the rich salted caramel, and the creamy frosting brings it all together. This recipe is beginner-friendly, making it easy for anyone to whip up a batch without a fuss. Plus, with the addition of salted caramel, it caters to those who enjoy desserts that are not overly sweet, striking a perfect balance that fits well into any dessert lover’s lifestyle.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to create a smooth batter and achieve a fluffy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined to prevent dense cupcakes.
- Caramel Sauce: If you’re short on time, store-bought salted caramel sauce works perfectly, though making your own adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust the heavy cream in the frosting for your desired consistency—less for a thicker frosting, more for a thinner one.
Make Ahead Tips
To save time, you can make the salted caramel sauce a day or two in advance—store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cupcakes can also be baked ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Frost them just before serving to keep the frosting fresh and fluffy.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Cupcakes: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for chocolate-flavored cupcakes.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Spiced Batter: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
How to Serve
These cupcakes shine when presented on a beautiful cake stand or a decorative platter. Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce on top and garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or a piece of caramel candy. Serve alongside a glass of cold milk or a rich cup of coffee to complement the sweetness.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your salted caramel cupcakes with a creamy vanilla latte or a glass of sweet dessert wine, like Sauternes. Complement the sweetness with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or a simple fruit salad, to balance the flavors.
How to Store
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them without frosting for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
Equipment Needed
- Muffin Tin: A standard muffin tin is needed to bake the cupcakes.
- Mixing Bowls: Use large mixing bowls for combining the batter and frosting.
- Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer makes it easier to cream butter and sugar and whip the frosting.
Dietary Adaptations
To make these cupcakes vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use almond or soy milk in place of dairy milk. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Always check labels for allergens in sauces and toppings.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall, consider adding pumpkin spice to the cupcake batter for a seasonal twist. During the summer, fresh berries can be folded into the batter for a fruity addition, creating a delightful contrast with the caramel.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Yes, store-bought salted caramel sauce works wonderfully in this recipe.
- What is the best way to tell when the cupcakes are done? Use a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cupcakes are done.
- Can I make mini cupcakes instead? Absolutely! Adjust the baking time to about 10-12 minutes for mini cupcakes.
Salted Caramel Cupcake
Salted Caramel Cupcakes are the epitome of indulgence, bringing together the rich sweetness of caramel with the delightful balance of salt.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gradually add the powdered sugar until fully combined and stiff peaks form.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes generously with the whipped cream and drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 355Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 75mgSodium 253mgCarbohydrates 50gFiber 0gSugar 38gProtein 4g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
These salted caramel cupcakes are not only a delight to the palate but also a visual treat. With their rich flavors and beautiful presentation, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or treating yourself on a quiet evening, these cupcakes will surely bring joy. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the sweet satisfaction of homemade salted caramel cupcakes!