Salted Caramel Cupcakes with Gooey Caramel Centers – Bakery-Level Treat at Home!

Introduction

Indulge in the rich flavors of salted caramel and the joy of gooey caramel centers with these exquisite cupcakes that elevate your baking to a bakery-level treat from the comfort of your home. What’s more appealing than a moist cake, topped with a velvety frosting, and filled with a surprise caramel center? This recipe combines everyday ingredients with a bit of creativity, ensuring that each bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The best part? It’s easier than you think to achieve professional results without needing a professional bakery setup.

Why This Works

• The balance of salty and sweet flavors creates a sophisticated taste experience that appeals to a wide range of palates.
• The accessibility of ingredients means you can whip these up without a special trip to a gourmet store.
• The preparation, while it involves a few steps, is surprisingly straightforward, making it an impressive yet manageable project for any baker.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• Caramel sauce for the filling (homemade or store-bought)
• Salted caramel frosting (recipe included below)
• Flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Filling – If using homemade caramel, melt 1/2 cup sugar over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep amber. Remove from heat and slowly pour in 1/4 cup heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously). Let cool slightly before using.
2. Step 2: Make the Cupcakes – Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy, then add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat just until combined.
3. Step 3: Fill and Bake the Cupcakes – Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely in the pan.
4. Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes – Once the cupcakes are cool, use a small knife or a cupcake corer to remove a small circle from the center of each cupcake. Fill each hole with a small amount of caramel sauce. Top with a dollop of salted caramel frosting and garnish with flaky sea salt.

Handy Tips

• For the caramel filling, be careful not to burn the sugar, as it can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt.
• When making the salted caramel frosting, balance the salt and caramel flavors to your taste. You can adjust the amount of salt and caramel sauce in the frosting recipe.
• Consider using high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor. If making your own, don’t overcook it, as it will thicken more upon cooling.

Heat Control

When melting sugar for the caramel, it’s crucial to control the heat. Use a medium to low heat setting and stir occasionally to prevent burning. For baking the cupcakes, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature (an oven thermometer can be helpful) to achieve the right texture and cooking time.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these cupcakes comes from the flaky sea salt sprinkled on top. It provides a delightful contrast in texture to the soft cake and gooey caramel. For an extra crunchy element, you could also sprinkle some chopped nuts or caramelized sugar on top of the frosting.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Invest in a good quality mixer for smooth and efficient mixing of the batter and frosting.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better emulsion and a lighter texture in your cupcakes.
• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense cupcakes. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.

Storage Tips

• Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you won’t be serving them immediately, consider filling and frosting the cupcakes just before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the unfilled and unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave when needed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These cupcakes are perfect for gifting, especially for special occasions. Consider packaging them in decorative cupcake boxes or towers, or even in mason jars with a ribbon around the lid. You could also create a gift basket filled with a variety of sweet treats, including these salted caramel cupcakes as the centerpiece.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding a teaspoon of sea salt to the batter for an extra salty kick throughout the cupcake.
• Experiment with different types of milk, like almond or coconut milk, for a non-dairy version.
• For a boozy twist, soak the cupcakes with a liquor of your choice (like rum or bourbon) after they’ve cooled.

Troubleshooting

• If your cupcakes turn out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Try to mix the ingredients just until they come together.
• If the caramel filling is too runny, let it cool and thicken a bit more before using. If it’s too thick, you can warm it slightly to make it more pourable.
• For cupcakes that are too dry, ensure you’re not overbaking them. Check for doneness a minute or two earlier than the recommended baking time.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the filled and frosted cupcakes? – It’s best to freeze them unfilled and unfrosted for the best texture. However, if you must, freeze them filled and frosted, but expect the texture of the frosting to change slightly upon thawing.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? – No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. You could experiment with gluten-free flours, but the texture and flavor might vary.
• Can I double the recipe? – Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe for a larger batch of cupcakes. Just ensure you have enough pans and space in your oven for the increased number of cupcakes.

Conclusion

With these salted caramel cupcakes, you’re not just baking a dessert; you’re creating an experience. The combination of moist cake, gooey caramel, and salty frosting is sure to impress anyone who tries them. Remember, the key to success lies in the balance of flavors and the attention to detail in each step. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite, and with the tips and tricks provided, you’ll be well on your way to baking like a pro.