Introduction
Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with these Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes. Perfectly moist and fluffy vanilla cupcakes filled with rich, homemade caramel sauce and topped with a creamy caramel frosting, these cupcakes are a decadent delight. The sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a wonderful contrast, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Overview of the Recipe
These Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes are not only delicious but also quite straightforward to make. With a preparation time of about 25 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, you can have these delightful cupcakes ready to enjoy in under an hour. This recipe yields 12 cupcakes, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.
History and Origin
The combination of caramel and sea salt has been a beloved flavor pairing for many years, originating from French cuisine. Caramel itself dates back to the early 17th century, with salted caramel gaining popularity in the 1990s thanks to French pastry chef Pierre Hermé. The incorporation of these flavors into cupcakes is a modern twist, merging the traditional confection with a beloved dessert form.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk and sour cream to the butter mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fill and Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Caramel Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
- Remove from heat and carefully stir in the butter until melted.
- Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in the sea salt and let cool slightly.
- Core and Fill Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are cool, use a small knife or a cupcake corer to remove a small section from the center of each cupcake.
- Fill the cavity with the caramel sauce.
- Prepare Frosting:
- Beat together the softened butter and shortening until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the caramel sauce until well combined.
- Frost and Finish:
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with the caramel frosting.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these cupcakes at room temperature to enjoy the gooey caramel center and creamy frosting at their best. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.
Storage:
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Pairings:
- Beverages: Pair these cupcakes with a rich, hot beverage like coffee or hot chocolate. For a cold option, a glass of milk or a caramel-flavored iced coffee would complement the flavors well.
- Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Presentation:
- Garnish: For a more elegant presentation, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes and sprinkle with a bit of sea salt just before serving.
- Plating: Serve on a decorative plate or cupcake stand to make them the centerpiece of your dessert table.
Variations of the Recipe
- Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate version of these cupcakes.
- Nutty Caramel Cupcakes: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Caramel Cupcakes: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced twist.
Health Benefits and Notes
While these cupcakes are a decadent treat, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. Here are some notes on the ingredients:
- Butter and Cream: These ingredients add richness and flavor but are high in saturated fat. Moderation is key.
- Sugar: This recipe contains a significant amount of sugar. Enjoy these cupcakes as an occasional treat.
- Homemade Caramel: Making caramel at home allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives found in store-bought versions.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: Yes, but be sure to adjust the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cupcakes.
Q: Can I make the caramel filling in advance? A: Absolutely! The caramel filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before filling the cupcakes.
Q: How can I ensure my cupcakes are moist? A: Be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Using sour cream in the recipe also helps to keep the cupcakes moist.
Q: Can I use a different frosting? A: Yes, a cream cheese frosting or a simple buttercream would also work well with these cupcakes.
Conclusion
Gooey Salted Caramel Cupcakes are a delightful indulgence that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress. With straightforward instructions and easily accessible ingredients, this recipe is a wonderful addition to any baker’s repertoire. Enjoy the rich, gooey caramel center and creamy caramel frosting with every bite!