Print

Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes with Rich Chocolate Frosting and Caramel Surprise Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 132 reviews

Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes that combine rich, moist chocolate cake with a luscious homemade caramel sauce and silky chocolate frosting. Perfectly balanced with a hint of espresso to deepen the chocolate flavor, these cupcakes offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
  • 1/4 cup boiling water

Chocolate Frosting

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, divided
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Sauce

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Spray liners lightly with non-stick spray if desired for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sifted all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Make sure cocoa powder is lump-free for a smooth batter.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well blended and glossy, even if slightly loose.
  4. Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together with a spatula until a smooth, thick batter forms. Scrape down the sides to combine thoroughly.
  5. Add Espresso Boost: Dissolve instant espresso powder in boiling water, then slowly whisk this into the batter to deepen the chocolate flavor, being careful to avoid splashes.
  6. Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for rising. Bake for 16–18 minutes, starting to check at 16 minutes with a toothpick that should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool Cupcakes: Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Avoid frosting warm cupcakes to prevent melting.
  8. Prepare Frosting: Beat softened salted butter until creamy. Add cocoa powder, half of the powdered sugar, and some heavy cream, mixing on low speed. Gradually add remaining powdered sugar and heavy cream, adjusting for a soft and pipeable consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness and texture as desired.
  9. Make Caramel Sauce: In a dry saucepan over medium heat, sprinkle granulated sugar and stir gently until it melts evenly and turns a golden amber color. Remove from heat, carefully whisk in butter (expect sizzling), then slowly add heavy cream while whisking constantly. Return to medium heat for about 60 seconds until caramel thickens. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool slightly.
  10. Pipe Frosting Circles: Using a piping bag or spoon, pipe a thick circle of chocolate frosting on each cupcake, creating a hollow center to hold the caramel.
  11. Add Caramel Surprise: Spoon a small dollop of caramel sauce into the frosting circle and let set slightly to prevent sinking or spilling. Serve and enjoy the rich, chocolatey caramel bliss.

Notes

  • Sift cocoa powder with dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure smooth batter.
  • Cool cupcakes fully before frosting to prevent melting and caramel spillage.
  • Use medium heat to melt sugar slowly for caramel to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden color.
  • Pipe a thick frosting ring to contain caramel and avoid spills.
  • Check cupcakes with a toothpick at 16 minutes; a few moist crumbs ensure moistness without overbaking.

Keywords: chocolate cupcakes, caramel cupcakes, chocolate caramel dessert, homemade cupcakes, chocolate frosting, caramel sauce, espresso powder chocolate, easy cupcake recipe

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/chocolate-caramel-cupcakes-with-rich-chocolate-frosting-and-caramel-surprise-recipe/