Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes Recipe
Introduction
Who doesn’t love a cupcake that’s both gooey and filled with rich, salted caramel? These Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the fluffy texture of a classic cupcake with the luxurious taste of homemade caramel. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a special occasion, or just because, these cupcakes will quickly become a favorite. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients
Basic Cupcake Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Special Ingredients for the Caramel Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup caramel sauce (from the caramel filling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Equipment Needed
Essential Baking Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
Optional but Helpful Tools
- Piping bag and tips
- Candy thermometer
- Cupcake corer or small knife
Preparing the Cupcake Batter
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your cupcakes will rise evenly and have a light, fluffy texture.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Folding Together for a Perfect Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make the cupcakes dense.
Making the Salted Caramel Filling
Caramelizing Sugar
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon. It will clump at first but eventually melt into a thick, amber-colored liquid.
Adding Cream and Salt
Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully add the butter, stirring until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble up vigorously). Stir until smooth, then mix in the sea salt.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
Let the caramel cool for a few minutes before using. It should be thick but pourable. If it hardens too much, reheat it gently until it reaches the desired consistency.
Baking the Cupcakes
Preheating the Oven
Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you start baking. This helps the cupcakes bake evenly.
Filling the Cupcake Liners
Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter. This gives the cupcakes room to rise without overflowing.
Baking Time and Tips
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Frosting
Cream Cheese Frosting Base
In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and salt.
Adding Caramel for Extra Flavor
Mix in the caramel sauce (make sure it's cool). Beat until fully incorporated and the frosting is light and fluffy.
Whipping to Perfection
If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Assembling the Cupcakes
Core the Cupcakes for Filling
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a cupcake corer or a small knife to remove a small portion from the center of each cupcake.
Filling with Salted Caramel
Fill each cored cupcake with a spoonful of the salted caramel filling.
Frosting the Cupcakes
Using a piping bag or a knife, frost the top of each cupcake with the caramel-infused frosting.
Decorating Ideas
Simple and Elegant Toppings
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a simple yet elegant look.
Creative Decoration Tips
For a more festive look, add edible glitter, chocolate shavings, or a small piece of caramel candy on top.
Serving Suggestions
Best Times to Serve
These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, holiday parties, or any time you need a sweet treat.
Pairing with Beverages
Pair with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage Tips
Keeping Your Cupcakes Fresh
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing for Later
You can also freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Batter
Overmixing can make your cupcakes tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Burning the Caramel
Watch the caramel closely as it cooks to prevent it from burning. Stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as it reaches a deep amber color.
Frosting Mishaps
Make sure your cupcakes are completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt and slide off.
Healthier Alternatives
Reducing Sugar
You can reduce the sugar in the cupcake batter and frosting by a third without significantly affecting the taste or texture.
Using Whole Wheat Flour
For a slightly healthier option, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Dairy-Free Options
Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives (like almond or coconut milk) to make these cupcakes dairy-free.
Conclusion
Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with a deliciously rich caramel filling that oozes out with every bite. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you to cupcake perfection. Happy baking!