Heavenly Salted Caramel Bliss Cupcakes

Dive into the decadence of sweet and salty with these Heavenly Salted Caramel Bliss Cupcakes. With a light, fluffy base, a luscious homemade salted caramel filling, and a creamy buttercream topping, these cupcakes are the epitome of indulgence. Perfect for celebrations or as a treat for yourself, these cupcakes will leave everyone begging for the recipe. Let’s embark on this journey of creating a dessert masterpiece that balances richness and sophistication in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 175g butter, softened
• 175g light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 175g self-raising flour

For the Salted Caramel Sauce (Filling and Topping):

• 200g granulated sugar
• 90g butter
• 120ml heavy cream
• 1 tsp sea salt

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 200g butter, softened
• 400g icing sugar
• 2 tsp salted caramel flavoring
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cupcake tray with 12 cupcake liners.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Slowly add the eggs, one by one, beating them in thoroughly, followed by the rich vanilla extract.
4. Incorporate the Flour: Gently fold in the self-raising flour until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can affect the cupcakes’ fluffiness.
5. Bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, ensuring an even distribution. Place them in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the Sugar: Heat the granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and amber-colored.
2. Mix in Butter: Gradually fold in the butter, stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Be careful, as the mixture may bubble up rapidly.
3. Pour in Cream: Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let the mixture come to a boil and cook for about 1 minute.
4. Stir in Salt: Remove from the heat and blend in the sea salt. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before using.

Step 3: Prepare the Buttercream

1. Cream the Butter: In a spacious bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
2. Add Sugar and Flavoring: Gradually add the icing sugar, beating until smooth. Mix in the salted caramel flavoring and a tablespoon of milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Core the Cupcakes: Use a small knife or cupcake corer to cut out a small hole in the center of each cupcake.
2. Fill with Salted Caramel: Spoon or pipe a small amount of the salted caramel sauce into the center of each cupcake.
3. Frost the Cupcakes: Pipe or spread the buttercream frosting over the cupcakes.
4. Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the top for a stunning finish.

Conclusion

These Heavenly Salted Caramel Bliss Cupcakes are the perfect combination of buttery sweetness and a touch of salty elegance. The soft cupcakes, filled with gooey caramel and topped with a rich, flavorful buttercream, offer a gourmet treat that will impress every palate. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cupcakes will always steal the show. Share them with loved ones or savor them yourself, and enjoy a moment of pure caramel bliss!