Salted Caramel Cupcakes

 

Salted caramel cupcakes are a divine confection that tantalizes the taste buds with their perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. Imagine a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth, each bite infused with the rich, buttery taste of caramel. The cupcakes themselves are a golden brown, reminiscent of the caramel that is their signature ingredient.

As you take your first bite, the smooth, velvety caramel frosting caresses your palate. It’s a luxurious experience, the frosting’s creamy texture complementing the softness of the cupcake. The salted caramel sauce hidden within is a delightful surprise, a gooey treasure that deepens the complexity of flavors. The contrast between the sweet caramel and the sharp, crystalline bursts of sea salt is exquisite, creating a harmonious balance that keeps you reaching for more.

The aroma of these cupcakes is intoxicating, with hints of vanilla and brown sugar that fill the air and promise indulgence. The sight of the glistening caramel drizzle atop the swirls of frosting is irresistible, beckoning you to savor this masterpiece of pastry.

Salted caramel cupcakes are not just a treat; they are an experience, a celebration of flavor that is both comforting and exciting. They are perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat to brighten an ordinary day. Each component, from the fluffy cake to the rich frosting and the salted caramel filling, works in unison to create a dessert that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

These cupcakes are a testament to the art of baking, where precision meets creativity. The process of making them is as satisfying as eating them, from melting the sugar to a beautiful amber for the caramel to piping the frosting in elegant swirls. The final sprinkle of sea salt is the crowning touch, a simple yet impactful finish that elevates the cupcakes from delicious to extraordinary.

Salted caramel cupcakes are a gourmet delight that enchant all who try them. They embody the joy of dessert, the thrill of flavor, and the love of baking, all in one perfect package.

Ingredients:

  • Cupcakes:

    • 150 g all-purpose flour
    • 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
    • 1/2 tsp baking soda
    • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
    • 115 g unsalted butter, softened
    • 100 g granulated sugar
    • 50 g light brown sugar
    • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 120 ml whole milk, at room temperature

  • Salted Caramel Sauce:

    • 200 g granulated sugar
    • 90 g unsalted butter, cut into pieces
    • 120 ml heavy cream, at room temperature
    • 1 tsp sea salt flakes

  • Buttercream Frosting:

    • 150 g unsalted butter, softened
    • 300 g powdered sugar, sifted
    • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 2 tbsp salted caramel sauce
    • Extra sea salt flakes for sprinkling

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

  2. Make the Cupcakes:

    • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    • In another bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
    • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
    • Alternately whisk in the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
    • Divide the batter among the cupcake liners and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Let the cupcakes cool completely.

  3. Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce:

    • Heat the granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula.
    • Once the sugar is fully melted, add the butter and stir until melted.
    • Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring.
    • Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the sea salt flakes.
    • Let the caramel cool before using.

  4. Make the Buttercream Frosting:

    • Beat the butter until creamy.
    • Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
    • Mix in the vanilla extract and salted caramel sauce.

  5. Assemble the Cupcakes:

    • Once the cupcakes are cool, use a corer or knife to create a small well in the center of each cupcake.
    • Fill each with a teaspoon of salted caramel sauce.
    • Pipe or spread the buttercream frosting on top of the cupcakes.
    • Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with a few sea salt flakes.
Enjoy your homemade salted caramel cupcakes!

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