Description
Sweet caramel cupcakes dance with velvety vanilla cream, promising pure dessert magic. Delicate layers of rich flavor invite passionate bakers to create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with delightful enthusiasm.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Cupcakes Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
- ¾ cup (150 grams) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, cold
- ½ cup (113 grams) mascarpone cheese or cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- A sprinkle of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cupcake foundation by heating the oven to a moderate temperature of 350F (175C) and arranging paper liners in a standard muffin tin.
- Create a smooth butter mixture by vigorously combining softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until the texture becomes light and airy.
- Incorporate eggs, pure vanilla essence, and rich caramel sauce into the butter mixture, stirring until the consistency is uniform and glossy.
- In a separate vessel, thoroughly blend flour, leavening agents, and salt, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk to maintain a silky batter texture.
- Distribute the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full.
- Bake the cupcakes until they rise beautifully and a slender testing probe emerges clean when inserted into the center, typically requiring 18-22 minutes.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack, permitting them to reach room temperature.
- Whip chilled heavy cream in a cold mixing bowl until soft, billowy peaks develop.
- Blend mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into the whipped cream, creating a luxurious, velvety frosting.
- Elegantly pipe or spread the vanilla cream frosting atop each cooled cupcake.
- Finish by drizzling additional caramel sauce and sprinkling a delicate touch of sea salt for a sophisticated flavor contrast.
Notes
- Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly version.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that rises perfectly.
- Use high-quality caramel sauce for a deeper, richer flavor that elevates the entire cupcake experience.
- Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or replacing some granulated sugar with mashed bananas for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 372
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg