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Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes with Rich Frosting and Sweet Caramel Surprise Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 54 reviews

Delight in these irresistible Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes featuring a rich, moist chocolate base enhanced with espresso, topped with creamy cocoa buttercream frosting and a luscious homemade caramel center. Perfectly balanced with sweet and salty notes, these cupcakes are a decadent treat you won’t want to miss.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 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

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Get Your Oven and Pan Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners, optionally spraying the liners lightly with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Whisk the Dry Goodies: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder (ensure no lumps), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix to combine thoroughly.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended, even if slightly loose.
  4. Bring Wet and Dry Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold using a spatula until the batter is smooth with no dry spots; it may be thick, which is normal.
  5. Secret Chocolate Boost: Dissolve the instant espresso powder in boiling water. Slowly add this mixture to the batter, stirring gently to enrich the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
  6. Fill, Rise, and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 16-18 minutes, checking with a toothpick at 16 minutes; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
  7. Let Them Chill: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make the Frosting Your Way: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Add cocoa powder, half the powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream; mix on low initially to avoid dust clouds. Gradually add remaining powdered sugar and cream, adjusting texture for a soft, silky, pipeable consistency. Stir in vanilla extract.
  9. Make the Caramel Sauce: Over medium heat, sprinkle granulated sugar into a dry saucepan. Stir gently until melted and golden. Remove from heat and whisk in butter carefully; it will sizzle. Slowly pour warm heavy cream while whisking; mixture will foam. Return to medium heat for 60 seconds, remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool slightly to thicken.
  10. Pipe Your Signature Frosting Circle: Using a piping bag, swirl a thick circle of frosting on each cupcake, leaving a small hollow in the center to hold the caramel.
  11. Caramel Surprise! Spoon a dollop of cooled caramel sauce into the frosting hollow. Allow frosting to set slightly to prevent spilling. Serve and enjoy the luscious, sweet-salty combination.

Notes

  • Ensure cocoa powder is smooth and lump-free for a silky batter.
  • Filling the cupcake liner two-thirds full helps avoid overflow during baking.
  • Add instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water to intensify chocolate flavor without a coffee taste.
  • Let cupcakes cool fully before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • Be cautious when making caramel; sugar and butter mixtures get extremely hot and can splatter.
  • Adjust frosting cream or powdered sugar to reach your preferred texture and sweetness.
  • Sampling the caramel sauce as you make it is highly encouraged!

Keywords: chocolate caramel cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, caramel sauce, homemade frosting, dessert cupcakes

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