Salted Caramel Cupcakes

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Delight your taste buds with these indulgent Salted Caramel Cupcakes, where soft, fluffy vanilla cupcakes meet luscious salted caramel frosting. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of salt, making these cupcakes an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply craving something special, this recipe is sure to impress.

A Perfect Combination of Sweet and Salty

Salted caramel is beloved for its rich, buttery sweetness balanced with a touch of salt. When paired with a light and airy vanilla cupcake, the result is a decadent dessert with layers of flavor. The silky caramel frosting, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt or caramelized sugar, adds a gourmet touch.

These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want a bakery-worthy treat at home. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you can whip up these luxurious cupcakes in no time!

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Cupcakes

To create these decadent Salted Caramel Cupcakes, you’ll need high-quality ingredients that bring out the rich caramel flavor and soft, fluffy texture.

For the Cupcakes:

The base of these cupcakes is a light and moist vanilla cake that perfectly complements the rich caramel frosting.

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cupcakes.
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder – Helps the cupcakes rise and stay fluffy.
• ¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes while keeping them soft.
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients and create a light texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor to the cupcakes.
• ½ cup (120ml) milk – Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.

For the Salted Caramel Frosting:

This frosting is the star of the cupcakes, featuring a rich caramel taste with a hint of salt.

• ½ cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened – Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
• 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• ½ cup (120ml) homemade or store-bought caramel sauce – Adds the signature caramel flavor.
• ¼ tsp sea salt – Enhances the caramel’s richness and balances the sweetness.
• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream – Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cupcakes

These cupcakes are easy to make with a few simple steps. Follow along to create a batch of these delightful treats.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

• Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel Frosting

• In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
• Mix in the caramel sauce and sea salt, then add heavy cream as needed to reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

• Pipe or spread the salted caramel frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
• Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or caramelized sugar for a finishing touch.

These cupcakes are now ready to serve—deliciously rich, perfectly sweet, and irresistibly indulgent!

Baking Tips and Storage for Salted Caramel Cupcakes

Getting the perfect Salted Caramel Cupcakes requires just the right balance of baking time, texture, and storage techniques. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure success every time.

How Long to Bake Cupcakes

Baking time is crucial for light and fluffy cupcakes. Overbaking can make them dry, while underbaking will leave them too dense. Follow these general guidelines:

• Standard Cupcakes – Bake for 18-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Mini Cupcakes – Bake for 10-12 minutes at the same temperature.
• Jumbo Cupcakes – Bake for 22-25 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.

To test if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, they’re ready!

How to Store Leftover Cupcakes

If you have leftover cupcakes, here’s how to store them to keep them fresh and delicious:

• At Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigerator – Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezer – Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Cupcakes

Here are some expert tips to ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps everything mix smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make cupcakes dense. Mix until just combined.
• Let the Cupcakes Cool Completely – Frosting warm cupcakes will cause the frosting to melt.
• Choose the Right Salt – Use flaky sea salt or fine-grain salt for a balanced flavor. Table salt may be too harsh.
• Make Your Own Caramel Sauce – If you have time, homemade caramel sauce enhances the flavor significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! Store-bought caramel works well, but make sure it’s a thick and high-quality variety for the best flavor.

2. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the freshest taste.

3. Can I make the frosting less sweet?
Yes! Reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a touch of extra sea salt to balance out the sweetness.

These Salted Caramel Cupcakes are a must-try for any dessert lover, offering a perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors with a moist and fluffy texture.

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