If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of sweet and salty, these Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes are the perfect treat for you. Each cupcake is filled with a rich, gooey caramel center and topped with a luscious, creamy frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
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 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Filling:
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Extra salted caramel sauce for drizzling
Directions:
- Preheat & Prep:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for the batter.
- Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender and moist cupcake.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Once the eggs are incorporated, mix in the vanilla extract to add a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. This method ensures that the batter remains smooth and well-mixed.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the filling and frosting.
- Fill with Caramel:
- Once the cupcakes are cooled, use a small knife or a cupcake corer to cut out the centers of the cupcakes. Fill each cavity with a generous spoonful of salted caramel sauce. This gooey filling is the highlight of these cupcakes.
- Frost & Drizzle:
- To make the frosting, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Frost each cupcake generously, covering the caramel-filled centers.
- For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the frosting. The combination of creamy frosting and rich caramel is simply irresistible.
Time and Nutrition:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per cupcake
Tips for Perfect Cupcakes:
- Extra Gooeyness: For an even more indulgent treat, warm the caramel sauce slightly before filling the cupcakes. This will ensure that the caramel remains soft and gooey, even after the cupcakes have cooled.
- Salty Kick: To enhance the sweet and salty contrast, garnish the frosted cupcakes with a light sprinkle of sea salt. This adds a delightful crunch and intensifies the flavor of the caramel.
These Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. The rich caramel filling, soft cupcake, and creamy frosting come together to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.