Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes Caramel (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes
01 -
125 g all-purpose flour
02 -
200 g granulated sugar
03 -
45 g unsweetened cocoa powder
04 -
5 g baking soda
05 -
2 g baking powder
06 -
1 g fine salt
07 -
115 g unsalted butter, softened
08 -
2 large eggs
09 -
120 ml whole milk
10 -
120 ml brewed espresso, cooled
11 -
5 ml vanilla extract
→ Salted Caramel Buttercream
12 -
230 g unsalted butter, softened
13 -
480 g powdered sugar
14 -
60 ml heavy cream
15 -
120 ml salted caramel sauce, homemade or store-bought
16 -
2 g sea salt, plus extra for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 175°C and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
03 -
In a second bowl, cream the softened butter using a hand mixer until smooth. Add eggs, milk, brewed espresso, and vanilla extract. Mix until ingredients are well incorporated.
04 -
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
05 -
Divide batter among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full.
06 -
Bake for 18-20 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre emerges clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
07 -
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until light and fluffy.
08 -
Blend in salted caramel sauce and sea salt, adjusting for preferred balance of sweetness and saltiness.
09 -
Once cupcakes are fully cooled, generously frost with the salted caramel buttercream using a piping bag or offset spatula.
10 -
Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt if desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to three days.
# Notes:
01 -
Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
02 -
Adjust sea salt in the buttercream to your personal taste for an intensified salted caramel experience.